Flagship owners often face unexpected challenges when switching to new models, and the Xiaomi Mi 9 is no exception. One of the common problems that users use services or look for solutions online is the lack of entries from the phone book after installation. SIM-The seemingly simple procedure of replacing a device becomes a puzzle when subscriber numbers disappear from view, which causes panic, especially if hundreds of important business and personal numbers are stored in memory.
The reason lies in the peculiarities of the MIUI shell and modern Android security policy. Unlike older push-button phones, modern smartphones by default do not display records stored directly in the memory of the operator's chip, considering this method obsolete. Google Contacts system and Xiaomi branded call prefer cloud synchronization or internal device memory. However, the ability to access data on the SIM card has not gone anywhere, it is simply hidden in the depth of display settings.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to return access to your numbers. We will look at the regular system tools, the features of working with a Google account and how to import data for their safe storage. Understanding these processes will help not only solve the current problem, but also correctly manage the phone book in the future, avoiding data loss on the next change of gadget.
Why the system is hiding contacts SIM-default-card
Modern versions of the Android operating system, on the basis of which it works MIUI 10 or MIUI 11 on Xiaomi Mi 9, have undergone major changes in the storage architecture.Google developers are gradually abandoning the use of the device. SIM-This is due to the extremely limited memory capacity of the chip, which often does not support long names, adding photos or multiple numbers to a single record. Therefore, the interface defaults to filter sources, showing only those considered "complete".
Another factor is the priority of cloud technology. When you first turn on the Xiaomi Mi 9, the system insists on signing in to a Google account or Mi Account. It's not just a formality. The algorithms are set up to synchronize data with the cloud, ensuring that it's safe even if the device is physically broken or the SIM card is lost. The records on the operator's plastic remain isolated and not involved in this process, making them "invisible" to smart algorithms of sorting and searching.
⚠️ Note: Store of numbers exclusively on SIM-If the chip is damaged or lost, you will lose all data without the possibility of recovery, since backup for this source is often not performed automatically.
Depending on the firmware version and region, a standard application may have a stripped-down display function, the user sees only active sources, and the local SIM card storage requires manual activation in the visibility settings. Without this step, the phone technically "sees" the card, reads its ID, but ignores the contents of the phone book in the general list.
Configure the display of contacts in a standard application
The first and easiest way to fix the problem is to change the filtering settings in the phonebook app itself. Xiaomi Mi 9 owners need to open the standard Contacts app (usually an orange icon with a human silhouette). In the upper right corner of the screen is a menu represented by three dots or horizontal bars.
In the menu that opens, you'll select "Display Settings" or "Contact Filter." Here's the key to solving the problem. You'll see a list of all the sources available: your Google account, your phone's internal memory, and, in fact, the very same thing. SIM-map (it may be indicated as "SIM 1", "SIM 2" or operator name) By default, the tick opposite the SIM card may not be available.
☑️ Verification of visibility settings
Once the tag is installed, the system will instantly update the list, and the missing numbers will appear in the shared feed. If the "SIM" item is not in the list of available sources at all, this may indicate that the phone is not reading the card correctly, in which case you need to check the physical contact: remove the tray, wipe the SIM contacts with soft cloth and insert it again, making sure that the position is correct. Sometimes it helps to reboot the device after re-installing the card.
Import contacts from SIM-cards in the memory of the phone
While mapping the records directly from the card is possible, the most reliable method is to transfer them to the device’s internal memory or to the cloud, making the numbers independent of the physical media. To perform this operation on the Xiaomi Mi 9, again consult the Contacts app and settings menu.
In this menu, you will be asked to choose the direction of data movement. You need to select the item "Import with the data". SIM-The system can request confirmation of the source (if two SIM cards) and destination, and it is strongly recommended that you target your Google account, which will ensure automatic synchronization: If you lose your phone, the numbers will remain in your account and appear on any new device after you log in.
The copying process takes a few seconds. Once completed, the system will suggest removing the copied entries from the SIM card to avoid duplication. By agreeing to delete, you free up space on the chip, but remember that the copy now lives in the cloud. If you choose to copy to the memory of the phone, the data will only be available on this particular Xiaomi device.
⚠️ Note: When importing names may be cropped if they exceed 15-20 This is a technical limitation of the format of data storage on old ones. SIM-cards, not smartphone error.
What to do if the import is frozen?
Working with Google Contacts for Synchronization
An alternative and often more efficient way to manage a phone book on the Xiaomi Mi 9 is to use a native Google app that is pre-installed on the system. It's simply called Contacts. The interface here is more modern and functional. Open the app and click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner, then select Contact Settings.
In the settings section, look for Contacts to Display, where you can flexibly configure which groups and accounts you want to see on the list, and make sure you select All Contacts or your Google account. To import data from the SIM card through this interface, go to the Contact Management menu (or "Fix & manage" in the English version) and select "Import from the user interface". SIM-map".
The advantage of using the Google ecosystem is that it can be edited in bulk, you can combine duplicates, delete redundant ones, and sort entries directly from the web interface on your computer, which is especially useful if the SIM card has accumulated chaos of dozens of identical names. Once imported, all changes will automatically affect your Xiaomi Mi 9.
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Use the web version of Google Contacts for quick sorting: go to contacts.google.com from your computer to conveniently remove duplicates and fix names that are inconvenient to rule your finger on your smartphone screen.
Comparison of data storage methods on Xiaomi
Choosing a location to store contacts is a matter of balancing convenience and security. Understanding the differences between SIM card, phone memory and cloud will help avoid problems in the future. Below is a comparison table to help you determine the best option for your use case.
| Parameter | SIM-map | Phone memory | Google Account (Cloud) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory capacity | Very small (250 rooms) | Limited only by the size of the device | Almost limitless. |
| Data security | Low (risk of card loss) | Medium (depending on the integrity of the phone) | High (access from any device) |
| Functional recordings | Name and number only | Photos, emails, addresses, social networks | Full profile with history |
| Synchronization | Absent. | Local (no cloud) | Automatic in real time |
As you can see from the table, SIM-The card is the least efficient storage method today. It's only suitable for temporary transfer of numbers between devices, not for permanent use. The phone's memory is good if you never change gadgets, but the risk of data loss when Xiaomi Mi 9 breaks remains high. Google’s Cloud Technology Provides the Best Balance.
Solving reading problems SIM-map
If after all the manipulations, the contacts never appeared, and the settings do not even mention the SIM card, the problem may be deeper than the software settings, perhaps the card tray itself is damaged or the contacts inside the Xiaomi Mi 9 smartphone have oxidized. Try to remove the SIM card and insert it into another phone. If there are contacts displayed, then the problem is in your device.
Often, a simple reset of network settings helps. Go to Settings → SIM-Select a problem SIM card and try to switch the network type (for example, from the 4G on 3G And then back up, and this will restart the radio module and may trigger a re-reading of the map data. Also make sure that the system has the current date and time - time desynchronization sometimes blocks network services.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal tools to remove the SIM card tray and do not attempt to clean the contacts with alcohol while the phone is on.This can short-circuit and cause the motherboard to fail.
In extreme cases, if the SIM card is very old (released more than 10 years ago), it may be physically incompatible with modern reading standards, despite being the same size. In mobile phone salons, operators can replace the old card with a new USIM for free, saving your number but updating the chip to be compatible with modern smartphones.
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The most reliable way to never lose contacts is to set up automatic sync with your Google account and periodically check the web version for all entries.