How to save all contacts from the phone Xiaomi SIM-map: 3 proven methods

Transfer of contacts to SIM-Xiaomi’s smartphone map seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face limitations. MIUI, There was no direct export function or copying errors, unlike the old button phones, where the contacts were stored by default on the back of the phone. SIM, modern-day Redmi, POCO And Mi, by default, syncs them to a Google or Mi Account, and that creates an illusion of security, until you lose access to the cloud or reset your settings.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of maintaining contacts on the SIM-Map for Xiaomi devices (including models from 2020-2026), explain why standard export may not work, and show workarounds. MIUI, How does it differ from the storage of contacts on SIM From backup to the cloud, instructions are relevant for firmware. MIUI 12–14 (including global and Chinese versions).

Why Standard Contact Exports on SIM May Not Work

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that the option to export to the SIM-The map in the contact menu is either missing or inactive. MIUI and the limitations of modern SIM-map:

• 📱 Absence of function in MIUI: Starting with MIUI 10, Xiaomi has removed the direct option of exporting contacts to the SIM This is related to the company's policy of promoting cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Contacts).
• 🔒 Limitations SIM-Modern nano-SIM (especially from MTS, Beeline, MegaFon operators) support storage of no more than 250 contacts with a limited set of fields (name only). + number, without email, addresses or notes).
• 🔄 Synchronization conflict: If contacts are linked to a Google or Mi Account, the system blocks their export to the Internet. SIM, avoid duplication.
• 🛠️ Firmware errors: On some models (Redmi Note) 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 13/14 Export function disappears even through third-party applications.

Before trying to save contacts on SIM, check:

1. Type of yours. SIM-cards: nano-SIM or eSIM (export is not possible on eSIM).
2. Number of contacts: If there are more than 250 contacts, you will have to split them into pieces or use alternative methods.
3. Root rights: Some methods require advanced permissions (but we’ll show you some without root).

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM (two cards at the same time, the export of contacts is possible only on the main card SIM (The second card (slot 2) usually supports only calls and SMS.

Method 1: Export through the standard Contacts app (if the feature is available)

On some Xiaomi models (especially older versions of MIUI 11 and below), the export option on the SIM is still present.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and find the Import/Export contact item. → Exports to SIM-map.
4. Select the right contacts (or click Select All) and confirm the export.

If the export items SIM-No map, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts → Permissions → Memory (enable)

Sometimes, turning on the memory permission returns a hidden export function, and if that doesn't work, move on to the next one.

Make sure that SIM-card inserted into slot 1

Check the free space on SIM (should be >10 KB)

Disable sync with Google/Mi Account (temporarily)

Close all background applications-->

Method 2: Using third-party applications (without root)

If standard MIUI tools don't allow you to export contacts, third-party tools come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular applications and selected the two most reliable ones:

Step-by-step instructions for Copy to SIM Card (the most stable option):

1. Download the app from Google Play (direct link: com.eknoapps.copytosimcard).
2. Launch the utility and provide access to Contacts and Memory.
3. Click Select Contacts → Select All (or Select All)
4. Press Copy to SIM and wait until it is completed (can take up to 5 minutes for 200+ contacts).
5. Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

If the application produces a Failed to copy contacts error, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📶 Insert SIM-card to another smartphone (such as Samsung or Nokia) and export contacts from there.
• 🔧 Clear the application cache Contacts in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Memory. → Clear the cache).

💡

Before using third-party apps, back up your contacts in.vcf format via Contacts → Settings → Export. This will protect your data if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Manual export via VCF file (for power users)

This method is suitable if the first two methods did not work, it requires more action, but it is guaranteed to save all contacts (including additional fields) and allows you to import them later on any one of them. SIM-card via another phone.

Algorithm:

1. Export contacts to the file VCF: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file file file will be saved in the Internal folder Storage/Downloads under the name contacts.vcf.
2. Copy the file to your computer (via cable or cloud).
3. Import VCF to another SIM-export-enabled phone: Use an old button phone (Nokia 105, Samsung E1200) or a smartphone on Android 7-9 (where the export function on SIM is still stable). Transfer the contacts.vcf file to the device, import contacts, then export them to SIM.

