A modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a device for calls, becoming a central hub for digital communication. For owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9, the correct organization of the phone book becomes critical, as data loss or confusion in numbers can lead to serious inconveniences in everyday life. Basic configuration of contacts is the first step to be taken after unpacking the device or updating the firmware.
The MIUI operating system installed on Redmi 9 offers flexible subscriber list management tools that are often underrated by users. Unlike standard solutions, it offers advanced sorting, spam blocking and cloud integration features. Understanding the way the address book works will help you avoid losing numbers when changing your phone or accidentally resetting your settings.
In this article, we will take a look at all aspects of contact management, from initial import to fine-tuning the display of names. You will learn how to effectively manage duplicates and where the default data is stored. The competent organization of this part of the system ensures not only order, but also the security of your personal data.
Import of contacts with SIM-maps and other devices
The first thing that a user of the new Redmi 9 faces is the need to transfer an existing phone book from an old device or phone book. SIM-Importation process in the shell MIUI 12 and above is optimized to minimize user action. You do not need to use third-party applications, since the built-in functionality fully covers the basic needs.
To get started, you need to open the standard Contacts or Phone app and go to the settings menu, which is usually hidden under a three-dot button or a gear in the corner of the screen, and here is the Import/Export Contacts section, which is the main data migration tool, and the system automatically prompts you to select a source, whether it's an old phone's memory via Bluetooth or.vcf files.
☑️ Pre-import checks
When transferring SIM-It is important to consider the technical limitations of the carrier. Old SIMs often have a limit on the length of the name and the number of characters in the number, which can lead to data cropping.
⚠️ Note: When importing with SIM-Contact cards are often stored in the phone's memory by default. Make sure the correct storage is selected so that data is not lost when the SIM is retrieved.
If you are switching from another Android smartphone, the most efficient way is to use a Google account. However, if you do not have that option, create a backup file on your old device and transfer it to Redmi 9 in any convenient way. After transferring the file, just click on it in the file manager and the system will suggest importing all the records.
Syncing with your Google account
Synchronization with Google servers is the foundation of data security on any Android device. For owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 is the only guaranteed way to save the phone book in case of loss, theft or complete breakdown of a gadget. Local storage on a device always carries risks that are excluded when using the cloud.
To activate this feature, go to Settings on the smartphone’s main menu. Find Accounts and Sync (sometimes it may just be called “Accounts”). In the list, select your Google account; if there are more than one, make sure that the one that is the main one is selected.
- 📱 Click on the account name to log in to sync details.
- 🔄 Find the Contacts item in the list and make sure the switch is active (blue or green).
- ☁️ Check the status of the last synchronization – it should be indicated “just” or time is not older than a few minutes.
It's important to understand the difference between local copying and cloud sync. When you create a new contact on Redmi 9, the system may ask where to save it «SIM-This will automatically show up the number on the tablet, laptop or new smartphone immediately after connecting to the Internet.
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Use the Google Contacts app to fine-tune spam filtering and duplicates as it updates regardless of the MIUI version.
In some cases, sync can freeze. If you notice that new numbers are not appearing on other devices, try changing your account password or re-authorizing in the settings menu. It is also worth checking for updates for the system components of Google Play Services, as they are responsible for the correct exchange of data.
Managing duplicates and combining records
A common problem when changing phones or actively working with messengers is the appearance of duplicates in the phone book. The same person can be recorded with you three times: once with a phone book. SIM-Maps: second time from Google import and third time automatically added Viber or Telegram. MIUI Offers a built-in tool to solve this problem without the need to install third-party software.
To start cleaning, open the Contacts app and tap the settings menu. Select Contact Management (or Contact Management). The system will suggest finding and combining duplicates. The algorithm analyzes phone numbers and names, suggesting that records that appear identical to it be combined.
| Type of duplicate | Cause of the occurrence | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Full duplicate | Re-import with SIM | Automatic integration |
| Different names, same number. | Manual typos | Manual recording merger |
| One contact, different numbers. | Mobile and working are saved | Adding a number to an existing card |
The Redmi 9 combines in semi-automatic mode, and the smartphone will pick out groups of similar contacts and suggest that they be combined, and you just have to confirm the action, which is especially useful when one person has different variations of the name, for example, "Alexei" and "Lesha", but the phone numbers are the same.
