How to import contacts with Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all working methods of 2026

Why moving contacts with Redmi Note 9 requires a special approach

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 based on MIUI The fact that the manufacturer has integrated its own data management system, which sometimes conflicts with the standard tools of Google Contacts or Google SIM-For example, when trying to export through the "Contacts" menu, users often encounter an error: "Not able to export: access is forbidden" - this is a feature of the "Contacts" menu. MIUI 12-14, where additional permission is required to work with the file system.

Another trap is duplication of records, and if you previously synced contacts with your Mi Account and Google account at the same time, there may be version conflicts when you transfer them, for example, the same contact can be displayed twice, with different numbers or truncated data, we tested all the current portability methods on the Redmi Note 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS) and selected those that work steadily in 2026.

Method 1: Export contacts to VCF file (most universal)

VCF (vCard) is the standard way to exchange contacts between devices. On the Redmi Note 9, VCF exports work even without an internet connection, making it a reliable option for backups.

To export contacts:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
• 🔍 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Contact Management.
• 📤 Tap Import/Export Contacts → Export to file.
• 📁 Specify a folder to save (for example, Downloads) and confirm.

A file with the.vcf extension can be sent by email, uploaded to the cloud or transferred to another phone via Bluetooth, the main advantage of the method is that all fields are saved: phones, email, addresses and even photos of contacts (if they were attached).

The right one. SIM-card (if the contacts are linked to it)

Enough storage space (VCF can weigh up to 50MB at 1000+ contacts)

Battery optimization for the Contacts application is disabled (in MIUI settings)

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⚠️ Note: If there is an error when exporting No permissions, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Permits and enable access to Warehouse and Contacts.

Method 2: Sync with Google Account (Automatic Transfer)

The easiest way to migrate is to link contacts to a Google account. Not only does it make it easier to migrate to a new phone, it also protects data from being lost when you reset. On the Redmi Note 9, sync works through the standard Contacts app, but there are nuances with the MIUI settings.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Select your Google account (if not, add it through Add Account).
3. Activate the slider opposite Contact.
4. Wait for the synchronization to be completed (progress is displayed in the status bar).

To check if your contacts have been uploaded to Google:

• 🌐 Go to contacts.google.com from a computer or other phone.
• 🔍 Make sure all records are in place (sometimes) MIUI Not synchronizing contacts with empty fields).

💡

If sync is stuck, try removing your Google account from your settings and adding it again, which will reset the sync cache and often resolve the problem.

Method 3: Transfer of contacts to SIM-Card (for old phones)

Exports to SIM-The card is relevant if you are switching from the Redmi Note 9 to a button phone or device without Google services. SIM-The card stores only the basic data: name and one phone number (without email, addresses or additional fields).

How to move:

1. Put it in. SIM-Redmi Note 9 card (if not available, use a nano-SIM adapter).
2. Open Contacts → Management → Import / Export → Export on SIM.
3. Choose contacts for export (you can mark all or only the necessary ones).
4. Confirm the operation and wait for notification of success.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Maximum 250 contacts per person SIM (depends on the operator).
• 📵 No photos, notes or additional numbers are saved.
• ⚠️ When exporting, Cyrillic names can be displayed by Krakozabras (a problem of some old ones). SIM).

Method 4: Using Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi account holders)

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage that automatically backs up contacts if sync is enabled, a method that’s convenient if you’re switching to another Xiaomi smartphone (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5).

How to turn on synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Make sure that the contact slider is active.
3. Press Sync and wait until it is completed.

To transfer contacts to the new device:

• 📱 Sign in to the same Mi Account on your new phone.
• 🔄 Enable contact synchronization in settings.
• 📥 Data will be downloaded automatically (it can take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you delete contacts from your phone, they will also disappear from Mi Cloud if no backup was made.To avoid loss, export the data to the Mi Cloud. VCF before cleaning.

Synchronization with Google

Export to VCF file

Transfer to SIM-map

Mi Cloud

Another way.-->

Method 5: Transfer contacts via Bluetooth or ShareIt

If you don't have access to the Internet or cloud services, you can transfer contacts directly via Bluetooth or apps like ShareIt/Xender, which is a method that is suitable for one-time transfers to another Android device.

Instructions for Bluetooth:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth and make them visible.
2. On Redmi Note 9, open Contacts → Management → Import / Export → Send.
3. Select contacts and send via Bluetooth to the target device.
4. On the second phone, confirm the file acceptance and import contacts.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Speed (transmission takes 10–30 seconds).
• 🔒 No dependence on the Internet.
• 📱 It works even on older Android versions.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Not all sharing apps (e.g. ShareIt) work properly on the MIUI 14 due to background activity restrictions.
• 📵 When sending a large number of contacts (500)+) may fail.

💡

For stable transmission via Bluetooth, turn off the power saving mode in the MIUI settings (Settings → Battery → Power saving mode).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi Note 9 users sometimes encounter problems, and we have collected common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Restart the phone and repeat the export.

⚠️ Attention: Data cleanup of the Contacts app will delete all unsynchronized records! pre-return backup via VCF.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions