How to format SIM-Map on Xiaomi phone: detailed guide with warnings

Formatting SIM-Xiaomi cards are a procedure that users do less often than factory-fabricated resets, but sometimes it becomes necessary, such as if the card is no longer identified, or if it makes errors when making calls or not saving contacts. Unlike a complete reset device, formatting SIM It only affects the data on the chip: saved data is deleted. SMS, Contacts and operator settings, but does not affect files in the phone’s memory.

It is important to understand that formatting ≠ unlock PUK-If yours is yours. SIM blocked after incorrect input PIN, It needs to be unlocked through code. PUK (It's given out by the operator, not formatted. Also, don't confuse this with zeroing the network settings, which resets the connection settings (APN, access points, but does not affect the data on SIM.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 When you really need to format SIM-map (and when it is useless)
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for MIUI 14/15 old versions
• ⚠️ Risks and how to avoid losing important data
• 🛠️ What to do after formatting SIM doesn't work

When to format SIM-map

Formatting is a last resort, and 80 percent of the time, it's easier to solve the problem, and here are the real reasons why you should do it:

• 📱 Mistake"SIM-card is damaged" or "Put in SIM" with a physically fit chip (check the card on another phone).
• 📞 No contact is maintained on SIM, Although the memory is not full (usually relevant for older 64KB cards).
• 🔄 Failures when calling: cliffs, inability to dial a number, although the network catches.
• 🔒 Data conflict after transfer SIM from another phone (for example, the old operator settings interfere with the work of the operator).

When formatting doesn’t help:

• ❌ SIM physically damaged (scratched, bent, oxidized contacts).
• ❌ The phone doesn't see any of them. SIM-maps (problem in Xiaomi’s slot or antenna).
• ❌ Mistake"SIM locked" (needed PUK-operator).

If your situation doesn't make the first list, try first to reboot your phone, update your APN settings (manually or via SMS from the operator) or clean up your SIM contacts from garbage.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Save in Advance

After formatting SIM-maps all contacts and SMS, And the ones that are saved to it will be permanently removed, and even the service centers will not be able to restore them:

1. Export contacts with SIM on the phone or in the cloud: 📲 Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Exports with SIM. 🖥️ Or connect your phone to your PC and copy your contacts via Mi. PC Suite.

Save important SMS messages

• 📄 Use applications like this. SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).
• 📧 Send critical messages to your mail or messenger.
• Write down the settings. APN (If they have been changed manually: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN) Take a picture of the screen with the parameters or copy them in a notebook.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3) virtual formatting SIM It is done through an operator menu or a special application (for example, MTS Connect), and the self-deletion of the eSIM profile will lead to its deactivation!

What to do after formatting SIM-map

After successful formatting:

1. Reboot your phone, and it will help the system re-initialize the SIM correctly.
2. Update the settings APN: 📶 Automatically: send USSD-operator command, for example, *111*367# for MTS). 🖥️ Manual: enter the parameters from the previously saved copy (see section "Preparation").

Import contacts back

Contacts → Contact Management → Import / Export → Import on SIM

Check balance and services

• 💰 Dial *100# or a similar command from your operator.
• 📞 Make sure that calls are active, SMS internet.

If the SIM is not determined after formatting:

• 🔄 Remove and re-insert the card (turning off the phone).
• 🔧 Check if your contacts are contaminated. SIM or slot (dry with alcohol).
• 📱 Update your phone: sometimes bugs MIUI hinder SIM.
• 📡 Switch the network mode to Only 4G/3G (mobile network settings).

💡

If the Internet disappeared after formatting, but the calls work, most likely the settings were reset. APN. Do not enter them manually – request automatic settings through USSD-Operator command (for example *505# for Beeline).

Errors in SIM formatting and their solutions

The process may not go according to plan. Let's look at the problems and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, it could be the hardware of the phone that's the problem, like the Redmi Note 10 and the other two. POCO X3 defective SIM-In this case, only repairs at the service center will help.

💡

If SIM-card over 5 years old, formatting it may not solve the problem due to physical wear of the chip. SIM Operator (usually free of charge).

Alternatives to Formatting: What to Try First

Before erasing all data from the SIM, try more gentle methods:

• 🔄 Rebooting the phone solves 30% of the problem with the definition SIM.
• 📶 Manual network selection: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Choice of network → Manual scanning Sometimes the network "sticks" on the wrong tower.
• 🔧 Resetting network settings (does not affect data on the network) SIM): Settings → System and device → Resetting settings → Resetting mobile network settings
• 📱 Update of the firmware - in new versions MIUI Correcting the work bugs with SIM.
• 🔌 Clearing contacts SIM from rubbish through SIM Toolkit (if available).

If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version or wait for a patch. For example, MIUI 14.0.3 had a bug that identified the second SIM on some POCO models, which was fixed in 14.0.5.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SIM formatting on Xiaomi