How to copy contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all ways of 2026

Why SIM-card transfer is relevant for Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, but sometimes you need to transfer numbers to the physical. SIM-This may be necessary when changing the device to a non-card.-Xiaomi, Backups without the Internet or a second phone with limited features, unlike the old button phones, where the default contacts were saved on the phone. SIM, into MIUI This option is often hidden or works with limitations.

The main problem is that not all Xiaomi models support direct recording of contacts on the site. SIM This is due to the policies of Google and the manufacturer, which actively promote cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Contacts). MIUI It's important to keep in mind that SIM-The card has a limit on the number of records (usually) 200-250 contact information) and do not support fields such as email or addresses.

Preparation: What to check before copying

Before you start transferring, make sure your SIM-The card supports contact recording. Modern nano-SIM (especially from Tele2 or Iota operators) are often released without this feature:

  • πŸ” Put it in. SIM to another phone (e.g. an old Nokia or Samsung with recording support for the SIM).
  • πŸ“± Try to create a test contact directly on the SIM via the menu of this device.
  • πŸ“‹ Check with the operator your model SIM β€” map USIM (for 4G/5G) They don't usually keep records of contacts.

Also check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery Charging – The Process Can Take 5-15 Minutes, interruption will result in loss of data.
  • πŸ“Ά Stable network connection (if you use the cloud as an intermediate step).
  • πŸ“‚ Backup of contacts in Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup or through Mi Cloud.
πŸ“Š How do you usually keep your contacts?
Only on the phone.
On Google Account
In Mi Cloud
Nana SIM-map
Another way.

⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-A card from MTS or Beeline is issued after 2020, with an 80% probability that it does not support the recording of contacts, in which case the only way out is to order a replacement for the old one. SIM cameraman.

Method 1: Standard export via MIUI settings

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), the feature is hidden, but is available through deep settings.

  1. Open the Contacts app (not Google Contacts!).
  2. Slip on three points in the upper right corner β†’ Contact management.
  3. Choose Import/Export Contacts β†’ Exports to SIM-map.
  4. Mark the contacts you need or click Select All.
  5. Confirm the export - the process will take 1-3 minutes.

If the export items SIM-map:

  • πŸ”§ Try changing the region in your phone settings to India or Indonesia in these versions MIUI feature.
  • πŸ“² Install an alternative contact application (such as Simple Contacts) that supports the use of the app. SIM.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for export through MIUI

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: When exporting to SIM All additional contact fields (email, address, notes) are lost, only the name and primary phone number are saved. If critical, use cloud backup.

Method 2: Use of the SIM Contacts app

If the standard method doesn't work, install a dedicated application, one of the most reliable is SIM Contacts, which bypasses the limitations of MIUI and allows you to:

  • πŸ“₯ Import contacts with SIM phone-on.
  • πŸ“€ Exporting contacts from phone to phone SIM.
  • πŸ” View and edit contacts directly to SIM.

Instructions:

  1. Download SIM Contacts from Google Play (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simpler.simcontacts).
  2. Open the app and give access to contacts.
  3. Choose Copy to SIM β†’ mark the necessary contacts.
  4. Confirm the copy. The app will show you the number of successfully copied records.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… It runs on 90% of Xiaomi models, including Redmi. 9A, POCO M3, Mi 11 Lite.
  • βœ… Keeps the format of names (for example, "Ivanov I.P." will not be cut to "IvanovΒ»).
  • βœ… Shows you a free seat SIM before copying.
What to do if the app can’t see SIM-map?
1.Reset the phone.2. check if inserted correctly SIM (On some Xiaomi, the second slot is hybrid and may not read the nano-SIM as the primary one..3 Try inserting SIM to another phone and back β€” sometimes it throws off reading errors.4 If nothing helps, SIM-The card is likely damaged or does not support contact recording.

Method 3: Transfer through VCF-File (for advanced users)

If direct methods don’t work, you can use a workaround by exporting contacts to a.vcf file and then importing them to another SIM. You’ll need a second phone (like an old Samsung or Nokia) with SIM recording support.

