SIM-Xiaomi map: how to free up memory and avoid mistakes

You saw a message on the Xiaomi screen «SIM-The card is full, and you don't know what to do, and this problem occurs when the map runs out of contact storage, SMS or MMS. Unlike the internal memory of the smartphone, the volume of the SIM limited - usually 250-500 contact 50-200 You can't ignore the warning, because if you overflow, you won't be able to save new numbers or receive new numbers. SMS (For example, confirmation codes from banks).

In this article, we will understand 7 And we're going to use proven ways to solve this problem, from basic cleaning to transferring data to your smartphone or to the cloud. MIUI (including MIUI 14/15), Xiaomi's menu interface is different from standard Android, and we'll also find out why the bug can appear even on empty devices. SIM, What to do if your smartphone doesn’t see your contacts after cleaning.

Why? SIM-The card is filled in: 3 main reasons

Before you clean your memory, it’s important to understand what’s taking up space on your SIM, and 90 percent of the time it’s your fault:

• 📇 Contacts - especially if you've been saving numbers straight to the card for years, rather than in the phone book of a smartphone. - Old Xiaomi models (like the Redmi) 4A or Mi A1) By default, they were asked to keep the contacts on SIM.
• 💬 SMS and MMS — carriers, by default, store messages on the card unless you configure the transfer to the memory of the phone. SMS (from banks, social media).
• 🔄 Reading errors are less common, but it happens that the smartphone does not correctly read free space (especially on the dual).-SIM Xiaomi models like the Redmi Note 10 pro POCO X3).

Interestingly, on modern smartphones (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12), the problem is less common due to the automatic transfer of data to the Mi Account cloud, but owners of budget models or devices with custom firmware encounter it regularly.

Method 1: Cleaning contacts with SIM-map

The quickest way to free up space is to remove unnecessary contacts directly from the card, which is done via the standard Contacts app on Xiaomi:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to the tab. SIM-map (may be called the map) SIM1 or SIM2, if you have a dual-SIM model).
4. Highlight unnecessary contacts (long-press) or click Remove everything if you want to clear everything.
5. Confirm the action.

Remote contacts cannot be restored unless they are synced with Google or Mi Account. Before clearing, export them to a.vcf file (see Method 3).

Method 2: Transferring SIM contacts to your phone or cloud

To avoid overcrowding, move contacts with SIM-Smartphone memory cards or cloud service. MIUI It's done this way:

1. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Import with SIM-map → Specify where to save (e.g., Device or Google).
3. Confirm the transfer. The contacts are copied to the phone book of the smartphone.

For synchronization with the cloud:

• 🔗 Google Contacts: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronize and enable the contact option.
• 🔗 Mi Account: In the same account settings, select Xiaomi and activate synchronization.

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If the contacts are displayed twice after the transfer (on the SIM and on the phone, open contact → Settings → Display contacts and uncheck the tick with SIM-map.

Method 3: Export and Backup Contacts

Before any manipulations with SIM-Make sure to back up your card. It takes less than a minute on Xiaomi:

1. Launch Contacts → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Export to Device → Mark Contacts with SIM → Click Export.
3. The.vcf file will be saved in internal memory (Download or MIUI folder) and backed up to the cloud or PC.

If you need to restore contacts from backup:

1. In the same menu, select Import from the device.
2. Specify the file.vcf → confirm the import.

Method 4: Cleaning up SMS and MMS s SIM-map

Messages take up less space than contacts, but when they are large, they can also fill in SIMs.

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) → Settings → Additionally.
3. Select Control. SIM-Messages (on some Xiaomi models, this item may be called Warehouse) SMS).
4. Tag unnecessary messages or click Delete Everything.

Attention! Some operators (e.g. MTS or Beeline) store service SMS (e.g. Internet settings) on SIM. Delete only private messages.

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning SMS Confirmation codes have stopped coming, check Message Center settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM-The number of the center may have been lost (usually +79990009999 for Russian operators).

Method 5: Checking for Reading Errors SIM-map

Sometimes a message «SIM-The map is filled in, it appears incorrectly. It may be related to:

• 🛠️ Damage to the card – physical defects or wear (especially if SIM over 5 years old).
• 📶 Firmware failure - after updating MIUI Smartphones can misread data.
• 🔌 Bad contact – oxidation or contamination of the slot SIM.

To check:

1. Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it solves temporary crashes.
2. Try inserting the SIM into another smartphone, and if the error persists, the problem is in the card.
3. Clean the SIM slot contacts with a dry soft brush (do not use alcohol!).
4. Update the firmware: Settings → About the phone → System update.

Method 6: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party utilities, such as:

• 📱 SIM Card Manager – allows you to manage your contacts and SMS on SIM.

Warning: Some apps require root rights, which could violate Xiaomi's warranty.Before using, check reviews on Google Play.

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Standard MIUI tools are usually quite effective, and third-party applications should only be used if standard methods have failed or advanced features (such as mass editing of contacts) are needed.

Method 7: Replacement SIM-new-card

If all of the above methods didn’t work, or your SIM is too old (like the Mini-SIM format), the best way to do this is to replace it with a new one. Modern nano-SIMs are not only smaller, but also have more memory.

How to do this:

1. Contact your operator’s communication room with your passport.
2. Ask to replace the SIM with a new one, keeping the number.
3. After activating the new card, transfer only the necessary contacts to it (via Contacts → Import / Export).

Most carriers (e.g. Tele2, MegaFon) make a replacement for free. Check with the consultant whether the new SIM VoLTE and 5G support – this is relevant for owners of Xiaomi with support for new networks (e.g. Redmi Note 12 5G).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)