Export of contacts with Xiaomi to SIM-Map: Complete Guide 2026

Transfer of contacts with Xiaomi to SIM-Maps are a task that may seem trivial, but in practice, they raise questions even among power users. Unlike backing up to the cloud or syncing with Google, exporting to the Internet is a challenge. SIM It has its own nuances: memory limitations, support only basic data (name) + number) and dependency on version MIUI. This guide will help you understand all the details of the process, avoid typical errors and save important numbers even when changing the device.

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) support the export of contacts to the market. SIM, But the algorithm of actions may vary depending on the firmware version. MIUI 14 The path to settings has changed compared to MIUI 12, and some operators (e.g, Tele2 or Yota is used SIM-We'll look at the universal methods that are applicable to all models, and we'll also look at what to do if the phone doesn't see the contacts on the phone. SIM export.

Why is SIM exporting relevant in 2026?

In the era of cloud services, moving contacts to SIM-The map may seem an anachronism, but there are situations where this method remains the only reliable solution:

• 🔄 Change your device without internet access: If you buy a new phone on a trip or in a place with poor coverage, SIM-The card will be a temporary storage of contacts.
• 🛡️ Backup for “emergency” cases: when the phone breaks or resets to factory settings, contacts on the phone are not available. SIM will remain available on any other device.
• 📵 Devices without Google services: on some corporate phones or Chinese models without Google services GMS (For example, Xiaomi for the Russian market, synchronization with Google is not available.
• 💳 Operator restrictions: some mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block access to cloud services in roaming, leaving only the most expensive ones. SIM data-transfer.

It is important to understand that SIM-The card stores contacts in vCard 2.1 format and supports only the basic fields: name, phone number and, less commonly, email. Photos, birthdays, addresses and notes will be lost when exported. If you need to keep the full information, consider alternative methods (cloud, export to.vcf file).

Preparation for export: checking SIM-card and contacts

Before starting the procedure, make sure that your SIM-The card supports the storage of contacts. Old cards (mini-SIM format) have a memory limit of 250 records, and modern Nano-SIM - up to 500:

1. Check the vacant space on SIM: ##4636## → Phone information → Status SIM-Maps (on some Xiaomi models, this code may not work – use the Sim Toolkit app from your carrier).
2. Remove duplicate contacts: go to Contacts → Management → Combine and fix.
3. Turn off sync with Google/Mi Account to avoid conflicts: Settings → Accounts and syncs → Turn off automatic sync

⚠️ Note: If you are using a double SIM-map to Xiaomi, export contacts is possible only on the main SIM (slot 1). Second. SIM (slot 2 does not normally support data recording.

Step-by-step: export of contacts to SIM into MIUI

The algorithm of actions depends on the firmware version, and the following are the instructions for MIUI 12/13/14, which are relevant for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models:

Method 1: Through the standard "Contact" application

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Select Export on Export SIM-map.
5. Check the contacts you want to transfer (or click Select All).
6. Click Export and wait for the process to be completed (can take up to 2 minutes with a large number of contacts).

Method 2: Through phone settings (for MIUI 14)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
2. Choose Contact Export.
3. Specify target. SIM-card (if two of them).
4. Confirm the export and wait for notification of successful completion.

After export, it is recommended to restart the phone so that the changes take effect. SIM-Card to another phone and open the contact list.

Mistakes in export and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, Xiaomi users may encounter problems, and consider the most common errors and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after exporting the contact SIM They're displayed in characters, which means that the phone has stored them in the wrong encoding. Solution: before exporting, change the language of the system to English, do the procedure again, then return Russian.

Alternative methods of transferring contacts

If exporting to SIM is not possible for some reason, consider alternative methods. They are more versatile and store full contact information:

• ☁️ Export to.vcf file: Contacts → Management → Export to file → You can copy the file to your computer or send it by email. Supports photos, addresses and additional fields.
• 🤖 Sync with Google Account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contacts will be available on any device after you log in to the same account.
• 📱 Portability apps: Mi Mover (from Xiaomi), Clone Phone (from Huawei) or Smart Switch (from Samsung) allow you to transfer contacts over Wi-Fi or cable.
• 💾 Backup via Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup → Contacts Requires registration in Xiaomi ecosystem, but securely stores all data.

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If you change phones frequently, set up automatic sync with your contacts with Google or Mi Cloud. This eliminates the need for manual export. To do this, go to Settings → Accounts → Autosynchronize data and turn on the option.

How to import SIM contacts back to Xiaomi?

If you need to move your contacts to SIM-Maps for the new Xiaomi phone, follow the following steps:

1. Put it in. SIM-phone-card.
2. Open the Contacts app.
3. Press three points (⋮) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM-map.
4. Select contacts for import (or click Select All).
5. Specify where to save contacts: on the device or in the account Google/Mi.
6. Confirm the import and wait until it is completed.

Important: When importing, SIM contacts can be duplicated with those already in the phone. To avoid chaos, export current contacts to a.vcf file before importing, or remove duplicates through Contacts → Manage → Combine and Fix.

Security and backup tips

Exporting contacts to SIM is good, but not enough for a reliable reservation, and follow these guidelines to never lose important numbers:

• 🔐 Keep backup copies in three places: SIM-map + cloud (Google/Mi Cloud) +.vcf file on the computer.
• 📅 Update your backups once a month, especially if you add new contacts frequently.
• 🛡️ Encrypt your contact files: Before sending.vcf via email, archive it with a password (for example, through a password). 7-Zip WinRAR).
• 📱 Check data integrity: After export/import, open a few random contacts to make sure the information is saved correctly.

⚠️ Note: Do not keep a single copy of your contacts on the SIM-The map! SIM limited service life (about 5-7 years) and if the card is physically damaged, the data will be lost without recovery.

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Exporting to SIM is suitable for temporary storage or changing phones, but does not replace full backup. For long-term storage, use cloud services or local files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about exporting contacts to Xiaomi