Maintaining contacts SIM-The map in Xiaomi Redmi 8 may seem like a trivial task, but many users face difficulties: no option on the menu, errors when exporting or restrictions on the number of entries. Unlike newer Xiaomi models, where the feature is often hidden or removed by the manufacturer, the Redmi 8 (released in 2019) still supports the work with the company. SIM-contact - but with nuance.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to maintain contacts in the SIM-map: from the standard method through the Contacts app to workarounds using third-party utilities, with particular attention to common errors (e.g., "Cannot export contacts" or «SIM-The card does not support the operation") and how to fix them. MIUI 12 and the newer function of conservation on SIM It can be turned off by default and how to return it.
Why Redmi 8 doesn’t have a Save option SIM-map»?
If you opened a contact in Redmi 8 and didn’t find a button to save on SIM, there are three reasons why you have a problem:
- 📱 Version. MIUI: Starting with MIUI 11 (and in some regions, with MIUI 12), Xiaomi hid the save option on SIM By default, leaving it only for models with two SIM-Your Redmi 8 may be on a newer firmware where the function is deactivated.
- 📇 Type SIM-Modern nano-SIMs (especially from Beeline or Tele2 operators) often have limited memory for contacts (only 250 entries vs 500).+ If the memory is full, the saving option disappears.
- 🔧 Synchronization settings: If in Settings → Google accounts enabled contact sync, the default system offers to save them only in Google Account or Device.
🔹 How to check? Open the Contacts app, click on any contact → «Edit. If there is no item in the save menu SIM-The map means the function is disabled at the firmware level!
Method 1: Save through the standard Contacts app
If the SIM option is available, follow this instruction:
- Open the Contacts app** (a human silhouette icon).
- Click on +** (add a new contact) or select an existing contact → Edit.
⚠️ Note: If the menu is not saved in the item SIM-So your firmware has hidden it. Go to Method 2.
☑️ Preparation for maintaining contacts on SIM
Method 2: Export contacts to SIM via Contact Management
If the option of saving is hidden, but SIM-The card supports the record, try mass export:
- Open the "Contact»** → press on ⋮ (three dots in the upper right corner) → Contact management.
📌 Important: When exporting to SIM Only the name and phone number will be saved, and the additional fields (email, address, notes) will be lost!
What to do if exports are stuck at 0%?
Method 3: Use of third-party applications (if the standard method does not work)
If MIUI has completely blocked SIM saving, SIM Contacts (or Copy to SIM Card, SIM Card Manager) will help.
- 📲 Keep in touch with you. SIM even if the option is hidden in MIUI.
- 🔄 Massively copy contacts from device to SIM (vice versa).
- 🗑️ Remove or edit the records directly to SIM-map.
Instructions:
- Download SIM Contacts from Google Play.
- Open the app and give access to contacts.
- Select Export to SIM → Enter contacts for export.
- Confirm the operation – the data will be recorded on SIM.
⚠️ Note: Some applications require ROOT-work-rights SIM newer MIUI. If you don’t have a rooted Redmi 8, choose a utility marked No Root.
Limitations SIM-Maps: What to Know Before Preserving
Before transferring contacts to SIM, consider its technical limitations:
| Parameter | Old SIM (mini/micro) | Modern nano-SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Max, number of contacts. | 500–1000 | 250–300 |
| Cyrillic support | Yes (GSM 7-bit encoding) | Partially (depends on operator) |
| Preservation of additional fields | Only name + number | Only name + number |
| Recording speed | ~5 contacts/sec | ~1–2 contact/sec |
🔹 Tip: Before mass export check the free space on SIM. To do this, in the “Contacts” application, go to Contact Management. → Imports/Exports → Viewing contacts on SIM.
💡
If you're often rearranging SIM-You can save only the most important numbers (relatives, support services) to the map between phones, and the rest of your contacts should be stored in Google Account, so they will be available on any device.
Solving errors in saving on SIM
Let’s look at the typical problems and ways to solve them:
- 🚫 Mistake: “Not able to export contacts: SIM-card blocked PUK-Solution: Reboot the phone, check it out. SIM If the error repeats, contact the operator to change the card.
- ❌ Mistake: «SIM-Card does not support operation" Reason: Operator disabled recording ability (often with virtual operators, such as Tinkoff Mobile) Solution: Use physical SIM other operator (for example, MTS or MegaFon»).
- ⚠️ Mistake: “Inadequate memory for SIM» Reason: Contact limit is exhausted (see table above).Solution: Delete old records through Contact Management → Viewing contacts on SIM.
📢 Key Conclusion: If none of the methods worked, the problem is most likely in the very SIM-Try using a card of a different carrier or format (e.g. micro-SIM instead of nano-SIM).
💡
Before buying a new one SIM-Check with the operator if it supports contact recording, and some modern cards (especially eSIM) are completely devoid of this function.
Alternatives: where else can you save contacts in Redmi 8
If saving to SIM is not possible, consider alternative options:
- ☁️ Google Account: Synced automatically, available on any device. minus: requires the Internet for the first time saved.
- 📱 Memory of the device: Contacts are stored in the phone without linking to the account.
- 💾 Export to file VCF: You can back up your memory card. Pathway: Contacts → Management → Export to file.
- 🔗 Third-party services: Yandex.Contacts, iCloud (if you have an account).
🔹 Recommendation: For reliability, use double backup: part of the contacts on the SIM (for emergency access, the rest are in Google Account.