How to copy contacts with SIM-maps on Xiaomi Redmi 9T

The switch to a new smartphone is always accompanied by a desire to quickly start using the device, but often this is hampered by the lack of numbers in the phone book. Owners of the Redmi 9T model, which runs on the shell of MIUI, may face the need to transfer stored records directly from the carrier chip to the internal memory of the device, this is a standard procedure that allows you to protect data from loss when changing the SIM card and gives access to advanced contact management functionality.

The import process takes only a few minutes, but requires careful consideration when choosing the source and destination of data. Modern versions of the Android operating system and Xiaomi’s proprietary shell offer an intuitive interface, but hide some nuances in the depth of the menu. Properly following all the steps ensures that no important number is lost and all the entries are correctly displayed in the call list.

In this guide, we will go into detail all the steps of copying, from preparing the device to checking the result, learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as the appearance of duplicates or the loss of specific characters in numbers, and consider alternative ways of synchronizing, which may be more useful than manual transfer in the long run.

Device preparation and verification SIM-map

Before you start any data manipulation, you need to make sure that the Redmi 9T correctly recognizes the installed SIM card. The device supports two slots, and it is important to determine in advance which of them is the chip with the stored numbers. If the SIM card is new and just received in the salon, it is likely empty, and there is nothing to copy from it.

Make sure your phone is at least 30-40% charged to avoid the risk of a sudden shutdown during data writing. Although the import process is not energy intensive, system stability is critical for the integrity of the contact database.

Notice the format of the numbers on the SIM card. Older chips might have limitations on the length of the number or the number of characters in the subscriber's name. SIM-maps often result in long names being cropped and numbers being written down without an international code.

• 📱 Make sure that the SIM card sits tightly in the tray and is determined by the system.
• 🔋 Check the battery level for stable operation of the interface.
• 📶 Make sure there are no active restrictions on the operator’s reading of data.

⚠️ Note: If the SIM card was released more than 10 years ago, it may not support the storage of modern long names or special characters.

Standard method of import through the Contacts app

The primary and most reliable method of data transfer is built directly into Xiaomi’s standard Contacts app, which requires no third-party software installation and works even without an internet connection. The algorithm is the same for most versions of the MIUI shell installed on the Redmi 9T.

To start, open the Contacts app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. At the bottom of the screen or in the top corner (depending on the theme version), find a menu icon represented by three dots or stripes. Clicking on this item will open a drop-down list of available actions.

In the menu that opens, select Import/Export contacts. The system will prompt you to select the direction of operation. SIM-The phone can then request permission to access the storage or SIM card, which must be verified.

Then the system will ask where to save the data, and you can have options like a Google account, a phone memory, or a Mi Account, and for maximum compatibility and security, you can choose a Google account or internal device memory, and then you can start the copying process, which takes from a few seconds to a minute.

Setting up import parameters and selecting an account

The crucial step is to choose the appropriate storage, which will determine whether your numbers will be available after resetting or switching to another phone. Xiaomi Redmi 9T offers a flexible account management system that allows you to distribute contacts to different sources.

If you choose to save your Google Contacts, the data is automatically synced to the cloud, which means that even if you lose your phone, the numbers will remain online and recover when you enter your email address on any device, which is the most modern and recommended approach for users of the Android ecosystem.

Keeping your phone in memory (Phone) makes contacts available only on that particular device, which is suitable if you do not want to use cloud services or do not have a Google account, but if the device breaks down or sells, data will be lost without the possibility of recovery.

When importing, you may see a window asking about duplicates, and the system will suggest combining repeating records or creating new ones, and check this step carefully, because automatic combination can mix data from different people with the same names if the numbers are different.

Import through system settings and SIM management

An alternative route to importing is through general system settings, which can be useful if the standard contact application is not working properly or has been removed by the user.

Go to Settings, then select the App section and find Contacts. MIUI The path may be different: Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Special permissions. However, the most direct route to SIM card management is in the section SIM-maps and mobile networks.

In the SIM card management menu, there is often a button Contacts on SIM-You click on it and you get to an interface similar to the one in the previous section, and you can also see a list of numbers stored on the chip and copy them.

Using system settings sometimes allows you to see technical information about the SIM card that is hidden in the contact app, which can be useful for diagnosing problems if the card is not readable by standard means.

Solving problems and errors when copying

During the data transfer process, Redmi 9T users may encounter various errors, most often related to software failures of the MIUI shell or the physical state of the SIM card, and understanding the causes allows you to quickly fix the problems without going to the service center.

If the import button is inactive or the contact list is empty, although the other phone has them, it is possible that the SIM card is damaged or has an outdated file system. In this case, cleaning the cache of the Contacts application through the Settings menu → Apps → All apps → Contacts → Storage → Clear the cache will help.

Another common problem is the appearance of "krakozyabr" instead of letters in names or numbers, which indicates that the encoding is incompatible. The encoding of GSM7bit** is different from the Unicode used in modern smartphones, in which cases the numbers will have to be edited manually.

💡

If the import is interrupted with an error, try to remove the SIM card, wipe the contacts with an alcohol napkin and insert back in. Often, the oxidation of the contacts of the tray interferes with reading data.

In rare cases, the system can report a memory shortage even if there is space, a memory optimization bug by Xiaomi. Solution: Close all background apps and restart the device before you try again to import.

Cleanup SIM-Cards after successful importation

Once all contacts have been successfully transferred to Redmi 9T memory, the SIM card is recommended to be cleared. Stored numbers on the operator chip is a relic of the past, which carries the risk of data loss when replacing the SIM card.

To clean, go back to the Import/Export Contacts menu and select the option to Delete all contacts from the SIM-The system will request confirmation of the action, because the process is irreversible, and make sure you actually check for all the numbers in the phone book before you do this.

Some users prefer not to delete data, but simply ignore their presence on the SIM card. In the contact display settings, you can select to display only those records that are in the Google account or phone memory, hiding duplicates from the SIM card.

• 🗑️ Deleting data from the SIM card frees up space for new records.
• 🛡️ Cleaning reduces the risk of data leakage when transferring a SIM card to another person.
• 👁️ Hiding SIM card contacts in settings makes it easier to navigate the list.

⚠️ Warning: Delete All deletes data without retrieving it through the Recycle Bin. Make sure that a copy of your contacts is successfully saved to the cloud or on your device.

Synchronization and backup of data

Once the SIM card is imported and cleaned, it is important to keep the new data safe. Xiaomi Redmi 9T has powerful backup tools that you need to use immediately, which will protect your work from accidental failures.

Go to your Google account settings (Settings → Accounts & Sync → Google) and make sure the switch opposite Contact is active. Click on it to trigger Forced Sync. The download indicator will confirm that the data has gone to the cloud.

You can also create a local backup through the built-in Security or Settings app → About Phone → Backup and Restore.This will create a file that can be saved to a computer or external drive for full warranty.

Checking your syncs regularly is a good habit. Once a month, go to contacts.google.com from your computer to make sure your new records are displayed correctly. This is the only way to be sure your phone book is safe.

💡

Syncing with a Google account is the only reliable way to save contacts when switching to a new phone or resetting Redmi 9T settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)