How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi phone to SIM-map: all ways and life hacks

Transfer of contacts with Xiaomi to SIM-The map seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of an option on the menu to errors in export, POCO and Mi on base MIUI 12/13/14, This includes bypassing the entries limit and working with nano-SIM, and we’ll also find out why some models (e.g. Xiaomi) are not the same as the ones that are used in the game. 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) They may not be able to maintain a direct record of SIM, And what to do about it.

It's important to understand that SIM-based contact storage technology is outdated and manufacturers are gradually abandoning it in favor of cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Contacts), but in 2026 this feature is still in demand — for example, for fast transfer of numbers to a new phone without the Internet or backup. We tested all methods on current firmware and collected unique data on the limitations of MIUI: for example, on nano-SIM from Beeline and MegaFon you can record up to 250 contacts, and on SIM from Tele2 — only 150.

Why you can not have the option “Export on SIM” in Xiaomi

If the menu is Contact → Contact management you do not have the item "Export to" SIM-map, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Outdated firmware MIUI. In the versions below MIUI 10 is hidden for some regions. Update the system through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔌 No physical presence. SIM-Card: The function is not available when using eSIM or if the slot is empty.
• 🛠️ Operator restrictions. SIM (For example, virtual from "Yota" or "Tinkoff Mobile") do not support recording contacts.
• 🔒 Security policy MIUI. On the European market (Xiaomi) EU ROM) The option may be disabled due to GDPR.

To check if your support is SIM-A contact record card, paste it into another phone (such as Samsung or Nokia) and try exporting it to another phone. 1-2 If you can, the problem is Xiaomi's firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with double SIM-A card (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Exports are only possible for the main SIM (slot 1). Second. SIM It is usually only for calls.

Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts menu

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi models with MIUI 11 and newer.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Scroll down and click Import/Export contacts.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
5. Check the necessary contacts (or click Allocate) → Export.
6. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

The process will take 10 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the number of contacts, and the "Export Completed" notification will appear when it is completed.

Free space on SIM-card (minimum 50 KB)

SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (for dual-SIM models)

Contacts are not duplicated (otherwise exports will be interrupted)

Phone not connected to VPN (can block access to SIM)

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If the contacts are not displayed on another phone after export, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📶 Manually update the list of contacts in the menu SIM (Some phones have the option to update in settings SIM).
• 🔧 Replace. SIM In other slots (if the phone supports Hot Swap).

Method 2: Export via phone settings (for MIUI 14)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (for example, on Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), the export option can be moved to the system settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts.
2. Slip it on the vault. → Contact management.
3. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
4. Follow the clues on the screen.

If there is no item, try an alternative path:

Settings → Google → Google Services → Contacts → Contact Management → Export

⚠️ Note: When exported via Google Contacts, numbers will be written in vCard (.vcf) format, rather than directly on the Internet. SIM. To transfer them to SIM, First save the file to your phone, then import it through the Contacts menu. → Import from the device.

Normal SIM (mini/micro)

Nano-SIM

eSIM

Two physical SIMs

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Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don't work, the Sim Contacts Manager app (available on Google Play) will help.

• 📱 Export/import of contacts to SIM operator.
• 🔍 Viewing hidden records on SIM.
• 🗑️ Cleaning up outdated contacts.

Instructions:

1. Install Sim Contacts Manager.
2. Open the app and give access to contacts.
3. Choose Export to SIM.
4. Mark the right contacts → Export.

The advantage of this method is the support of long names (up to 30 characters) and several numbers per contact, which is impossible through the standard Xiaomi menu.

Limitations and problems when transferring contacts to SIM

Even if the export is successful, you may face the following problems:

• 📵 Pruning names: SIM-The cards only support 14 characters in the contact name.
• 📞 Loss of additional fields: Addresses, emails and notes are not portable - only phone numbers.
• 🔢 Number limit: maximum possible to record 250-300 contacts (depending on operator).
• 🔤 Character encoding: Cyrillic can be displayed by Krakozabras on older phones (e.g. Nokia 3310).

To avoid data loss:

1. Before exporting, reserve contacts in Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Use the Latin alphabet in names (e.g., "Ivan Petrov" instead of "Ivan Petrov").
3. Break down large contact lists into 100-150 entries.

💡

If contacts are displayed as “Unknown” after transferring to a new phone, try manually updating the list: go to Contacts → Settings → Display contacts with SIM and turn on the option.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Let’s look at the typical failures and ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative method:

1. Export contacts to.vcf via Contacts → Export to your device.
2. Copy the file to the computer.
3. Open it in Excel or Google Sheets, edit (remove the extra fields).
4. Save as.csv and import through specialized services (e.g. SIM Card Contacts).

💡

On Xiaomi phones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), SIM exports can be blocked due to hardware encryption, in which case only third-party software or manual number entry will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions