Removal of contacts with SIM-Maps on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO and Mi is a task that users face when changing operators, selling phones or cleaning out old numbers, SIM-The card has a limited volume (usually up to 250-500 contacts), and cleaning it requires a special approach. Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to erase the numbers through the Contacts app, but this only deletes them from the phone's memory, leaving the data on the phone. SIM.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods of complete cleaning. SIM-maps: through standard settings MIUI, We will use the engineering menu (for advanced users) and alternative ways for older models, and we will pay special attention to the risks of data loss if you do not do the right thing — for example, if you delete contacts directly through the file manager, this can lead to a failure. SIM-You will also learn how to pre-save backup and avoid typical errors.
Why do contacts remain in place SIM-card after removal by phone
Xiaomi smartphones sync contacts with multiple sources by default:
- 📱 The internal memory of the phone (the main storage in the MIUI)
- ☁️ Account. Google/Mi (cloud-synchronization)
- 📇 SIM-card (physical storage on the operator's chip)
When you delete a contact through the Contacts app, the default system only erases it from internal memory or the cloud. SIM-The map remains intact because MIUI It doesn't have direct access to its file system, and it's done for security, because mobile operators block arbitrary changes to the data. SIM, to prevent fraud (e.g., substitution) IMSI).
Another reason is the protocol's limitations. GSM. SIM-Cards use outdated contact storage standard (ETSI TS 102,221 that does not support mass removal through API. Therefore, cleaning requires workarounds, which we will discuss below.
Method 1: Delete via the Contacts app (official method)
The safest and most recommended way Xiaomi uses is the built-in Contacts app, which is suitable for all models on the market. MIUI 12–14 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 et al. The main advantage is that there is no risk of damage. SIM-The map is controlled by the system.
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
- Go to the Import/Export section → Remove from SIM-map.
- Check all contacts (or select the ones you need) and click Delete.
- Confirm the action by entering PIN-code SIM-Cards (if requested).
⚠️ Note: If the option to Remove C SIM-There is no card, so your Xiaomi model uses a simplified version of the Contacts app.
Backup your contacts in Google or MI Cloud
Check it out. PIN-code SIM-cards (default is often 0000 or 1234)
Make sure that SIM-The card is not blocked by the operator
Close all background applications that work with contacts (WhatsApp, Telegram)-->
Method 2: Cleaning through an engineering menu (for power users)
If the standard method didn’t work, you can use the engineering menu (#4636## or ##INFO##) which is suitable for Xiaomi models on pure Android (e.g. POCO F1 or Mi A3), as well as for devices with root rights. Careful: the wrong actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the network!
Step-by-step:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636## Some models may require code: ##36446337###
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the SIM Card section and find the Delete All Contacts option.
- Click on it and confirm the deletion.
🔹 Note: On some firmware MIUI You can block the engineering menu, and in this case, try using apps like this. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processor devices) or Qualcomm USB Settings (for Snapdragon).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 3: Manual deletion through file manager (root only)
This method is only suitable for users with root rights and experience with system files. It allows you to manually clean the contacts files on the site. SIM-card, but if you do not act correctly, it can lead to loss of communication or locking the card.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/
- Find the siminfo.db file and open it in the text editor.
- Delete all entries in the siminfo table (or the entire file if you want a full cleanup).
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Deleting siminfo.db will not only reset contacts, but also your network settings (APN). After the reboot, you may need to reconfigure the mobile Internet manually!
💡
Before working with root, make a full backup through TWRP or Titanium Backup, which will help restore the system if something goes wrong.
How to save contacts before deleting: 3 reliable ways
Before cleaning. SIM-And you have to back up your contacts, and even if you're planning to delete only a few numbers, a failure in the process can erase all the data:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔄 Exports to VCF | Universal format compatible with any device | Does not keep a history of calls | Open Contacts → Management → Import/Export → Export to Device |
| ☁️ Synchronization with Google | Automatic backup, access from any device | Requires a Google account and the Internet | “Settings” → “Accounts” → “Google” → “Contact Synchronization” |
| 📱 Copying for another SIM | No Internet, suitable for older phones | Slowly, with lots of contact | Use an adapter for two SIMs or an old device |
🔹 Advice: If you are planning to move to a new one SIM-card, use the operator's number transfer service. Many communication salons (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) offer free copying of contacts when changing the card.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When removing contacts with SIM-Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔒 Requested. PIN-code, but it is unknown by default many SIM-card PIN If you have changed it and forgotten it, you can only restore it through the operator (passport is required). PIN At random – after 3 incorrect attempts, the card will be blocked!
- 📵 Contacts are deleted but reappeared after the reboot, which means they are synced from the cloud» → «Accounts» → «Google/Mi» before removal.
- ⚙️ No removal option in the Contacts app Update the app via Google Play or install an alternative dialer (like Truecaller or Drupe).
⚠️ Note: If after deleting contacts, the phone stopped catching the network, check the settings APN. The mobile internet settings may have been reset along with the contacts, and can be restored manually or by requesting automatic settings from the operator (send them to the operator). SMS with the text Internet number 5049 for MTS, 500 for Beeline).
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Before any manipulations with SIM-Always check balance with the card – some operators block the card when the balance is negative, which can interrupt the deletion process.
Alternative methods for older Xiaomi models
If you have a MIUI 9-11 device (such as a Redmi 4X, Mi 5 or POCO F1), the standard methods may not work due to outdated software.
- 📞 Use of the USSD-Some operators support the USSD-For example, you can send a command to MTS: *111*321# (Check the current code with your operator).
- 💻 Connecting to PC with the Mi program PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) can be managed on the SIM-Download it from pcsuite.mi.com.
- 🔄 Transfer to another SIM Put it in. SIM-The card is in an old device (for example, a Nokia button phone), copy the contacts to it, and then delete the original ones.
🔹 For owners of Xiaomi with two SIM-Cards: If you want to clear only one of the cards, go to Settings before deleting» → «SIM-maps and mobile networks" and select the desired slot manually, otherwise the system may suggest clearing contacts from both SIM.