The transition to a new smartphone is always accompanied by a desire to quickly customize the device for yourself, and the first thing any user wants to keep his phone book. MIUI, This process can seem confusing because of aggressive storage optimization. Unlike older push-button phones, modern Android smartphones don't always automatically suggest copying records when you first install them. SIM-map.
However, the transfer of contacts is a critical procedure, as storing numbers directly on the SIM card plastic carries the risk of data loss if the chip is damaged. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for importing the phone book, focusing on the regular MIUI tools and the capabilities of cloud synchronization.
It should be noted that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the installed firmware (Global, China or EEA).However, the logic of the system applications Contacts and Phone remains the same throughout the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Preparation of SIM-card and compatibility check
Before you start actively copying, you need to make sure that the storage medium is physically healthy. Old SIM cards, especially those that have been in use for many years, can have damaged file structure of memory. If you just removed the card from an old device, carefully examine it for scratches and contamination.
It's important to understand the limitations of the chip itself. SIM-The card is often limited to 250 records, and the storage format is primitiv: usually it is only a name and one number. Long names can be cropped, and additional numbers (mobile, work, home) for one contact will not be saved.
⚠️ Note: If the SIM card is very old (released more than 10 years ago), it may not display correctly in the Xiaomi Mi 9 slot. In this case, it is better to first transfer the data to an intermediate smartphone with support for old standards, and from there export to the file.
To get started, insert the SIM card into the appropriate slot of your Xiaomi Mi 9. Make sure the device has identified the network and sees the card. PIN-Once you load the desktop, you can go to the software part of the process.
Check if the SIM card itself is full of memory, and sometimes the copying process is interrupted because of the "junk" records from previous operators or failed attempts to save the memory, and cleaning up the excess before the procedure is a good tone.
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Before you start the transfer, make sure that the Xiaomi Mi 9 battery is at least 30% to avoid suddenly turning off at a critical time of data recording.
Import through the system application Contacts
The most direct and reliable way that does not require an Internet connection or installing third-party software is to use the built-in functionality of the MIUI shell. The Contacts app in Xiaomi has deep integration with system services, which allows you to import even without an active SIM card in another slot, if the data is already read.
To start the procedure, open a standard caller or a separate Contacts app (a green icon with a human silhouette). In the upper right corner of the screen, you will see a menu icon represented by three dots or horizontal bars.
In the list that opens, you need to find Settings or Import/Export Contacts. The path may vary, but the point is the same: we need to find the import function. In some versions of MIUI, this item is placed in a separate submenu Contact Management.
- 📱 Click on Import with item SIM-maps in the settings menu.
- 📂 The system will offer you to choose the destination: phone memory, Google account or Mi Account.
- ✅ Confirm the action by selecting the right contacts or option "Select all".
- ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed, which usually takes a few seconds.
Once the operation is complete, the system will give you a notification of successful copying, and now your numbers are stored in the device's internal memory, which means they are protected from loss when you replace the SIM card, but require regular backups.
Use Google Contacts for Synchronization
The most modern and secure method is to link the phone book to a Google account. Unlike storage on a SIM card or locally on the phone, the cloud service guarantees the safety of data even if the Xiaomi Mi 9 device is completely lost or stolen.
To use this method, make sure that your phone has added a Google account. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync. If you don't have an account, add it by entering your username and password. Then search the Google service in the list and make sure that the slider opposite the Contacts item is activated.
However, if contacts are already on the SIM card, they must first be imported into the phone (as described in the previous section) and then moved to the cloud. Open the Contacts app, highlight all records, select the option to Move or Copy, and specify your Google account as targeted storage.
| Parameter | SIM-map | Phone memory | Google Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 250 records. | Thousands of records | No restrictions. |
| Supplementary fields | Name and number only | Photo, email, address | Photo, email, address, notes |
| Risk of loss | High (physical wear and tear) | Medium (phone breakdown) | Minimum (cloud) |
| Synchronization | No. | Only on the device. | Automatically on all devices |
Using cloud technology allows you to instantly restore the number book on any new device, just enter your account information, and this is especially true for owners of the Android ecosystem, who often change gadgets.
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Synchronizing with Google is the only way to guarantee 100% data security in the event of physical loss of a smartphone.
Application of Mi Mover application for migration
Xiaomi has developed its own utility, Mi Mover, which is designed to quickly migrate data from your old smartphone to your new one, including models from other manufacturers. This app is especially useful if you are switching from another Android device or even an iPhone.
Run the Mi Mover app on your Xiaomi Mi 9. It is usually pre-installed in the Tools folder. If the app is not available, you can download it from the GetApps store or official website. Select the Recipient device role.
On your old phone, also run Mi Mover (or scan it). QR-code that will appear on the screen of the new phone if the device is not based on the MIUI). Once you connect your devices to Wi-Fi Direct, select the Contact Data Category. The system automatically counts the records, including those on the old device's SIM card, if they are displayed in the phone book.
- 🔄 Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network or use an access point.
- 📲 Scan it. QR-code.
- 📋 Select the “Contacts” data type and click “Send".
- 📥 Wait for confirmation of successful transfer on the new device.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to transfer not only numbers, but also call history, SMS, photos and installed applications, which makes Mi Mover a versatile tool for initial configuration.
⚠️ Note: When transferring large amounts of data via Mi Mover, do not lock your smartphone screens and keep them close to each other so as not to interrupt the Wi-Fi connection.
Work with Export and Import Files (VCF)
For advanced users or when standard methods don’t work, there is a universal.vcf (vCard) file format supported by almost all operating systems and email clients, making it ideal for backups.
You can create an export file on an old device by saving all contacts to your phone or phone. SD-This file can then be transferred to the Xiaomi Mi 9 via Bluetooth, USB-If you want to import data, just open a file on a new phone, and the system automatically prompts you to add the numbers you find to your phone book.
The path to the export file is usually: Internal memory → Contacts → contacts.vcfThe good thing about this method is that you can store a file on your computer or send it to your email as an archive. Even if the phone fails completely, you will still have the file. In MIUI, import is done via the contact menu: Settings → Import / Export → Import from storage.
What happens if the VCF file is not opened?
Solving problems and errors when copying
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users of Xiaomi Mi 9 can encounter a number of common errors. Often the problem lies in the format of encoding names. If after transferring the Russian letters you see incomprehensible characters or question marks, then the SIM card uses an old encoding that is incompatible with the current version of Android.
In this case, it is recommended to use intermediate copying through Google Contacts. the web version of the service (contacts.google.com) allows you to edit names and correct encoding before syncing with the phone.
Make sure that the Contacts and Phone apps have all the permissions they need. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find what you want and check the Permissions section. Contact, phone and memory access points should be activated.
- ❌ Memory is overflowing: Clear the contact app cache.
- 🔒 Access Error: Check the permissions in the security settings MIUI.
- 📉 Slow operation: Close background applications before importing.
If neither method works, the SIM card itself may be physically damaged. Try inserting it into another phone. If the contacts are not readable, contact your carrier's salon to replace the SIM card with a number.