How to keep contacts on SIM-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: all ways + mistake-making

Why keep in touch with the people SIM-map is relevant in 2026

Even in the era of cloud services and sync through Google Account, keeping contacts on the Internet SIM-The card remains a popular feature. Xiaomi smartphone owners (especially Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5 Mi 11 Lite, or Mi 11 Lite, often have to move numbers to a physical medium, whether it's for backup, transferring contacts to another device without the Internet, or simply for reliability, SIM-The card does not depend on the connection to the network and does not require authorization.

However, in the latest versions of MIUI 13/14, the SIM contact export function has become less obvious, hidden in the menu or removed for some regions, and not all users are aware of the limit on the number of contacts saved (usually 250-500 depending on the operator) and the storage format (name + number only, no mail or address), this article will help to understand all the nuances of the process, including avoiding possible errors.

Preparation: What to check before maintaining contacts

Before you start transferring data, make sure that your Xiaomi smartphone and SIM-The card meets the key requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Function available on MIUI 12-14, but the path to it may be different. MIUI 11 and older interface other than.
• 📇 Type SIM-Cards: Standard only SIM (Mini-SIM) or Micro-SIM support pin storage. Nano-SIM (like the Xiaomi 13 Pro) is often devoid of this feature.
• 🔋 Battery charge: The process can take up to 5-10 minutes – make sure the charge is at least 20% to avoid crashes.
• 📡 Operator network: Some operators (e.g, Tele2 or Yota, block the recording of contacts on SIM. Check it out in advance.

It's also worth clearing the memory. SIM-map, if it already contains old contacts. → Settings → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Remove from SIM. Warning: This action is irreversible!

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM-Map (as in Redmi Note 11 Pro)+), Make sure the correct slot is selected. By default, the system may try to keep contacts on an inactive card.

Method 1: Save Contacts through the standard menu (MIUI 13/14)

This is the simplest method that works on most modern Xiaomi devices. The instructions are relevant for smartphones on MIUI 13.0.5+ and MIUI 14 (including POCO F5, Xiaomi 12T, etc.):

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Go to the Contact Management section → Import/Export of contacts.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
5. Check the contacts you want to keep (or click Select All).
6. Click Export and wait for the process to be completed.

If the item Export to the SIM-card is absent, it means:

• 🔄 Yours. SIM-The card does not support the function (see the error section below).
• 📱 You have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS) where the function is disabled.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions (on some firmware for India or China the option is hidden).

Method 2: Use of the application «SIM-Contacts (for older models)

On devices with MIUI 10-12 (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Mi A3) The standard export may not work, and the built-in app will help. SIM-contact:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find it on the list. SIM-Contacts (or Contacts) SIM) and open it.
3. In the main menu of the application, select Copy from your phone to SIM.
4. Make the necessary contacts and confirm the action.

If the application is not in the menu, it can be run through a search system (swipe down on the home screen). → enter «SIM-On some firmware it is hidden, in which case an alternative method will help (see next section).

⚠️ Note: Contact names can be cut to 15-20 characters (standard limitation) SIM). For example, “Ivan Ivanov (Worker)” will remain as “Ivan Ivanov».

Method 3: Alternative method through engineering menu (for advanced)

If the standard methods fail, you can use the Engineering Mode, which is suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices (such as the POCO X3 Pro or Redmi K40), but you need to be careful:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the section. SIM-information.
4. Tap on SIM Contact Management (or similar item).
5. Choose Contact Export from your phone and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu, this can cause network or communication module failures. If you are not sure about your actions, skip this method.

Table: Comparison of methods of maintaining contacts on SIM

Common mistakes and their solutions

In order to maintain contacts on SIM-Xiaomi users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🚫 “Cannot export contacts” error: Check if it is blocked SIM-PIN card. Also try rebooting your phone.
• 🔄 Contacts are not displayed after export: Make sure you view contacts from the same location. SIM-maps (in the Contacts app, select Display Contacts with: SIM).
• 📵 No item “Export to” SIM»: Update your firmware to the latest version or use alternative methods (see above).
• 📞 Not all contacts are exported: SIM-The card has a limit (usually 250 contacts.

If none of the methods worked, try updating the Contacts app via Google Play or resetting it (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the data. In extreme cases, you can use the ADB forced-export:

adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/contacts --where"display_name NOTNULL" --projection display_name:name,number:phone

This command will display the contact list to the console, which can then be manually transferred to the SIM.

💡

If you often move contacts between devices, consider buying a Bluetooth reader for your device. SIM-Devices like this. ZTE MF190 allow you to manage contacts on SIM directly from the computer through special software.

How to import contacts with SIM-Maps back to Xiaomi

If you need to return your contacts with SIM-card to your phone (for example, after resetting or buying a new Xiaomi), do the following:

1. Open Contacts → Settings → Contact Management.
2. Select Import with SIM-map.
3. Tick the required contacts (or click Select All).
4. Specify where to save contacts: on the Device or in Google Account.
5. Confirm the import and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Important: When importing contacts may be duplicated if they already exist in the phone's memory. To avoid this, pre-delete repeated entries via Settings → Connecting contacts.

If you can’t import, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Temporarily disable the mobile network (mode "In the plane»).
• 📱 Use a third-party application, such as Copy to SIM Card.

💡

Maintaining contacts SIM-The card does not replace a full backup. For reliability, combine this method with export to Google Contacts or a.vcf file.

FAQ: Frequent questions about working with contacts on SIM in Xiaomi