Why SIM Transfers to Xiaomi Are Difficult
Modern smartphones Xiaomi on the basis MIUI Optimized for storing contacts in the cloud or internal memory, but sometimes you need to move numbers to physical storage SIM-This is true when you change your device, back up or use a second phone without access to the Internet. MIUI They don’t always offer an obvious path to such an operation – especially on newer firmware versions.
Compounding the problem, manufacturers are gradually abandoning support for SIM-based functionality. For example, in Android 10+, Google limited the API for writing to SIM, and Xiaomi followed this trend in MIUI 12 and later.
It is important to bear in mind that SIM-Cards have strict restrictions: they usually store no more than 250 contacts (depending on the operator), and fields for additional information (email, address) are often absent.
Method 1: Standard export through “Contacts” (MIUI 12-14)
On most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4), the SIM copy function is saved, but hidden in the back of the menu.
- Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
- Tap it on. ⋮ (three-point) → Contact management.
- Select Import/Export → Export to SIM-card.
- Tick the necessary contacts or click Select all.
- Confirm the export - the process will take 10-30 seconds.
If the export items SIM-No map, so your version is not MIUI It doesn't support it. In this case, move to Method 2.
Free space on SIM-card (at least 10% of the number of contacts)
Active. SIM-card in slot 1 (some Xiaomi models block entry on the second one) SIM)
Do Not Disturb (can interrupt the process)
Battery charge >20% (to avoid failures)
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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware POCO F3/F4 Xiaomi 12/13 more exported 150 The problem is, you can't write it down. The solution is to break it down into batches. 50-100 number.
Method 2: Transfer through Google Contacts (universal method)
If standard export is not available, use Google Cloud as a middle ground, which works on all versions of MIUI and is not subject to manufacturer restrictions.
- Sync your contacts with Google: Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync. Activate Contacts switch. Wait for sync to complete (check at contacts.google.com).
- Export contacts to.vcf: On PC, open Google Contacts. Click Export → Select contacts → vCard (for iOS). Save the file to the device.
- Import.vcf to the SIM: Copy the file to your smartphone (for example, via Telegram or USB). Open the "Contact»** → ⋮ → Management → Import from a file. Select a file and specify a target — SIM-map.
The advantage of this method is to store all contact information (name, number, email), but only phone numbers will be recorded on SIM. The rest of the data will remain in the.vcf file.
Standard export through Contacts
Through Google Contacts and VCF-file
Manual input to the new SIM
Another way.
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| Method | Speed. | Data retention | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Exports (MIUI) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Only numbers. | Doesn't work on new firmware. |
| Through Google Contacts | ⭐⭐⭐ | Full data (in file) | Requires Internet and PC |
| Third-party applications | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Only numbers. | Security risk |
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If the first two methods fail, installing specialized software may be the solution, and applications like SIM Contacts Manager or Copy to SIM Card bypass the limitations of MIUI, but require caution:
- 🔍 Check reviews: The app should have ≥4.2★ and >100K installation.
- 🛡️ Permits: Do not allow access to SMS, Calls or files, if not required.
- 📱 Compatibility: Some apps don't work on Android 13+.
Example of a reliable tool: SIM Card** (from SimCard Studio):
⚠️ Note: Apps may charge more than 50 contacts for export. Free versions often contain ads that interfere with the process. Before installing, check if the app supports your Xiaomi model (e.g. Redmi). 9A may not coincide with POCO F5 down API).
How to remove duplicate contacts after transfer?
Features of transfer to two-symbol Xiaomi
Devices with two SIM slots (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have nuances when recording contacts:
- 📶 Basic SIM: By default, exports are going to SIM To change the target, move the cards in places before the procedure begins.
On Xiaomi with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 chip (e.g. Xiaomi 12S Ultra, POCO F4 GT), a “Not enough memory” error may appear when writing to the SIM, even if the card is empty. This is a hardware feature – try using another carrier’s SIM.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you move contacts, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| “We were unable to export contacts.” | SIM-card blocked PUK-code | Unlock the card through network settings |
| Contacts are not displayed after the transfer | Incorrect number format (with +7 or 8) | Edit numbers manually on SIM |
| Contact app flies out | Conflict with the MIUI theme | Reset the theme settings in Settings → Display |
If none of these methods worked, check:
- Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in Settings → About the phone).
- No physical injuries SIM-cards (scratched contacts).
- Is the developer mode activated with the permissions for Contacts disabled?
💡
Before mass penos, back up your contacts in.vcf format via Settings → System → Backup. This will allow you to recover data if something goes wrong.
Alternatives: When the SIM is not suitable
If a SIM transfer is not possible or feasible (for example, due to a limit of 250 contacts), consider alternatives:
- ☁️ Cloud Services: Mi Cloud (built into the MIUI): Google Contacts: A cross-platform solution with a history of change.
- 📱 Local Backup: Export contacts to a.vcf file and save it to a memory card or Downloads. Use Titanium Backup (requires root) for full backup.
- 🔗 Transfer of Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: Send contacts as VCF-file to another phone via Mi Share or Bluetooth.Send Anywhere app** allows you to transfer data without size restrictions.
For users who change devices frequently, the best solution is a combination of Google Contacts. + local VCF-This will eliminate the need to transfer to the file. SIM and retain all contact information (including profile photos).
💡
SIM-The card is only suitable for temporary reservation of numbers. For a full backup, use cloud services or.vcf files.