Export SIM Contacts
February 9, 2020
The Contacts Mentor
The process of exporting SIM contacts is different now than it used to be. When there were fewer storage options, apps and cloud servers, getting information onto and off of your SIM was a fairly inflexible process. What we mean is that you could only copy data to the SIM, remove the SIM from your device, put it in another mobile and import the data.
In practice, there’s nothing wrong with that. When you simply want to move contacts from one device to another, SIM-to-SIM transfers are fine. However, in an age where flexibility is important, the SIM method may not always be ideal. For example, what if you’re switching from an iPhone to an Android? Alternatively, what if you want the ability to move contacts to multiple devices at once?
Put simply, there are situations where exporting SIM via the old method just isn’t sufficient. Fortunately, there are options out there, regardless of the reasons why you want to switch things up.
Why Export SIM contacts?
There are many reasons you’ll want to transfer your phone contacts. In fact, there will be times when you don’t want to transfer them, but you want a system in place just to keep you safe. Some of the main reasons to move contacts are:
- Your phone has been lost or stolen.
- Your phone has been damaged.
- You’ve temporarily lost access to your phone.
- You want to use two devices but keep the same contact list.
- Your device doesn’t allow you to copy contacts to a SIM card.
- You want a secure place to store your contacts in case of a problem/emergency.
Whatever reasons you have for moving your address book, there are ways and means to do it.
How to Export SIM Contacts the Old Way
Before we show you how to export SIM contacts using an internal storage method (i.e. your SIM card), it’s important to note that modern Apple devices such as the iPhone X don’t have this functionality. It used to be true that iPhone owners could save data to their SIM cards. However, as the devices have evolved, this function is no longer available.
If you own a new iPhone, you’ll be given the option to import/export contacts using iCloud, Gmail or Yahoo. However, for Android owners, there are still some internal options. Indeed, if you follow the steps below, you’ll be able to export SIM contacts using your SIM or SD card:
- Go into your contacts app.
- Tap the menu option (three dots).
- Select “manage contacts” and choose “import/export” contacts.
- Choose “export” and then select “SIM card” or “SD card”.
The steps shown above are for Samsung users with Android Nougat or above. However, the basic process will be almost identical regardless of the Android smartphone you’re using. The main points you need to note are that you should go from your contacts into the settings menu, choose to either import/export and then select SIM/SD card.
How to Export SIM Contacts the Easy Way
As we’ve said, moving contacts using your SIM (or SD card) is fine if you’re simply moving from one device to a similar one (i.e. Samsung mobile to Samsung mobile). However, problems can quickly arise when you change operating systems or you want to make multiple transfers. In these situations, you need a modern solution.
During our time reviewing the mobile market, we’ve found apps to be the best solution. As long as you find one that’s available on iOS and Android, you can export SIM contacts quickly and easily using a storage point that suits you.
Through our trials, we’ve found Easy Backup to be one of the best contact transfer apps. The main reason we’re hot on this app is because it allows you to cross operating systems. By downloading Easy Backup for iOS and Easy Backup for Android, you’ll be able to import/export to all devices with a few touches.
To show you what we mean, here’s how to use Easy Backup:
- Download Easy Backup for Android and/or iOS.
- Register an account. You can do this by using your email address, Facebook or Google details.
- When prompted, allow Easy Backup to access your contacts. You can do this at any time, but you’ll have to allow permission otherwise it won’t be able to manage your contacts.
- Tap “Backup now” to save your contacts to the app.
- Select “import” or “export” and you’ll be able to import/export contacts via one of the following methods: email, Dropbox or Google Drive.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be able to move your contacts to any device with access to the aforementioned cloud servers. What’s more, you’ll be able to import contacts on any device with the Easy Backup app installed.
Don’t Take Risks with Your Contacts
Your address book is the lifeblood of your mobile. Even if you’re careful and never put your mobile in harm’s way, things can go wrong. A faulty update, a technical glitch or simple slip of the finger could cause your data to disappear. Because of that, you need a way to store and transfer your contacts. Although the SIM method is fine, it’s not the best option anymore. For a comprehensive way to transfer contacts, we’d suggest using an app such as Easy Backup for complete peace of mind.
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