Maintaining contacts SIM-Xiaomi Redmi map: a complete guide with pictures and tips

Maintaining contacts SIM-The map in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often raises questions among users. Despite the fact that modern devices offer cloud services and internal memory for storing numbers, many still prefer the traditional method of recording on the phone. SIM. This is true for those who frequently change phones, travel or want to have a backup of important numbers without being tied to a Mi Account.

But the interface MIUI I'm not always intuitive about this. Where do I look for the right option? Why do some Redmi models not support writing on the right option? SIM? And how do you get around the limitations of a system? In this article, we'll go through all the nuances, from basic instructions to solving typical problems. SIM-Map in Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or any other model of the series, and what to do if you need a button.

Why is it that we keep SIM-card may not work

Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand why the SIM pin saving function is sometimes unavailable, and the reasons may be hardware or software:

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI. In the firmware older MIUI 12 contact interface was significantly different, and the option to write on SIM It may be hidden or absent altogether.
• 📶 Type SIM-Modern nano-SIM and eSIM often have limited memory (only a single memory). 250-500 contact information, and some operators block the recording.
• 🔧 Operator settings: Some mobile networks, Tele2 or Yota) by default, disable access to memory SIM third-party.
• 🛠️ Customized firmware. If you're using the unofficial version MIUI (For example, xiaomi.eu or LineageOS, the function may be deleted or not work properly.

Another important point: Xiaomi smartphones with two SIM-The cards allow you to save contacts only to the card that is installed in slot 1 (Slot 1). SIM In the second slot, the system will simply ignore the command without notice.

⚠️ Note: Before maintaining contact with SIM Check its free space. A filled-in card will not only block a new entry, but it can also cause malfunctions when reading the numbers already saved. → Settings → Contact management → Memory. SIM-map.

Step-by-step: how to keep contact on SIM in Xiaomi Redmi

Consider the universal algorithm for most Redmi models (relevant to Redmi Note 11/12/13, Redmi 10/10A/10C and other devices on MIUI 13/14). If you have a different version of the firmware, there may be minor differences in the layout of menu items.

Method 1: Through the Contact Menu

This is the easiest method that works on most smartphones:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Click the + button** (add contact) in the lower right corner.
3. Fill in the fields: Name, phone number and other data.
4. At the top of the screen, click on the “Save in” field** (or Account).

If the paragraph «SIM-The map is not listed, so your model doesn't directly support this function.

Make sure that SIM-card inserted into slot 1

Check the space available on SIM (less than 250 contacts)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Restart your phone if the option does not appear-->

Method 2: Through Contact Settings

If you’re editing an existing contact, the algorithm is slightly different:

1. Open the contact in the “Contact” app**.
2. Press three points («⋮» Or "More") in the upper right corner.

On some firmware (MIUI 12.5 and below), the option may be called "Export to SIM" or "Copy to SIM." If you don't see such items, try updating your phone or use method 3.

Method 3: Through the export of contacts (alternative method)

If direct SIM recording is not available, you can export contacts from the phone’s memory to the card:

1. Open the "Contact» → «⋮» (menu) → «Contact management»**.

This method works even on devices where direct recording is blocked, but note that when exported to SIM, only the name and primary phone number will be saved - additional fields (email, address, notes) will be lost.

Always, that's my main way.

Only for the most important numbers.

I reserve it every six months.

I never use it, I keep it in the cloud.

I'm having trouble answering.-->

Table: Compatibility of Xiaomi Redmi models with SIM saving

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support recording of contacts SIM-The following is a compatibility table for popular models. MIUI 14 (2026).

If your model is not in the table, test support experimentally or update the firmware. In some cases, resetting the Contacts app settings** (in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear Data) can help.

What to do if the option “Save to SIM” is not available

If the contact menu is not available, choose SIM-Map as a place of preservation, try the following solutions:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version

In older versions of firmware, the function could have been hidden or not working properly.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates"**.
3. If a new version is available, download and install it.

After the update, restart the phone and check for the option again.

2.Use a third-party application

If MIUI’s regular tools don’t allow you to keep a contact on SIM, install an alternative contact manager from Google Play:

• 📲 Contacts+ — Universal Manager with Extended Functions.

When you first start such applications, give them access to Contacts and Phone in the permission settings.

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Before using third-party apps, back up your contacts through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. This will protect your data in the event of a crash.

3. Move the contacts over another phone

If none of the methods worked, you can use an intermediate device:

1. Export your contacts to.vcf (via Import/Export contacts).
2. Transfer the file to another phone (such as Samsung or Nokia) that supports SIM recording.
3. Import contacts into the memory of that phone and then save them to SIM.
4. Bring it back. SIM-map back to Redmi.

This method requires an additional device, but it is guaranteed to work even on the most stubborn Xiaomi models.

Limitations and nuances of working with SIM-contacts

Retention of numbers on SIM-The map has a number of features that are important to know:

• 📵 A limited number of fields. SIM You can only save your name and phone number, and no additional data (email, address, birthday) is supported.
• 🔢 Limit on the number of contacts. SIM-cards are no more 250-500 Exceeding the limit will lead to an error.
• 📞 Display problems. Contacts saved on SIM, can be displayed without photos and with limited encoding (for example, Cyrillic is replaced by a?).
• 🔄 Synchronization. SIM-Contacts are not synced with Google or Mi Account, and you have to manually transfer them when changing your phone.

Another important point: when formatting SIM-All saved contacts will be deleted without recovery, so it is recommended to create regular backups, for example, exporting contacts to a.vcf file.

⚠️ Note: If you are using eSIM (virtual) SIM-This feature is only available for physical nano-SIM and micro-SIM.

How to transfer SIM contacts to your phone and back

If you need to copy your contacts with SIM-Phone card (or vice versa) follow this instruction:

Transfer from SIM to phone

1. Open the "Contact» → «⋮» → «Contact management»**.

Transfer from phone to SIM

The reverse transfer algorithm depends on the model:

• 📱 On the Redmi Note. 12/13: Use "Export to the Export" SIM-Maps** in the Contact Management menu.
• 📱 Redmi K-series: feature may not be available – use third-party apps.

When transferring, please note that some characters (for example, +, (), - in numbers) may not be displayed correctly on the SIM. It is recommended to pre-edit the numbers, leaving only the numbers.

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Before mass transfer of contacts, check the encoding SIM-If names use Cyrillic or special symbols, export contacts in small batches (by each name). 20-30 pieces to avoid errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about keeping contacts on SIM in Xiaomi Redmi