Transfer of contacts with SIM-Maps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Changing a mobile device is often a real challenge for the user, especially when you need to transfer personal data. Contacts are the first thing to save, because losing numbers can lead to serious communication problems. Owners of Xiaomi smartphones and the Redmi line face the features of the MIUI shell, which is somewhat different from pure Android.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to correctly copy numbers from a SIM card to a Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 phone. We will examine standard methods through system settings, as well as address data security issues. Proper retention of information ensures that when you change your device or reset your phone book will remain intact. In modern Xiaomi smartphones, priority is given to saving to the Google cloud, which is the most reliable method.

Before you start, make sure that the SIM card with the saved numbers is correctly installed in the slot of the device. If you just purchased a Redmi Note 9, do not rush to delete the old records immediately. First, back up or import to avoid accidental loss of important information. Next, we will go to the step-by-step instructions that will help you quickly get started with the phone book.

Preparation of the device for data import

Before you start any manipulation of contacts, you need to make sure that the device is ready to work with external data sources. Plug the SIM card into the appropriate tray and wait for the network signal to appear. MIUI automatically recognizes the new communication module and begins basic synchronization of the operator's service data.

It is important to check whether there is free memory in the internal storage, although contacts take up minimal space. However, if memory is full, the Contacts app may not work. Go to Settings → About Phone → Memory to make sure there is free space. This will avoid errors when writing new data.

You should also pay attention to the battery charge. Although the copying process does not require much energy, suddenly turning off the phone during recording can damage the contact database. The battery must be at least 20-30% charge for the smooth execution of all operations. If the device is discharged, connect it to a power source before starting the procedure.

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Make sure the SIM card does have saved numbers.Modern smartphones often default to saving contacts to the cloud or phone memory, ignoring SIM-map.

The standard way to copy through the contact menu

The basic method of data transfer is built into the standard phone book application. MIUI may be different from the one many Android users are used to, but the logic remains the same. Open the Contacts app on the home screen or in the menu of all apps. Notice the icon with the image of a man or phone handset.

Inside the app, find the menu button. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, it can be located in the upper right corner (three dots) or called by a swipe. You need to select the item related to managing contacts or import settings. Often this section is called "Import / Export contacts" or simply "Contact management".

Once you've selected the importation point, the system will suggest you select the source of the data. SIM-Select the appropriate slot if you have two (SIM 1 SIM 2) The system will then request confirmation to copy all the records found, and the process takes seconds, even if the numbers are several hundred.

☑️ Algorithm of actions during importation

Done: 0 / 1

Once the operation is complete, you will see a notification of successful importation. All numbers are now in the phone's memory. It is recommended to check several random records at once to make sure that they are displayed correctly and have the correct names. Sometimes when transferring, there may be problems with encoding names, but this is solved by editing.

Working with multiple SIM cards

The Redmi Note 9 supports two SIM cards at the same time, which creates additional complexity when importing, because you need to choose the right source. If you move the SIM card from an old phone to a slot 2, then the import must be made from the second SIM card, and an error in choosing a slot will cause the system to report the absence of contacts.

In the import menu, you'll see a list of available sources. If one of the slots has an empty SIM card or a card with no records, the system may still offer it as an option. Carefully check the operator's name or the phone number in parentheses to avoid confusion. This is especially true for those who use corporate and personal numbers on the same device.

If you need to copy contacts from two SIM cards at once, you have to repeat the procedure twice, first select the import from the first card, then repeat the actions for the second card, while you may not create duplicates automatically if the numbers are identical, but the names can be duplicated, in which case you will need to manually clean the phone book.

⚠️ Note: When importing from two different SIM cards, keep a close eye on the process. If both cards have the same numbers stored under different names, two different entries will appear in the phone's memory.

Synchronization with Google account

Simply copying numbers to your phone is only half the battle. To avoid losing them when you break down or buy a new smartphone, data needs to be saved in the cloud. Xiaomi is actively promoting its Mi Cloud service, but for Android users, syncing with Google Contacts remains the most versatile and reliable way.

Once you have imported numbers from a SIM card into your phone’s memory, they are usually saved to your device’s local memory or default account. To move them to Google, go to your contacts settings. Find Settings or Accounts and Sync. Make sure that your Google account is ticked off with Contacts and sync enabled.

