Mobile device change is often a cause for concern for users who are worried about the safety of important data. Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note Pro owners are no exception, especially when you need to quickly transfer the accumulated phone book. Fortunately, the MIUI operating system provides built-in and reliable tools for migrating data without the use of third-party applications.
Process of importing numbers from SIM-The card takes only a few minutes and does not require a computer or Internet connection, but to avoid loss of information or duplication of records, it is important to follow a certain sequence of actions. In this guide, we will detail how to safely transfer all your contacts to a new smartphone.
Before you start, make sure that the SIM card is physically inserted into the device slot and is defined by the system. If you just unpacked the Redmi 9 Note Pro, first complete the initial setup and log in to your Google or Mi Account. This will create a backup where we will store the numbers.
Preparation of the device for data import
The first step is to check the status of the SIM card, and the system must read the chip correctly to access the records stored in its memory, usually when it is first installed. SIM-Xiaomi Maps Appears with a Pop-up Notice Offering to Import Contacts.
If you do not automatically request, you need to manually check for numbers. To do this, open the standard Contacts application, which is part of the MIUI system interface. In the upper right corner or in the settings menu (three dots or gear), look for the item associated with contact management.
It is important to understand the difference between storage. SIM-The card has a limited amount of memory and often trims long names, so the ultimate goal of the transfer is cloud storage or internal smartphone memory.
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Before importing, make sure that the contacts with the SIM-Maps, not a blank list from Google’s cloud.
Make sure the device is on and not in power-saving mode, which can limit background processes, although the procedure is fast, stable, and ensures that there are no errors when reading data from the chip.
Step-by-step instructions for import through the Contacts app
The main method of data transfer is through the native phonebook application. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. Follow the algorithm to avoid confusion.
☑️ Pre-import checks
Open the Contacts app and find the menu button, often marked with three horizontal bars or dots. From the drop-down list, select the Import/Export contact option. The system will request confirmation of action.
Press Import with SIM-You'll then be asked to choose your target storage, and for maximum security, choose a Google account (Gmail) rather than a Phone or a Device, which will allow you to restore numbers even if your smartphone is completely broken in the future.
Once you select the destination folder, the system will show you a list of numbers you found, you can select individual records, or you can click Select All for mass copy, and you can confirm the action, and the process will go automatically.
- 📲 Open the Contacts app on the main screen.
- ⚙️ Click on the settings menu or three dots in the corner.
- 📥 Select the item Import with SIM-map.
- ☁️ Specify your Google account as a place of preservation.
The copy time depends on the number of records, usually it takes 10 seconds to 2 minutes, and don't force the application to close during the operation.
Alternative method through system settings
If the standard application is not working properly or the interface is changed, you can use the system settings of Xiaomi, which is a deeper method that allows you to manage contacts at the level of the entire operating system.
Go to the Settings menu and find the Apps section, where you select Application Management and find the Contact system component in the list, sometimes hidden, so turn on the system process display.
What happens if the importation point is inactive?
Inside the application settings, find a data storage partition or direct access to contacts. There may also be an import function. However, most often the system path leads to the same interface as the first method, simply opening it through a different input.
Using system settings is useful if you need to clear the app cache before importing to avoid hanging. To do this, click Clear -> Clear cache, but do not delete data so as not to lose already saved numbers.
Remember that different versions of MIUI (Global, China, EU) may have different menu locations, so if you don’t find a item in one place, look for it in the adjacent privacy settings or accounts.
Removal of duplicates after transfer
A common problem with data migration is the appearance of duplicates, which occurs if the same number is stored on both SIM and phone memory, or if you have previously synchronized some contacts.
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note Pro has a built-in tool to solve this problem. In the Contacts app, go to the settings and find the "Merge Repetitive Contacts" item. The system will automatically analyze the database.
The algorithm will offer you options for merging: you can combine all the duplicates found automatically or view them one by one, and manual control is recommended so that you do not accidentally combine different people with the same names (for example, two "Alexanders").
- 🔍 Go to the settings of the Contacts application.
- 🧹 Select the function to combine repetitive.
- ✅ Confirm the merger of records with the same numbers.
Once the procedure is complete, the phone book will be clean and structured, which is especially important for the correct operation of the number detector and messengers such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
Comparison of methods of storage of contacts
The choice of location of the contacts affects the usability and security, and below is a table comparing the main storage options on Xiaomi devices.
| Parameter | SIM-map | Phone memory | Google account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory capacity | Limited (usually 250) | Depends on the smartphone. | Almost unlimited. |
| Photo preservation | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Synchronization | Absent. | Only on this device. | Automatic on all devices |
| Security | Low (physical access) | Medium (depending on password) | High (two-factor protection) |
As you can see from the table, Google Cloud Storage is the most modern and reliable solution, allowing you to instantly restore contacts when you buy a new phone, simply by entering a username and password.
Storage for SIM-The card is considered an outdated method, since the chips do not allow you to save additional fields, such as an email, an address or several numbers for a single contact.
⚠️ Warning: When you store contacts only in the phone memory (locally), when you reset the settings to factory or break the device, all numbers will be irretrievably lost unless a separate backup is made.
Synchronization and backup
After successful import, you need to make sure that sync is enabled. This ensures that your data is not lost. Go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync -> Google.
Make sure the switch opposite the Contact point is active. If it's off, turn it on. The system will immediately start exchanging data with the server, which can be tracked by the update icon.
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Checking your sync status regularly ensures that your phone book is always safe in the cloud.
Xiaomi also offers the Mi Cloud, which you can set up automatically synchronizing your contacts with the Xiaomi cloud, which is convenient if you use the brand’s ecosystem.
To create a local backup (.vcf file), go to Import/Export and select Export in device memory. Save the received file to a safe place or send yourself an email.