Why Xiaomi users still keep in touch with the SIM-map?
In the era of cloud services and sync through Google Account, keep your contacts on the Internet SIM-But there are some important advantages to this method: autonomy (numbers are available even without the Internet), universal compatibility (SIM Suitable for any phone) and protection against accidental removal when resetting. owners Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Often, they need to move their contacts to SIM When buying a new device, temporarily using a spare phone or before selling a gadget.
The manufacturer has simplified this process in the latest versions. MIUI, But not everyone knows about the hidden features, like the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12, the algorithm is different from older models like the Mi. A2, where SIM-Contacts were managed through a standard Android menu, and this article covers all the current ways, from manual copying to automatic backup, tailored to the features of the firmware.
Method 1: Standard export of contacts via MIUI menu
The most obvious method is to use an embedded function. MIUI. It works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the MIUI 12 and later) and does not require the installation of additional applications. SIM-The card supports the preservation of contacts (some operators block this function).
Instructions:
- π± Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personβs silhouette).
- π Click on three dots in the upper right corner β Select Contact Management.
- π€ Tap Import/Export Contacts β Exports to SIM-map.
- β Select the necessary contacts (or click Select All) β Exports.
Check the vacant space on SIM-map (usually containing) 200-500 number)
Make sure that SIM free-lock PIN-code
Close the background applications to speed up the process
Connect the charger (with a large number of contacts)
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Limitations of the method:
- π« Not all contact fields will be saved β only the name and primary number (mail, address, additional phones will be lost).
- π« Names longer than 14 characters can be cut (a feature of the standard). SIM).
- π« In some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) function hidden in Settings β Annexes β Contacts β Contact vault.
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If the Export to SIM button is inactive, remove the card, clear the contacts via another device (old phone) and try again.
Method 2: Import contacts with Google Account on SIM
If your numbers are synced with Google Contacts, you can transfer them to Google Contacts. SIM This is a method that is relevant for users who have previously used Android smartphones and have a backup in the cloud. 3-5 Minutes but requires a stable internet connection.
Step-by-step:
- π Make sure contacts are synced: go to Settings β Accounts. β Google β Sync your account and turn on the switch opposite Contacts.
- π₯ Open the Contacts app β Contact management β Imports/Exports.
- π₯οΈ Select Import from Google (may be called Import from your account).
- π After importing into the phone book, repeat Method 1 for export to the phone book. SIM.
| Xiaomi model | Support for direct exports by Google β SIM | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | β No (intermediate imports required) | Only through the phone book. |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | β Yes. MIUI 14.0.5+) | Max. 250 contacts at a time. |
| POCO F5 | β Yes. | Doesn't save avatars. |
| Mi 11 Lite | β No. | Manual input required |
Critical: When importing from Google to SIM, all group labels (e.g., βWorkβ, βFamilyβ) and bindings to multiple numbers of one contact are lost. If important, consider alternative methods in the following sections.
Method 3: Backup with MIUI Backup
Backup function in the MIUI It allows you to create a local copy of contacts, which can then be restored to another SIM-This method is suitable for mass transfer of data between Xiaomi devices or when replacing them. SIM.
How it works:
- π¦ Go to Settings. β The phone. β Backup and reset β Local backups.
- βοΈ Select Contacts (check tick) and click Backup.
- πΎ The file will be saved in the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup (PC-copyable).
- π Insert the new one. SIM-Restore your backup and export your contacts to it through Method 1.
How to change the way you save backup?
β οΈ Attention: Backup copies MIUI Backups are encrypted with a device binding, and if you reset your phone to factory settings, it's impossible to recover data from that backup without logging in to your old Mi Account.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications
If the built-in MIUI tools are not satisfied, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play. They offer advanced features: batch export, save additional fields (email, address), support for dual-SIM. Popular solutions:
- π± Sim Contacts Backup β Export/Import in.vcf format with support for cloud services.
- π Copy to SIM Card - a convenient interface for selective transfer.
- π Contacts Optimizer β cleaning duplicates before export.
Example of Sim Contacts Backup:
- π₯ Install the app and give access to contacts.
- π Choose Export to SIM main-menu.
- β Check the necessary contacts (there is a filter by group).
- πΎ Click Start Export and wait until it is completed.
β οΈ Note: Some applications (such as Super Backup) require Android Accessibility to work with the software. SIM-This could be in conflict with security policies. MIUI β After installation, restart the phone.
Manual input
Exports via MIUI
Synchronization with Google
Party of annex
Another way.-->
Method 5: Manually enter and optimize contacts before saving
When automatic methods fail (e.g., on devices with custom firmware or damaged SIM), manual input is left, laborious but provides 100% control over data.
- π Use Google Sheets to pre-edit your contact list (remove duplicates, fix errors).
- π± V MIUI turn on the keyboard display above the number entry field: Settings β Additionally. β Show the keyboard when adding contact.
- π To speed up the input, use voice dialing (mic button on the Gboard keyboard).
Manual saving algorithm:
- π Open the phone application β tab Contacts.
- β Click Add Contact β choose SIM-map.
- π Fill in the fields (name and number are required, the rest are optional).
- πΎ Save and repeat for the next contact.
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When manually entered on SIM-Avoid special characters in names (e.g., "Ivan") β"). They may not be displayed on other phones.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, Xiaomi users face problems when working with the company. SIM-Here are the typical scenarios and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The "SIM Export" button is inactive | SIM-card blocked PIN or not supporting the record | Unlock the card in Settings β SIM-card or replace it |
| Contacts are duplicated after importation | The SIM already has copies of these numbers. | Clean SIM before export: Contacts β Management β Clean SIM |
| Names are displayed in hieroglyphics | Incompatibility of SIM encoding | Use only Latin or Cyrillic without special symbols |
| Exports interrupted by 50% | Lack of memory on the SIM | Remove old numbers or break up exports into pieces |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π§ Updates MIUI: in older versions (below) MIUI (11) export function to SIM Update the firmware through Settings. β Updating the system.
- πΆ Flight mode: sometimes a network shutdown solves access problems SIM.
- π Reboot: after retrieval/insertion SIM-card reboot the phone.