Often, new contacts are saved to your phone's memory rather than to the cloud. To fix this, you can use the "Move Contacts" function. Select all imported numbers, click the menu and select the navigation option. As a target storage, specify your Google account. This will provide automatic backup of any changes in the future.

Why Google and not Mi Cloud?
Google services are integrated into most Android applications. When you switch to a phone from another brand (Samsung, Pixel, Honor), your contacts will automatically recover immediately after you enter your Google login. Mi Cloud is convenient only in the Xiaomi ecosystem.

You can check the sync success through your computer browser. Go to contacts.google.com and log in with the same account. If all the numbers are displayed there, your data is completely safe. Now, even if you lose your phone, it's not difficult to restore the number list.

Solving and eliminating errors

Sometimes users encounter situations where imports fail or fail. One common problem is the message that "Contacts are not found." This could mean that the SIM card does not really have records, or they are saved in a format that the phone does not read. Some older SIM cards have limited storage and do not support long names or additional numbers.

Another common problem is the circumcision of names, and when you transfer from the SIM card, the names of contacts can be cut to the point where they are not. 10-15 This is because of the limitations of the storage format on the card itself, in which case you have to manually edit the records after import to restore the full names, and this is not a phone bug, but a technical limitation of SIM card technology.

If the process freezes or the phone reboots, try restarting the device before you try again. It's also worth checking if the contacts' memory is full. Although this is rare, the database can have limits. The table below shows the main errors and how to fix them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Imports don't startSIM card undefinedCheck the density of the SIM card installation in the tray
No names, just numbers.Limitation of the SIM formatEdit contacts manually after import
Memory errorThe vault is overflowing.Clear the app's cache Contacts or phone memory
Duplicate recordsRe-importationUse the “Combine Duplicates” function in the menu
📊 Where do you usually keep your contacts?
In the memory of the phone:SIM-card:In Google account:In Mi Cloud:Recorded in notebook

Removing contacts from the SIM card after copying

After successfully transferring data, many users want to clear the SIM card to use it as a clean carrier or just for reasons of order. However, do this carefully. Deleting contacts from the SIM card will not remove them from the phone if you have already completed the import. But it is important to make sure that the copy in the phone does exist and is correct.

To delete SIM card entries through the Xiaomi interface, go back to the Contact Management menu. Select the option “Delete Contacts from the Contacts” SIM-The system will warn you that the data will be deleted irrevocably.

Some carriers do not recommend storing contacts on a SIM card, since when you change the card to a new one (for example, when you switch to 5G or change the nano-sim format), data can be lost if you do not make a copy of them.

⚠️ Note: The SIM card removal feature in the phone menu may not work properly on some firmware versions. If you can’t delete contacts through the menu, the safest option is to remove the SIM card, paste it into your old phone and delete the entries there, or simply ignore them, as the phone always reads the device’s memory when imported.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy my contacts without the internet?
Yes, copying from a SIM card to a phone memory is local and does not require an Internet connection. Internet is only needed if you want to sync data immediately with a Google account.
What if the names of contacts are displayed by questions or crocosyabras?
This is a code problem. Try changing the language in your phone's settings to English and then back to Russian. If it doesn't work, you'll have to rename the contacts manually.
How many contacts does the SIM card hold?
Standard SIM card capacity ranges from 250 to 500 records, but modern smartphones allow thousands of contacts to be stored in the device’s memory or the cloud, so the SIM card limit becomes irrelevant.
Will my SIM card be lost if I take it out of my phone?
No, the contacts are stored on the SIM card chip. If you take it out and paste it into another phone, all the saved numbers will be accessed there (provided that the second phone supports reading of SIM contacts).
How to combine the same contacts after import?
In the Contacts app, click three dots in the corner, select Settings or Contact Management, then find Combine Duplicates. The system will automatically find similar entries and prompt them to merge.

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Regular synchronization with a Google account is the only way to guarantee the safety of numbers in case of loss or breakage of a Xiaomi smartphone.

To conclude, the process of migrating data to the Redmi Note 9 is simple and intuitive, and the key is to take your time and read the system's hints carefully. Using the built-in MIUI tools, you can quickly set up your new device and be confident in the safety of important data. Remember that digital hygiene and regular backups are the key to peace in the modern world.