Transfer of contacts with Xiaomi to SIM-The map seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face format limitations, export errors and unexpected nuances. SIM It has a strict limit: most cards only support 200-250 Contacts with a name and one number (no email, addresses or photos) will help avoid common mistakes, from invisible contacts after transfer to data loss when changing devices.
It is important to understand that modern Xiaomi (starting with MIUI 12) hide the export option on the SIM in deep settings, and some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T) do not support this feature at all due to the manufacturer’s policy. We will discuss 3 working methods – standard through the contact menu, using third-party applications and the workaround through export to the.vcf file. Also you will learn why contacts with SIM may not appear on the new phone even after a successful transfer and how to fix it.
Why SIM Contact Transfer Is Relevant in 2026
In the era of cloud services, maintaining contacts SIM-The map may seem anachronistic, but there are situations where this method is indispensable:
- 🔄 Change phone without Internet access: if the new device is not connected to the network, and Google Account is not available.
- 🛡️ Emergency backup: when the smartphone is about to run out or break, and at hand only SIM.
- 📵 Working with a clean phone: for example, after resetting to factory settings or using a temporary device.
- 🌍 Traveling abroad: where roaming restricts access to cloud services, and local SIM-The cards do not support Mi Cloud.
However, the method has critical shortcomings:
| Problem. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Limitation on the number of contacts | No more than 250 records are placed on the SIM. | Breaking into groups or using the cloud |
| Lack of support for fields (email, address) | Only the name + 1 number is saved. | Export to.vcf separately |
| Incompatibility of formats | Contacts are not readable on some phones | Check ADN support on the target device |
| Risk of loss when removing SIM | Data can be erased if mishandled | Always do a duplicate on your phone. |
⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-map issued before 2010 year (format) SIM 2G), It can only support you. 50-100 Check the type of card in the operator settings or replace it with a modern one. USIM.
Method 1: Standard Exports via Contact Menu (MIUI 12-14)
This method works for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO version MIUI Important: the option can be hidden if the phone has two SIM-cards – in this case, the system offers to select a target card for export.
Steps for transfer:
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
- Go to Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
- Select the contacts to transfer (or click Select All).
- Click Export and confirm your choice SIM-cards (if there are several).
The process takes 10 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the number of contacts. Upon completion, a notification will appear: "Export to the SIM-map complete".
Check the vacant space on SIM (menu settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Warehouse SIM)
Make sure your contacts are stored in your phone memory, not just Google.
Turn off the second SIM slot if it is empty (may cause an error)
Backup your contacts in.vcf in case of a crash-->
⚠️ Note: If after export, the contacts are not displayed on the new one SIM, Check your visibility settings: go to Contacts → Settings → Display contacts and enable the option SIM-map.
Method 2: Use of third-party applications (if the standard method does not work)
On some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Redmi K50 Pro), the SIM export option is not on the menu, in which case the Sim Contacts Manager app (available on Google Play) will help.
- 📱 Export/import of contacts to any SIM (including eSIM).
- 🔍 Viewing hidden contacts on SIM.
- 📝 Editing records directly on the map.
- 🔄 Mass management (removal of duplicates).
Instructions for use:
- Install Sim Contacts Manager from Google Play.
- Launch the application and give access to contacts.
- Choose Export to SIM → mark the necessary contacts.
- Confirm the export and wait for completion (the application will show the log of operations).
The advantage of this method is that it supports extended fields (second number, notes) that standard MIUI tools ignore, but it requires administrator rights to work, which can trigger a security alert.
Why Xiaomi has removed SIM exports in new models
Google Account|Nana SIM-map|In Mi Cloud|To the.vcf file on the computer|Another way.-->
Method 3: A workaround through export to.vcf and manual transfer
If neither the standard method nor third-party applications work, the one-size-fits-all option is to export contacts to a.vcf file and then manually transfer them to SIM via another phone, which ensures that all data (including photos and additional fields) is safe, but requires an additional device.
Step-by-step:
- Export contacts to the file: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file (.vcf) The file will be saved in the Internal folder Storage/Download.
- Copy the contacts.vcf file to another phone (e.g. an old Samsung or Nokia that has SIM export support).
- On the second phone, import.vcf into its contacts, then export them to SIM.
- Return the SIM to Xiaomi and check for contacts.
This method is especially useful for owners of Xiaomi Black Shark or POCO F5, where the function of the work with SIM The main disadvantage is the need for a second phone with support. SIM-export.
💡
If you don't have a second phone, use an Android emulator on a PC (like BlueStacks) with Sim Contacts Manager installed. SIM through USB-Reader and perform transfer virtually.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users have problems, and here are the most common ones:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts are not exported | SIM-card overflowed or blocked | Clean the card or replace it |
| Exports interrupted | Unstable connection to the SIM | Remove and re-insert the map |
| Contacts are duplicated | Re-export without SIM cleaning | Remove old records before transferring |
| Names are displayed in hieroglyphics | Incompatibility of SIM encoding | Use Latin or transliterate |
Errors are often encountered when working with two SIM-If you have two cards on your phone, the system may try to export the contacts to the inactive ones. SIM, It's a solution that causes failure:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Turn off the second SIM (on/off switch).
- Repeat the export.
💡
Before any transfer of contacts, always check how much free space is left on the phone. SIM. To do this, enter the dial code ##4636##, go to Phone Information. → SIM-status and find the Used line SIM storage.
Alternative methods of backup contacts
If SIM portability is not possible or convenient, consider alternatives:
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: Automatic sync with Xiaomi account (available 5 GB free).
- 📧 Google Contacts: sync with Gmail, support for all fields and versions.
- 💾 Local.vcf file: export to memory card or computer.
- 📱 Backup apps: Super Backup or Contacts Backup for automatic backup.
For maximum reliability, it is recommended to use a combined approach:
- Sync your contacts with Google (the main way).
- Once a month, export a backup to.vcf to your computer.
- Before changing your phone, duplicate critical contacts with SIM.
This will protect you from data loss when a cloud crashes, your phone is stolen, or you are damaged. SIM-map.