Steps:

  1. On Xiaomi, export contacts to VCF: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Import / Export β†’ Export to.vcf file
  2. Flip the file to the second phone (via Bluetooth, email or USB).
  3. On the second phone, import VCF into its memory, then export the contacts to SIM.
  4. Return SIM to Xiaomi – Contacts will be available.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ A second phone with support is required. SIM-contact.
  • ❌ It takes more time (10-20 minute).
  • ❌ Possible errors in the encoding of Cyrillic names.
MethodDifficultyTime.Supported Xiaomi modelsWhether additional fields are retained
Standard export MIUILow.1-3 minutesRedmi Note 8/9/10, POCO X3, Mi 10/11No.
SIM Contacts appMedium3-5 minutesAll models with Android 8+No.
Through VCF-fileTall.10-20 minutesAnybody.Yes (but lost when writing on SIM)
ADB-teamVery high.5-10 minutesOnly with the unlocked loaderNo.

Method 4: ADB-Teams for experienced users

If you're familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can use console commands to force the contacts to be copied, a technique that's suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your PC and connect Xiaomi over USB (enable USB Debugging in the developer settings).
  2. Execute the command to export contacts to the file: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
  3. Use it. SQL-editorial board, DB Browser for SQLite to extract numbers from the database.
  4. Using the SIM Editor (requires root) application, write down contacts on SIM.

πŸ’‘

Before working with ADB, make a full backup of the phone via adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will help recover data if you make an error.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to the loss of all contacts without the possibility of recovery.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When copying contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

  • 🚫 Mistake Β«SIM-card does not supportΒ»: β†’ Replace. SIM for the older (until 2018 release) or contact the operator for USIMβ†’SIM-substitute.
  • πŸ”„ Contacts are not fully copied: β†’ Check the vacant space on SIM (250 contacts, usually maximum. Break up exports.
  • πŸ“΅ After copying, the numbers are not displayed: β†’ Restart the phone or remove/paste SIM Sometimes it helps to reset the network settings to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  • πŸ”  Hieroglyphs instead of Cyrillic: β†’ Before export, change the encoding in the settings of the Contacts app to UTF-8.

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ› οΈ Availability of updates MIUI β€” In new versions, support is sometimes given back. SIM-contact.
  • πŸ”’ Are there any restrictions from the operator (for example, MegaFon blocks the entry on some tariffs).
  • πŸ“± Work. SIM in another phone – maybe the problem is in the slot or card contacts.

πŸ’‘

If you SIM-The card refuses to accept contacts, the most reliable way is to use cloud backup (Google or Mi Cloud) and sync data on the new device. SIM-The cards are gradually fading into the past as a storehouse of contacts.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I copy SIM contacts back to Xiaomi?
Yes, for that: Open Contacts β†’ Contact management β†’ Import/Export. Select Import with SIM-Please indicate where to save your contacts (Google account or phone memory). If you don't, use the app. SIM Contacts (copy from function) SIM).
Why is it that the new SIM (2023) is not able to keep contacts?
Modern. USIM-cards (for 4G/5G) Solutions: Order a replacement in the operator's cabin USIM regular SIM (You might have to pay. 50-200 Use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Contacts) instead of cloud services. SIM.
How many contacts can be saved on SIM-mapping?
Depending on the model SIM: Old SIM (until 2015): 200-250 contacts. Modern USIM: 0 (not supported). SIM from some operators (for example, MTS): up to 500 contacts. To find out the limit of your card, try to record test contacts before the error occurs.
Can I transfer SIM contacts to iPhone?
Yes, but not directly. First export your SIM contacts to Xiaomi, then: Sync them to your Google account. On your iPhone, add this account to Settings β†’ Passwords and accounts. Enable contact sync. Or export the contacts to a.vcf file and send it to your iPhone via email/Bluetooth.
Why do photos of contacts disappear after copying on SIM?
SIM-The cards do not support storing photos, videos or additional fields (email, address, birthdays) and only: Name (up to 14 characters) and the main phone number (up to 20 digits) are saved when exporting. Sync with Google Contacts or Mi Cloud.