How to transfer contacts with SIM-maps on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: work-in-the-box

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new Xiaomi Redmi owner 9T. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties, from the lack of a visible menu item to import errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transferring contacts, including hidden functions. MIUI, squash SIM and the nuances of working with double cards.

Feature of Redmi 9T — two-way SIM-Cards at the same time (Nano-SIM) + Nano-SIM or Nano-SIM + MicroSD. This makes it harder if the contacts are distributed across different cards, and we'll take into account all scenarios, from standard import through settings to backup through Google Account and third-party utilities. SIM And how to fix it.

Before starting, make sure that:

• 📶 SIM-The card is active and recognized by the phone (check in Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔋 Battery Levels Over 30% – Interrupting Process Can Lead to Data Loss.
• 📱 The latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI (Relevant to methods through system tools).

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1. Standard import via MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import feature in MIUI. It is suitable for most users, but has limitations: only name and number are transferred (without photos, addresses or additional fields).

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and mark the contacts to transfer (or click Select all).
5. Specify the place of saving: device or Google Account (we recommend the second option for backup).
6. Confirm the import with the OK button.

⚠️ Note: If contacts are not displayed after import, check the filter in the Contacts app. Often, only the numbers from your Google Account are shown by default. To see all contacts, tap on the filter icon (☰) and select All Contacts.

Sync time on your phone with the network | Check the free space in memory (need ~1 MB per 1000 contacts) | Disable VPN (can block access to SIM) | Close background applications (especially messengers)

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This method works on Redmi 9T with MIUI 12 and later. On older versions, the path may differ: Settings → System and device → Additional → Import / Export.

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2. Transfer through Google Account (a reliable way)

Synchronizing your contacts with your Google Account not only transfers numbers to SIM, but also backs them up in the cloud, the only way to ensure that data is safe even when you drop your phone.

How to move:

1. Import SIM contacts to your phone (see Method 1).
2. Open Settings → Accounts → Google.
3. Select your account and activate the Contacts switch.
4. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Synchronize now.

To check the result:

1. Go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
3. Make sure all contacts are listed.

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If contacts are duplicated after sync, use the merge function in Google Contacts: highlight duplicates → click Other actions → Combine.

Important: contacts imported with SIM can be displayed in Google Account with the prefix "+7" instead of "8". This is normal - the service automatically brings the numbers to the international format.

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3. Use of third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work (for example, the phone can't see contacts on SIM), third-party software will help. We tested 3 applications that reliably cope with the task:

Instructions for SIM Contacts Backup (recommended for Redmi 9T):

1. Install the app and give access to contacts.
2. Select Import from SIM.
3. Tag the necessary contacts → press Import.
4. Export the backup to the VCF file (click Export to SD).

⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller or GetContact are not suitable for porting from SIM — They only scan existing contacts, but they don’t import them from the card.

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4 Manual copying via VCF file

This method is useful if you need to transfer contacts to another phone or create a backup. VCF (vCard) is a universal format for storing contact information.

Step-by-step:

1. Import SIM contacts to your phone (method 1).
2. Open the "Contact» → ⋮ → Contact management → Exports/imports → Export to device.
3. Select contacts (or all) and export to the VCF file. The file will be saved in the Download folder.
4. Send the file to your mail or copy it to your computer.

To import VCF back:

1. Open the file through Contacts or any file manager.
2. Select an account to save (device or Google).
3. Confirm the import.

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5 Problem Solving: Phone Cannot See Contacts on SIM

Sometimes Redmi. 9T does not display the contacts stored on SIM-The map, although the map itself is recognized:

• 🔄 Outdated. SIM: Mini-SIM or Micro-SIM cards (released before 2015) may not support contact storage.Solution: Move numbers to the new Nano-SIM in the operator's cabin.
• 📵 Reading error: Damaged sector of memory SIM. Check the card on another phone. If you see the contacts, Redmi's a problem. 9T (Try restarting your phone or resetting your network settings in Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings).
• 🔒 Operator restrictions: Some operators (e.g, Tele2 virtual MVNO) Block access to contacts on SIM. Solution: Contact Support to Unblock.
• 🛠 Software glitch: Clear the cache of the Contacts app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

If none of these methods worked, use the workaround:

1. Insert the SIM into another phone (like an old Nokia or Samsung).
2. Transfer the contacts from the SIM to this phone and then export them to the VCF file.
3. Switch the VCF to the Redmi 9T and import it.

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6. Transfer of contacts with double SIM

Xiaomi Redmi 9T two-way SIM-The cards, but the contacts are stored on each card separately, so you can move the numbers from both cards:

1. Repeat the import process (method 1) for each SIM individually.
2. If contacts are duplicated, use the merge function in Google Contacts or the Contacts app** (select duplicates). → ⋮ → Unite).

⚠️ Attention: When using two SIM with the same number (e.g., one physical number) + eSIM) contacts can be overwritten, in which case export them to separate VCF-file.

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On the Redmi 9T, contacts with the SIM-2 (second slot) can be imported more slowly due to hardware constraints. If the process is stalled, re-extract and paste the SIM, then repeat the import.

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7 Automation: setting up auto-import

To automatically copy new SIM contacts to your phone, set up sync:

1. Import your SIM contacts once (method 1).
2. Activate autosynchronization with Google: Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync → Contacts (incl.).
3. Install the SIM Card Manager app (available on Google Play) that will track changes to the SIM and prompt you to import them.

Limitations:

• Auto-import is only available for new contacts (existing ones are not updated).
• On shifts. SIM-The map setting will have to be repeated.

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FAQ: Frequent questions