Bring it back. SIM-map

MIUI

The advantage of this method is:

• 🔄 All contact fields (email, addresses, birthdays) are saved, which can then be restored through import. VCF.
• 📱 It works even on Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader or without root rights.
• 🛡️ More reliable than direct export SIM, as VCF You can store it in the cloud or on a flash drive.

⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) block the recording of contacts on the Internet. SIM-The only way to do this is to replace the map. SIM to another operator's card or using a physical contact copyer (type device) SIM Card Reader).

Standard MIUI function

The Appendix (Copy to SIM Card)

Export via VCF + other phone

Manual input on a button phone

I don't know, I haven't tried it yet.-->

What to do if contacts are not saved on SIM

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be one of the following:

If you’ve exhausted all options, consider alternatives to SIM-based contact storage:

• 🔗 Sync with Google Contacts: More Reliable SIM, Backups are created automatically and are available from any device.
• 📱 Local exports to VCF: The file can be stored on your phone, flash drive or in the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
• 💾 Backup applications: Super Backup or Swift Backup (requires root for full backup).

How to Avoid Contact Loss When Changing Xiaomi Phone

Transfer of contacts to SIM-If you are planning to change your smartphone (for example, from the Redmi Note 9 to the Xiaomi 13), it is better to use a combined approach:

1. Sync with Mi Account: Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync → Contacts (enable) This will automatically restore contacts when you log in to your account on a new device.
2. Export to Google Contacts: Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync is convenient if you use Google services (Gmail, Calendar).
3. Create a local backup: Contacts → ⋮ → Contact management → Export to file Save contacts.vcf file to computer or flash drive.
4. Use SIM as a reserve: Export only the most important numbers (relatives, work) to it.

When switching to the new Xiaomi:

1. Put it in. SIM-Map and import contacts (if there are any).
2. Log in to Mi Account or Google and wait for sync.
3. Import contacts.vcf via Contacts → Import.

⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer an old Xiaomi, be sure to: Delete all contacts with the Xiaomi. SIM-cards (through contact) → Management → Remove from SIM). Sign out of Mi Account and Google in settings. reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings). 💡SIM-The card is an unreliable store for contacts, use it only as a temporary or backup option. Cloud/Google) or local backup (VCF). FAQ: Frequent questions about the transfer of contacts to SIM In Xiaomi, can you keep contact with photos on SIM-map, SIM-The cards only support text data (name) + Photos, email and other fields when exported to SIM To save the full data, use export to.vcf or sync with Google Contacts. SIM contacts are duplicated? This is due to a conflict between contacts on the SIM To eliminate duplicates: Turn off sync in account settings. Delete all contacts from your phone (Contacts) → ⋮ → Delete everything. Import contacts only with SIM-Turn back the sync (contacts will be combined without takes) How to transfer contacts from the SIM If the new Xiaomi does not have an import function, if the new Xiaomi does not have an import option from the new Xiaomi. SIM: Put it in. SIM to another phone (such as Samsung or Nokia button). SIM Transfer the file to the new Xiaomi and import through Contacts → Import. Alternatively use the app. SIM Contact Manager for import. How many contacts can you save on your website? SIM-Xiaomi? The maximum amount depends on the type SIM-maps: Standard SIM (Old, large size: up to 500 Micro-SIM: up to 250–300 Nano-SIM (modern): usually no more than 250 eSIM: no contact export. If the limit is exceeded, break the contacts into pieces or use alternative backup methods. SIM? No, MIUI does not support automatic export to SIM. However, you can: Set up autosynchronization with Google/Mi Cloud (updates contacts every few hours) Use Tasker or MacroDroid to create a task that reminds you of a manual backup once a month. Install the Automatic Call Recorder app (some versions can duplicate contacts to the cloud).