How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all working methods

Maintaining contacts SIM-map in Xiaomi smartphones – a task that seems simple only at first glance. users face the lack of direct options in the menu, firmware limitations MIUI This is especially true for owners of budget models (Redmi). 9A, Poco M3), where the device memory is quickly filled up and backup to the cloud is not available.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can export your contacts to SIM, from standard MIUI tools to firmware workarounds without built-in functionality. You’ll learn how to bypass the entries limit, why some fields (such as photos or extra numbers) aren’t saved, and what to do if your phone doesn’t see contacts after porting, and we’ll focus on nuances for different MIUI versions (12 to 14) and models with hybrid SIM slots.

Detailed screenshots, warnings of common errors, and a method comparison table will help you choose the best option even if you have never done such manipulation before, and at the end of the article you will find answers to frequent questions, including restoring remote contacts and migrating data to a new SIM.

Why does Xiaomi not have a Save on SIM button?

Owners of smartphones Samsung or Nokia are used to the direct option of exporting contacts to the Internet. SIM-The map is in the contact menu. MIUI This function is often hidden or absent at all – and for several reasons:

1. Xiaomi's synchronization policy: The company is actively promoting Mi Cloud cloud storage and Google services, where contacts are reserved automatically.Saving on SIM is considered an outdated method, so the option can be removed in new versions of firmware.

Limitations on formats. SIM-The cards support only the base fields (name) + number, whereas MIUI It stores advanced data, like photos, email, birthdays, and it requires conversion, which is not always possible with built-in tools.

3. Hybrid slots: In models with a shared slot for a second SIM or memory card (for example, Redmi Note 10), the system can block the recording on the SIM if a microSD is inserted.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13/14 European region (EEA) export option SIM It may be disabled due to requirements GDPR. In this case, change the region of the phone to India or Russia through Settings will help. → Additionally. → Region.

Despite these limitations, it is still possible to transfer contacts to SIM – below we will look at all working methods, including those that do not require root rights or a computer.

Method 1: Standard export through Contacts (MIUI 12 and below)

If your Xiaomi is running MIUI 12 or earlier, the chance of discovering the built-in export feature is higher.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).

2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Contact Management → Import/Export.

3.Slip "Export to the SIM-Map" and select the account from which to transfer contacts (for example, Google or Mi Account).

4. tick the desired contacts or click "Select all" → "Done".

The system will show the number of contacts that can be exported (usually no more than 250 entries per SIM).

• 📌 Advantage: Does not require third-party applications or PCs.
• ⚠️ Restriction: B MIUI 13/14 This menu item may not be available.
• 🔄 Nuance: If there are more contacts 250, Break them up into groups. 200-220 records (in reserve).

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check the space available on SIM (1 contact ≈ 1-2 KB)

Turn off sync with Mi Cloud during the transfer

Battery charge at least 30% (process 5-10 minute)-->

If there is no item “Export to SIM” in your menu, move on to the following method.

Method 2: Use of the application «SIM-contacts (for” MIUI 13/14)

In newer versions of MIUI, the export function is hidden in a separate system application to find it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2. Enter the search box «SIM-contacts (or «SIM Contacts»).

3. Slip on the app you found and select "Open."

In the application interface you will see two sections: "Contacts on the SIM» (Current records) and "Export/Import." Press "Export" and follow the instructions. If the application is not available, you can manually install it from the APK-File (suitable for all Xiaomi on Android 10)+).

⚠️ Attention: When installed APK-File disable source verification in Settings → Security → Install unknown applications. Once installed, return the settings back!

* When exporting via Google Contacts, the limit only imposes volume. SIM-map.

Method 3: Export through Google Contacts (universal method)

This method works on all versions of MIUI and is independent of the phone model, the idea is to first upload contacts to a.vcf file and then import them to SIM via a computer.

Step 1: Export contacts to file

1. Open [Google Contacts](https://contacts.google.com) in your browser on your phone or PC.

2. log in under the same account as Xiaomi.

3. Click Export (cog icon) → select Selected Contacts or All →.vcf → Export.

Step 2: Transfer to SIM via PC

1. Connect the phone to your computer and copy the contacts.vcf file to the device memory.

2. Put it in. SIM-map USB-Modem or use card reader (if you have a card reader) micro-SIM/nano-SIM, You'll need an adapter).

3. With the SIM Card Editor (e.g. [SIM Card Data Recovery](https://www.sim-card-recovery.com/)) import contacts from.vcf to SIM.

💡

If you don’t have a card reader, you can temporarily insert the SIM into your old phone (like the Nokia 105) and transfer contacts over Bluetooth or cable.

• 🔧 Plus: Works even if your phone is locked (you need access to your Google Account).
• 🖥️ Cons: Requires a computer and additional software.
• 📱 Alternative: A.vcf file can be sent to another phone by email and imported directly to the phone. SIM.

Method 4: Third-party applications for contact transfer

If the standard methods didn't work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most reliable ones:

1. «Copy to SIM Card» (by Simple Mobile Tools)

Supports MIUI 12-14 without root.

- Allows you to selectively transfer contacts.

Limit: up to 200 contacts at a time.

- [Link to Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplemobiletools.contacts.pro)

2. «SIM Contacts Manager»

It works with dual-SIM phones.

- Keeps the history of change.

- Cons: Advertising in the free version.

- [Link to Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simcontacts.manager)

Instructions for use:

1. Install the application and provide access to contacts.

2. Select “Export to SIM” and specify the source (e.g. Google Account).

3. Mark the necessary contacts and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Super Backup) require payment for export to the UK. SIM. Before installing, read reviews about restrictions!

Through the Cloud (Google/Mi Cloud)

Nana SIM-map

Into a file on a computer

I use third-party apps.

I don't save it, I keep it on my phone.-->

Method 5: Manual input (for a small number of contacts)

If there are few contacts (up to 20-30), it is easier to enter them manually:

1. Open the "Contacts» → «SIM-Contacts" (or "Contacts on SIM»).

2. Press + (add contact) and enter the data.

3. Save the record - it will automatically hit the SIM.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎯 100% control over data (no risk of loss on export).
• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI model.
• 🔒 No dependency on software or the Internet.

Disadvantages:

It takes a lot of time with lots of contacts.

- Errors when entering (typos in the rooms) will have to be corrected manually.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When transferring contacts to SIM, Xiaomi users often face the following problems:

1. "Insufficient memory on SIM" error

- Reason: SIM-The map is less 10 CB of free space (1 contact ≈ 1-2 CBB).

- Solution: Delete old records through Contact» → «SIM-Contacts or use other contacts SIM.

2 Not all fields have been moved (no email, addresses)

- Reason: SIM-The cards only support the name + Additional data (photos, birthdays) are ignored.

Save the full contacts to a.vcf file (see Method 3) or to the cloud.

3. Contacts are duplicated after importation

Cause: When importing from Google or Mi Account, the entries are merged with existing ones on the SIM.

Solution: Before importing, delete all contacts with the SIM or use the “Replace All” option (if available in the app).

4. no SIM Export option visible in MIUI 14

The function is hidden for the European Region (EEA).

- Solution: Change the phone region to India or install APK applications «SIM-contact” (see Method 2).

💡

Before perenosom contacts on SIM always back up to.vcf or cloud, which will protect you from data loss in case of failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to SIM in Xiaomi