You are tired of changing your SIM-Do you have to re-enter all contacts? Or are you afraid of losing important numbers if the SIM fails? On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO Black Shark and the default contacts can be saved to SIM-The map is an outdated format with a restriction on the 200-250 In this article, we will discuss how to transfer contacts to the memory of the phone, sync them with Mi Account or Google, and avoid typical errors when migrating data.
The problem of saving contacts on SIM is relevant not only for older models like the Redmi 4X or Mi A1, but also for modern flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra or POCO F6 Pro. Even if you have a new nano-SIM SIM, its memory remains extremely limited. In addition, SIM contacts are not automatically backed up and synchronized with the cloud. We will show you how to solve this problem once and for all – with step-by-step screenshots, alternative methods and backup tips.
Why are the contacts kept on SIM-card, not phone?
By default, Xiaomi smartphones offer to save a new contact or on the phone. SIM-map, or Google account (if connected) SIM historical reasons:
- 📱 Inheritance from button phones: in the era of Nokia 3310 and Siemens, contacts were only stored on the phone. SIM, This approach was transferred to the first smartphones.
- 🔄 Compatibility: SIM-Contacts can be read by any phone, even without an internet or account.
- ⚠️ Limitations MIUI: in some versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 for India region: when contact is first maintained, the system automatically selects SIM.
However, this method has many disadvantages:
| Problem. | Effects of consequences | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Limitation of 200-250 contacts | No new numbers can be added | Transferring a phone or cloud memory |
| No support for photos, email, addresses | Contacts contain only name and number. | Use the vCard format (VCF) |
| No backups. | Data loss in case of SIM damage | Sync with Mi Cloud or Google Contacts |
| Slow search | Delays in scrolling through the list | Contact indexation in phone memory |
On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+ firmware, when importing contacts with SIM, the system automatically suggests transferring them to the phone’s memory, but many users miss this step, not realizing its importance.
How to Check Where Your Contacts Are Stored on Xiaomi
Before you move data, you need to know where it is right now.
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
- Go to the Import/Export section → Contact management.
- All storage sources will be displayed here: SIM 1, SIM 2 (if any), Phone, Google, Mi Account.
If the number of contacts is displayed next to the SIM 1 or SIM 2, it means that they are stored on the SIM. Please note that on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the path may be slightly different - instead of Contact Management, there will be a Contact Settings item.
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If you have a two-sim Xiaomi, check both slots – contacts could be shared between the SIM 1 and SIM 2 automatically when transferred from an old phone.
Step-by-step: how to transfer contacts with SIM to the memory of the phone
The migration process takes no more than 2-3 minutes. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to lose data:
- Export of contacts with SIM: Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management → Import/Export. Select Export with SIM-maps (or copy from the SIM older MIUI). Specify the phone memory as the target storage. Click Export and wait until it's completed (may take up to 1 minute if contacts are many).
Verification of the result:
- Return to the main contact menu.
- Make sure the number of contacts in the phone section is increased.
- Open any contact and check that the Warehouse field indicates a Phone (not a SIM).
On some models (e.g. POCO X6 Pro), this parameter may be hidden.
- 🔧 Reset the settings of the Contacts app in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Warehouse → Reset.
- 📲 After resetting the first time you save a new contact, the system will ask where to write it – select Phone.
What if there is no “Save by Default” clause?
Synchronizing contacts with Mi Account and Google: why it matters
Moving contacts to your phone’s memory solves the problem of SIM limitations, but it doesn’t protect you from data loss when you reset or break your device. To protect yourself, set up automatic sync with cloud services:
Sync with Mi Account (Mi Cloud)
- 🔄 Benefits: Free storage, integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem (e.g. synchronization with Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Home).
- ⚠️ Disadvantages: requires registration in Mi Account, no web version for editing contacts.