Transfer contacts with Xiaomi Redmi 9 to SIM-map: 4 proven methods

Maintaining contacts SIM-map 9 It may seem like an archaic solution in the era of cloud services, but the method is still relevant for backup, fast transfer of numbers to another phone, or use in devices without internet access. 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2004J19G) Frequently Faced with Problems: Standard Tools MIUI They do not always offer a clear way to export your contacts to the SIM. In this article, we will analyze all working methods - from built-in functions to workarounds using third-party applications.

The main problem is the limitations of the SIM-Maps: It can only store basic data (name) + In addition, modern nano-SIMs have less memory than older mini-SIMs, which can be a problem when carrying a large phone book. SIM-The card supports contact recording (some operators block this feature).

In the article you will find:

• 🔍 Step-by-step instructions for embedded tools MIUI 12/13
• 📱 Alternative methods using Google Contacts and third-party apps
• ⚠️ Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them
• 📊 Comparative table of methods on speed and reliability

1. Standard export through the “Contacts” to MIUI

The most direct way is to use the built-in Contacts app (an icon with a human silhouette on a green background). In Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
3. Choose Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts.
4. Click Export on SIM-map.
5. Check the appropriate contacts (or select All).
6. Confirm the action with the Export button.

The process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes depending on the number of contacts: SIM-The card must be inserted into the slot SIM 1 - in Redmi 9 export to SIM 2 often unavailable due to firmware limitations.

Make sure that SIM-Cards contain contact records

Check the space available on SIM (maximum of ~250 contacts)

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (for long-term operations)-->

If the export item is SIM-The map is not on the menu, which may mean:

• 📵 SIM-The card is blocked by the operator (often by the operator). Tele2 or Yota)
• 🔄 Installed custom firmware without support SIM-tool
• 🛠️ Phone file system damaged (reset via Recovery required)

⚠️ Note: When exporting to SIM All additional fields (email, birthday, notes) are lost, only the name and primary phone number are saved, and if you want complete data, use a backup to your Google Account.

2 Export via the "Settings of the Phone"

An alternative way is through MIUI system settings, which works more stable if the standard Contacts app is bugged:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
2. Slip on Export Contacts.
3. Choose. SIM-target.
4. Confirm your choice of contacts and wait until it is completed.

In some versions of MIUI (e.g. 13.0.4 for Redmi 9), this path may be different. If you don't find Warehouse, try:

Settings → Google → Google Services → Contacts → Contact Management

This method is more common on global firmware smartphones (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3). On Chinese versions (China ROM), the function can be disabled.

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If the export is suspended during the "Preparation" stage, extract SIM-Map, restart your phone and try again. Often, resetting the Contacts app settings in the Settings menu helps. → Annexes.

3. Use of Google Contacts for Indirect Transfer

If you can't export directly to SIM, you can use the cloud bridge over your Google Account, which is longer, but more reliable.

1. Sync your contacts with Google: Open Settings → Accounts → Google. Enable Contact Sync.

.vcf

• On your computer, go to contacts.google.com.
• Select Export → vCard and save the file.
• Import.vcf to SIM via a third-party app (e.g., “SIM Contacts” from Google Play).

The advantage of the method is to save all contact fields (as opposed to direct export to SIM), the disadvantage is that you need a computer and additional actions.

4. Third-party applications for working with SIM-contact

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, specialized utilities will come to the rescue.

• 📌 «SIM Contacts — import/export with support for batch processing. 10/11.
• 📌 «Copy to SIM Card – a minimalist application without advertising, works on the MIUI 12+.
• 📌 «Super Backup – Backup of contacts in.vcf and then transfer to the SIM.

Example of working with SIM Contacts:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start and give access to contacts.
3. Choose Export to SIM.
4. Mark the necessary contacts and confirm.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, «Contact2SIM») You may request suspicious permissions (access to the SMS, Check reviews and ratings in the Play Market before installing.

5. Solving problems in the transfer of contacts

Even with the right actions, Redmi 9 users are faced with errors, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

Mistake: “I failed to export contacts to SIM”

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Not enough space for SIM — Remove old contacts via #4636## (engineering menu) or replace them SIM.
• 🔄 Synchronization failure – disable synchronization with Google/Xiaomi Cloud in account settings.
• 🛠️ Cache damaged – clear the cache of the Contacts app in Settings → Annexes.

Mistake: «SIM-card does not support the operation»

This problem is characteristic of:

• 📱 SIM-eSIM (virtual) card format).
• 🏦 Corporate SIM from operators (MTS Business, Beeline for Business).
• 🔒 Blocked cards (e.g., with a PIN2-protection).

Solution: Contact the operator to unlock or use a physical nano-SIM from another provider.

The contacts were partially exported

If only 50 out of 200 contacts are recorded on SIM:

1. Break up exports into batches of 50-100 contacts.
2. Check if the character limit in the names is exceeded (maximum - 20 characters per name).
3. Remove special characters (such as emoticons) from your contacts.

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If none of the methods worked, try switching to firmware temporarily. MIUI Global (via Fastboot) - Support SIM-The contact is more complete than in the Chinese versions.

6. Alternative methods of backup

If SIM porting is critical (for example, for use in a button phone) but fails, consider alternatives:

• 💾 Local.vcf file – export contacts to your phone’s memory and transfer via Bluetooth or USB.
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud – sync contacts with your Mi Account, then import on another device.
• 📧 Email – send yourself contacts as.vcf by mail and save to your target phone.

For owners of Redmi 9 with unlocked bootloader, another option is available - using ADB for forced export:

adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/contacts --where "display_name != ''" > contacts.txt

This method requires Android Debug Bridge skills and is only suitable for advanced users.

7. Frequent questions about transferring contacts to SIM