⚠️ Attention: Before mass merger of contacts it is strongly recommended to make backup of the phone book in.vcf format. Cancel mass merger can be extremely difficult.
If the automatic search doesn't find all the duplicates, you can use manual sorting. Contacts often has a function to display only duplicate contacts, which allows you to quickly go through the list and manually delete the extra entries, leaving only the current information with the full data.
Sorting and displaying the contact list
The comfort of using a smartphone depends on how convenient the display of information on the screen is. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners can flexibly adjust the order of displaying names in the phone book, this is especially true for users who are accustomed to different naming standards – by name or last name.
Go to the Contacts app settings and find the List Display or Settings section, and there are two main options available here: the order of sorting and the format of the displayed name. You can choose to sort by name (A-Y) or surname (Y-A).
You can also set up which contacts are displayed in the list in this section, if you use multiple accounts (for example, personal and work), you can hide contacts from the corporate ledger or, conversely, leave them alone.
Another useful feature is font size adjustment. On a 6.53-inch Redmi 9 screen, this may not be as critical, but for people with visual impairments, increasing the font in the phone book makes it much easier to find the right number. The changes apply instantly and do not require rebooting the device.
Also, don't forget ring themes. MIUI allows you to assign unique tunes and pictures to groups of contacts or individuals. When you get a call from an important customer or close relative, you'll see their photo on the full screen, even if the phone is on the screen up (Always On Display, if supported by the theme).
Blocking Unwanted Numbers and Spam Control
The problem of intrusive calls and SMS-Spam is relevant for all mobile users. Xiaomi Redmi 9 for protection against unwanted communication is a built-in notebook that is integrated directly into the system. This is a more efficient solution than installing separate number-defining applications, which often require extra permissions.
To set up the blocker, open the Security app (green zipper icon) that is preinstalled on all Xiaomi devices. Scroll down to Antispam or Block. Here you can activate Smart Lock, which automatically identifies and sifts out known telemarketing agency numbers.
- 🚫 Add a specific number to the blacklist manually through your call history.
- 🔒 Set up a hidden number lock if you don’t get calls from people hiding their numbers. ID.
- 📵 Activate Do Not Disturb mode for certain hours so your phone won’t ring at night.
One of the key features is the ability to block keywords. If you often receive spam messages with a certain text (for example, “Credit” or “Winning”), you can add these words to the filter.
Where can I find a blocked call log?
It is important to check the list of blocked persons periodically so that important numbers (for example, from couriers or doctors) are not accidentally included in the list. MIUI can sometimes be too aggressive in filtering, especially if spammer databases are updated. Regular log checks will help adjust the settings to your personal needs.
Backup and recovery of data
Even with Google sync, local backup on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a useful additional protection measure, which allows you to save not only numbers, but also call history, SMS-Messages and call settings that Google’s standard sync doesn’t always fully.
To create a full copy, go to Settings -> About Phone -> Backup and Restore. Select Mobile Device. The system will prompt you to back up your data, including contacts. You can choose what to save and set a password to protect the backup file from prying eyes.
Backup files are stored in the phone's memory. It's critical to understand that if the phone is lost or physically destroyed, that file will go away with it. backup_all_... on a computer or in cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
⚠️ Note: When you restore contacts from a local backup, all current records may be overwritten or duplicated. Always make an up-to-date backup before the recovery procedure!
Data recovery occurs in the same menu where the copy was created. Select the file you want, enter the password (if it was installed) and start the process. Redmi 9 automatically imports the numbers into the phone book. After that, it is recommended to check the list for duplicates, as the system may not combine the restored records with existing ones.
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The combined approach (Google Sync + local backup on PC) ensures maximum data security, eliminating the risk of losing the phone book in any situation.