Switching to a new smartphone like the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is always accompanied by a desire to get started quickly with the device without spending hours restoring personal data. The most valuable asset for most users is the phone book, and losing even one important number can be a major problem. MIUI It offers several reliable ways to migrate data, including direct import from the physical SIM-map.
The process of transferring records does not require complex technical knowledge or connection to a computer. All the necessary tools are already built into the standard Contacts app or system settings of your gadget. However, despite the simplicity of the procedure, there are nuances that it is important for owners of budget models to consider to avoid duplication of records or loss of information in the event of an accidental reset.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at each step needed to safely and fully transfer your phone book.We will look at both the classic copying method and more modern cloud solutions that will ensure data security in the future. The maximum number of characters in a contact name when importing with a SIM is often limited to 20-30 characters, so long names can be cropped.
Preparation of SIM-card and compatibility check
Before you start active actions in the menu of the smartphone, you need to make sure that the physical health of the media. Old SIM cards, especially those that have been used for more than 5-7 years, can have damage to the contact platform or memory with a limited rewrite cycle. Visually inspect the chip for deep scratches or oxidation, as this can lead to read errors during the import procedure.
It is also important to understand the limitations of the security chip itself. SIM-The card is not a full-fledged drive, but a specialized module with a very small amount of memory, designed primarily for identification in the operator’s network. It usually holds between 200 and 500 records, and each record has strict limits on the length of the Name field and the number of numbers saved per name.
If you plan to carry data from a card that was used in a push-button phone or a very old smartphone, check the encoding of names.Sometimes question marks or cracosabras may be displayed instead of Cyrillic letters, which will require additional manual editing after import.Make sure the card sits tightly in the Redmi 9 tray, as poor contact can interrupt the reading process at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out SIM-Discontinuing reading can damage the file system of the card and lose part of the records without the possibility of recovery.
For owners of dual-sim devices, it is important to decide in advance which slot will be copied from. Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports the operation of two cards at the same time, and the system must clearly understand the source of data. If there are two SIMs with contacts on the phone, the procedure will have to be repeated twice, choosing the appropriate slot in the settings.
Classic method of import through the Contacts app
The most direct and frequently used way to transfer data is built directly into the call management interface. To start, open the standard Contacts app (a yellow icon with a human silhouette) that is part of the MIUI system. At the bottom of the screen or in the upper corner (depending on the firmware version), find a menu button marked with three dots or horizontal bars.
After opening the menu, select Settings or immediately look for the Import/Export contact option. The system will prompt you to select a data source. SIM-If the device has two SIM cards, an additional window will appear with a suggestion to select. SIM 1 SIM 2.
☑️ Pre-import checks
Then the device will ask for confirmation of the destination, you can save the numbers to the internal memory of the phone, to the Google account or even to another one. SIM-Map (copy function) For maximum reliability and sync with other devices, it is best to choose a Google account, but for quick local transfer, phone memory will also work.
Once you have selected a storage location, the system will show you a list of all the numbers found, you can select specific records, or you can click the Select All button at the top corner, and the final step is to click Import or Copy, and it takes from a few seconds to a minute, depending on the number of records.
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After importing, be sure to check a few random contacts – sometimes the numbers from the SIM card are saved in an international format (+7...), which can cause problems with the operator’s Caller ID determination.
Using Google Accounts to Sync
The current approach to contact management is to avoid storing data solely on a physical medium or in the memory of a single device. Google Account provides unlimited space for the phone book and automatic synchronization, which means that even if you lose your phone or break it, all numbers will remain in the cloud.
To use this method, first make sure that your account is added to the system. → Accounts and synchronization → Make sure the switch opposite Contacts is active if you just imported numbers from the SIM-cards in the memory of the phone, they will automatically pull up to the cloud the next time you sync.
However, there is a more flexible way to manage contacts directly through your browser or third-party apps: You can access contacts.google.com from your computer, select Import and upload if you have a backup in.vcf or.csv. This is especially handy if the SIM card is damaged, but you have an old phone from which to unload the base.
The advantage of using Google Contacts is that it cleverly combines duplicates, so if you have the same number written under different names or from different devices, Google's algorithms will suggest combining them into a single card, which helps keep the phonebook in order, which is critical when you switch to a new device.
Working with VCF backup files
The.vcf (vCard) format is a universal standard for exchanging contact information between different platforms, including Android, iOS and Windows. If direct import from a SIM card is impossible for some reason or you want to create an archived copy before you start work, using vcf files will be the best solution.
To back up your existing contacts (if you already have them on your phone), go to the Contact Management menu and select Export to file.vcf. The system will create a file that can be found in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder or in the root of internal memory. This file can be copied to your computer, sent to your messenger or saved to cloud storage.
The process of recovering from a file is also simple. Once you have copied the.vcf file to Redmi 9, just open it through the file manager. The system automatically recognizes the format and suggests opening it with the Contacts app. You only have to confirm the import, and all the entries will be added to the phone book.
This method is especially useful when switching from iPhones or other Android brands, where direct SIM import may not work properly due to differences in storage structure.
Resolving problems and duplicates
When large amounts of data are transferred, users often experience duplicates, which occurs when the same contact is maintained and the same data is transmitted. SIM-maps, and from cloud reserve, or when the number is written in different formats (e.g., 8900... and +7900...). Xiaomi Redmi 9 has a built-in tool to solve this problem.
Go to the Contacts app, click on the menu (three dots) and select Contact Organization or Contact Management, where you will find the Repeats Combine function, the system will analyze the database and suggest draining cards with the same numbers or names, which will clear the list and make it easy to use.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts are not displayed | Not selected source of display | In the contact menu, click “Filter” and select “All Contacts” |
| Chinese names or question marks | Error of coding during importation | Manually edit or reimport via Google |
| Only one number is retained. | Limit SIM-map | Import parts or use the cloud method |
| The "Memory is filled" error | Lack of space on the SIM | Select a location to store your phone memory or Google |
Another common problem is that contacts don't have photos after importing: SIM cards don't store images, so when you transfer, you'll only get text data and numbers. Photos will have to be added manually or hope they'll pull up from social media if the appropriate feature is enabled in MIUI settings.
⚠️ Warning: If contacts are lost after importing after rebooting, check where they were saved. Sometimes users accidentally choose temporary storage or do not confirm sync with the account.
Additional display and sorting settings
Once the import is successful, it is advisable to adjust the list display for maximum comfort. Xiaomi can choose to sort by name or surname, as well as determine the order of display (Family Name or Surname Name), This is especially true for large phone books, where finding the right subscriber can take time.
Go to the Settings inside the contacts app and find the Contact Display section, where you can turn on the contact only with phone numbers, hiding blank entries that often remain after importing from the SIM card (so-called "dummy" with a name but no number).
Hidden opportunities of the contact list
You should also look at the Smart Dial setting, which allows you to find contacts not only by name, but also by the first letters of the transliteration. For example, if you type "al", you will find "Alexei" and "Alina", make sure that this option is activated for quick search.
Remember to regularly back up your phone book that is already updated.Having an up-to-date.vcf file or syncing with Google will save you from data loss in the event of a device breakdown or loss. SIM-Regularity is the key to the security of your data.
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The ideal storage strategy is a combination: a primary list in Google Account for sync and a periodic local copy in.vcf format on a computer or flash drive.