How to copy numbers to SIM-Map in Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts to SIM-Map in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) It's a common question, even though modern phones store contacts in a Google or Mi Account, SIM-The card remains a backup option for quick access to numbers on another device. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to copy contacts - from standard functions to the standard ones. MIUI Up to workarounds for models without built-in option.

It is important to understand that opportunities SIM-The card is limited: it stores only numbers and names (no photos, email or additional fields), and the amount of memory depends on the operator (usually 200-500 contacts). If your Xiaomi doesn’t offer an export option on the menu, it doesn’t mean the task is impossible – you’ll find alternative methods below, including using third-party apps and PCs.

1. Standard method through MIUI settings

Most Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 allow you to copy contacts to SIM directly from the menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.), but the general algorithm is preserved.

Open the Contacts app → press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management → Import/Export of contacts → Exports to SIM-The system will tell you to select the contacts to copy (you can mark everything or selectively.

• 📱 Supported models: all devices with clean MIUI (No custom firmware. POCO F5 The new Redmi path may be called Settings. → Contacts → Imports/Exports.
• ⚡ Limitation: SIM-The card must be inserted into the slot SIM 1 (on some models, export only works with the main card).
• 🔄 Important: Before exporting, check that SIM enough free space (go to Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM → Memory. SIM).

⚠️ Note: If the Import/Export menu does not include the option to export to SIM, Your model can use a simplified version. MIUI (In this case, move to alternative methods.

Make sure that SIM-The card is active and recognized by the phone

Check the space available on SIM (Memory SIM menu)

Close all background applications to speed up the process

Make a backup of your contacts in your Google Account

-->

2.Export through the application "Google Contacts"

If the standard method doesn’t work, use the Google Contacts app (set by default on all Xiaomi services with Google services).This method is suitable for models with limited MIUI features, such as the Redmi A2 or the POCO M6 Pro.

Instructions:

1. Open Google Contacts (Icon with a multicolored mug).
2. Click on your avatar in the top right corner → Contact Management → Export.
3. Select the.vcf format and save the file to internal memory.
4. Open the standard Contacts → Import/Export → Import from your device → specify the path to the.vcf file.
5. In the list of target storages, select SIM-map and confirm the transfer.

This is longer, but more reliable: you create an intermediate file that you can use to transfer contacts to other devices, and the main advantage is that it works even on custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS.

3. Use of third-party applications

For Xiaomi models that do not have an integrated export function (for example, Redmi 10C or POCO C50), third-party software will help. We tested 3 applications that are guaranteed to work with MIUI:

We recommend Sim Contacts Backup: it allows you not only to copy contacts to SIM, but also to back up to Google Drive.

1. Launch the application and give access to contacts.
2. Select Copy Contacts to SIM.
3. Check the contacts you want (or click Select All).
4. Confirm the copying process will take 10–30 seconds.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Copy to) SIM Cards may incorrectly display Cyrillic names on the SIM-Tele2 or Iota maps>. Before mass transfer, test the export of 2-3 contacts.

Through MIUI settings

Google Contacts app

Third-party programs (specify in the comments)

Manual input on the new SIM

Another option-->

4. Alternative methods: via PC and cloud

If none of the above methods worked, use a computer, which is universal and suitable for all Xiaomi models, including outdated (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) or with a damaged screen.

Method 1: Through Mi PC Suite (official software)

1. Download Mi PC Suite and install it on PC.
2. Connect Xiaomi via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).
3. In the program, select Contacts → Export → SIM-card.

Method 2: Through Google Contacts and SIM-Reader

If you have USB SIM-reader (stands) ~300₽), execute:

1. Export your contacts from Google Contacts to.csv.
2. Connect. SIM-card to the reader and use the program SIM Card Data Recovery for Recording Contacts.

💡

If you don't. SIM-Reader, but there is a second phone (even a button), export contacts to a.vcf file, send it over Bluetooth to the old device and import on the old one. SIM via the menu.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When copying contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

• 🚫 "Operation not supported": The error appears on models with eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite).Solution: insert physical SIM slot SIM 1 and try again.
• ❌ "Not enough memory for SIM": Remove old contacts through the Settings menu → SIM-map → Memory. SIM Or use another card.
• 🔠 "Names are displayed in "Cracacose": Problem is encoding. Before export, rename contacts by replacing the Cyrillic alphabet with the Latin alphabet (for example, "Ivan" → "Ivan").
• 📵 "Contacts are not copied to SIM 2": 90% of cases MIUI Supports exports only to SIM 1. Change the cards in places.

Critical information: Phones with a MediaTek processor (such as Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) may reset the binding to your Mi Account when exporting contacts to SIM. Before the procedure, check that the contact backup is saved to Google or Mi Cloud.

6.Security: How not to lose contacts during transfer

Transferring contacts to SIM is always a risk of data loss.

• 🔒 Backup: Before any manipulation, export contacts to.vcf and save the file to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📋 Check the data: After copying the data SIM Check 2-3 contacts on another phone – sometimes the “name” and “number” fields change places.
• 🛡️ Avoid “cleaning” contacts: Do not use features such as Clean duplicates in apps before exporting – this can remove important numbers.

If the contact is missing from the phone:

1. Check the Recycle Bin folder in the Contacts app (stores deleted numbers for 30 days).
2. Restore a backup from your Google Account (Settings → Google → Restore Contacts).
3. Use a recovery program like Dr.Fone (rootless on 60% of Xiaomi models).

💡

Never format. SIM-map after transferring contacts – this will delete all data without the possibility of recovery.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions