How to completely remove contacts from SIM-Xiaomi phones: 5 proven ways

Removal of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards are a challenge that users face when changing operators, cleaning up memory or transferring data to a new device. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process has nuances, from differences in the interface. MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard tools to hidden firmware functions, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

Xiaomi is a feature that often modifies the standard Android menus by adding its own solutions. MIUI 12-14 control SIM-It's hidden deeper than pure Android, and it's also hidden on two-device devices. SIM-cards (Redmi Note) 11 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro) the algorithm may be different. We've taken all of these things into account and we've developed generic instructions that work on Redmi models. 9A before Xiaomi's flagships 14 Ultra.

Why are the contacts kept on SIM-map and when to remove them

SIM-Older cards (up to nano-SIM) had limited memory, usually up to 250 contacts, each of which took up to 140 bytes. Modern cards (including eSIM) also support storage of numbers, but this functionality has become less relevant due to cloud services. However, there are situations where cleaning is SIM necessary:

• 🔄 Change of operator: when switching to a new mobile provider SIM It is disposed of and contacts are not available.
• 📱 Transfer to a new device: if you are switching from Xiaomi to iPhone or another Android, SIM-Contacts may not automatically sync.
• 🗑️ Memory cleanup: on limited-size cards (for example, MTS or Beeline 2010s) contacts take up space for the use of a computer. SMS data.
• 🔒 Security: When selling a phone or SIM-cardholders.

It is important to understand that the contacts SIM and in the memory of the phone/Google — Deleting card numbers doesn't affect the records you store in your Mi Account or Google Contacts. The reverse is also true: if you erase a phone number, it can stay on your phone. SIM.

Method 1: Delete via the standard Contacts app

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Contacts in global firmware).The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is maintained:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green or blue background).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) In the upper right corner, select Contact Management (or Manage Contacts).
3. Go to the Import/Export section → Management SIM-contact.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and check the checkmarks of unnecessary contacts.
5. Click Remove (or the basket icon) and confirm the action.

On some models (Redmi) A2, POCO M5) The path may be different: Contacts → Settings → SIM-If you don't find an option, check if it's hidden behind a long tap in a free place on the contact list (Long Press gesture).

Make a backup of important numbers|Make sure that the contacts are not duplicated in Google/Mi Account|Make sure that SIM-card is not blocked by PIN code|Turn off contact sync during cleaning time-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ when removing contacts with SIM If the goal is a complete cleanup, refuse this offer, otherwise the numbers will remain in the system.

Method 2: Through phone settings (for MIUI 12–14)

If the Contacts app doesn’t provide SIM management, try an alternative way through system settings.This method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14 firmware, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi 12T and POCO F4:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Apps → Application management.
3. Find the contact list and tap it.
4. Select Warehouse. → Data management.
5. In the section SIM-Contacts click Clear Clear.

On some models (Xiaomi 13 Lite), this path may be hidden.

Settings → Memory → SIM- Card → Contacts → Delete all

This method removes all contacts with SIM-If you want to save some of the numbers, use Method 1 or 3.

Method 3: Export contacts before deletion (for backup)

Before mass deletion, it is recommended to save a backup copy. In MIUI, this can be done directly in the Contacts app:

1. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Export on Export SIM-card (if you need to transfer contacts from phone to card) or Export to file (for saving in.vcf format).
3. To export to the file, specify a save path (e.g., Internal Memory/Download) and confirm.

The.vcf file can be imported back or opened on a PC. If you export to SIM, consider the limitations of:

• 📛 Maximum of 250 contacts (depending on operator).
• 📞 Only names and numbers are saved (without photos, addresses, notes).
• 🔤 Names are limited to 20-30 characters (Cyrillic can be displayed curved).

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If you export contacts to transfer to a new phone, it is better to use a.vcf file or sync with Google. SIM-Card – unreliable medium for long-term data storage.

Method 4: Use of the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

On some Xiaomi models (especially with custom firmware) there is an engineering menu where you can control the device. SIM-This method is recommended only for advanced users, as incorrect actions can lead to failures.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to SIM Management or SIM Management.
4. Find the Delete SIM Contacts option and follow the hints.

On some devices (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K50) the engineering menu may be blocked, in which case use an alternative code:

##83781##

⚠️ Warning: The engineering menu provides access to the phone's service functions. Do not change the settings unless you are sure of their purpose - this may disrupt the network or SIM-map.

Method 5: Remove via computer (for SIM s USB-adapter)

If you have USB-SIM adapter (stands) ~300-500 rubles, you can connect SIM-A card to a computer and manage contacts through specialized programs, which is relevant for old cards or for mass cleaning.

Required SO:

• 🖥️ SIM Card Data Recovery (for backup).
• 🗑️ SIM Card Editor (for editing and deletion).
• 🔍 PhoneBook Viewer (view contacts in.vcf format).

Algorithm:

1. Extract. SIM-card from the phone and insert into the adapter.
2. Connect the adapter to the PC via USB.
3. Open a program (such as SIM Card Editor) and select your card.
4. Mark unnecessary contacts and press Delete.
5. Save the changes and retrieve the map.

The advantage of this method is that it can work with a card without a phone, but adapters do not always correctly read data from modern nano-SIM or eSIM.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing contacts with SIM-Xiaomi cards are often the most common problems that users face. Let's look at the most common and how to solve them:

• 🔐 SIM-card blocked by PIN code: before working with contacts, unlock the card in the settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM).
• 📵 Contacts are not displayed: check if the display is enabled SIM-Contacts in the settings of the “Contacts” application (Settings) → Display contacts → SIM-map).
• 🔄 Once deleted, contacts return: this is due to sync with Mi Account or Google. disable autosynchronization before cleaning.
• 📱 No Management option SIM-Contacts: Update the Contacts app via Play Market or Mi App Store.

Another common mistake is trying to delete contacts through the file manager. SIM-The card doesn’t appear as a removable drive in Explorer or Files by Google, so this won’t work.

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Before any manipulations with SIM-Disable sync in your Google and Mi accounts with contacts, this will prevent automatic recovery of deleted numbers.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions