How to transfer data from SIM-Maps on Xiaomi Redmi 9: Contacts, SMS and settings

Data transfer from SIM-Smartphone cards are a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device or changing operator. - Xiaomi Redmi 9, which runs on the basis of the new device. MIUI, It offers a few built-in tools for this operation, but not all of them are obvious to beginners. SIM, Smartphones store them in the cloud or internal memory – and that requires more action.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to transfer data (including contacts, SMS and settings APN), Relevant to Redmi 9 on MIUI We will pay special attention to the nuances that are not described in the standard instructions: why some contacts are not copied, how to avoid duplication of records and what to do if the phone does not see SIM-You'll also find a unique format compatibility table. SIM and answers to frequent questions in FAQ-block.

Preparation for data transfer: what to check before starting

Before you start copying, make sure your SIM-The card and the phone are ready for surgery:

  • πŸ“± Type SIM-Redmi 9 supports nano-SIM (4FF). If you have a micro-SIM (3FF) or mini-SIM (2FF), It's going to have to be cut or replaced in the cabin, and the adapter can lead to reading errors.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge: Make sure the charge level is above 30%.Data transfer at low charge can be interrupted, especially if you use mobile Internet to sync with Mi Account.
  • πŸ“‘ Operator network: Insert SIM-slot-card SIM 1 (recommended for stability) If the phone is not catching the network, update your settings APN manually (instruction in section 4).
  • πŸ”’ Lockdown SIM: If the card is secure PUK-code, unlock it before transferring, otherwise the contacts may not be copied due to access restrictions.

Xiaomi Redmi 9 does not support simultaneous operation of two SIM-map-mode 4G+4G (only 4G+3G). If you use two cards, temporarily remove the second card to avoid conflicts when copying.

πŸ“Š How You Usually Stored Contacts Before You Move to Xiaomi?
Nana SIM-map
In the phone (internal memory)
At Google/Akkount
In another cloud.
I didn't.

Method 2: Copy contacts through the standard MIUI menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function to import contacts, which is suitable if you only need to transfer phone numbers and names (without photos or additional fields).

  1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
  2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner β†’ select Contact Management.
  3. Go to Import/Export Contacts β†’ Import from SIM-card.
  4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and mark the contacts to copy.
  5. Specify the location of the save: Device (internal memory) or Mi Account (cloud Xiaomi).

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ No photos of contacts and notes are copied.
  • ❌ If SIM More than 250 contacts, the process can hang (the solution is to split into batches).
  • ❌ Some special characters in names (e.g. emojis) may appear as?.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for import of contacts

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Export contacts to a VCF file and import to a phone

If standard importing failed or you need to save advanced data (e.g. email addresses), use exporting to.vcf (vCard) file. This method is universal and works even on older phones.

Instructions for Redmi 9:

  1. On your old phone, open Contacts β†’ Settings β†’ Export to SIM (or Export to File).
  2. Select the VCF format and save the file to a memory card or send it to an email.
  3. Download the file on Redmi 9 (for example, via Files or mail).
  4. Open the.vcf file and the system will prompt you to import contacts to Google Contacts or Local Contacts.
FormatSupported dataLimitations
VCF 2.1Name, phone, email, address, notesDoes not support contact photos
VCF 3.0+ photos, several phones/emailIt may not open on old phones.
CSVAll fields (including custom fields)Requires conversion to VCF for import on Android

Important: If the.vcf file doesn’t open on Redmi 9, install the Google Contacts app from the Play Market – it supports all versions of vCard.

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Before importing, sort the contacts in the VCF file alphabetically. To do this, open the file in a text editor (for example, Notepad++) and sort the lines by FN: (full name).

Method 3: Transfer SMS s SIM-Maps on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Unlike contacts, SMS on SIM-The card is stored in a limited format (usually only text without attachments) to transfer them:

  1. Install SMS Backup & Restore from Play Market.
  2. Run it and select Backup β†’ Local Backup.
  3. In the reservation settings, mark SIM-map.
  4. Save the backup file (for example, to a memory card).
  5. On Redmi 9, restore the SMS from the file via the same application.

⚠️ Attention: Backup applications SMS They may not see messages on SIM-card if it is blocked PUK-Unlock the card in advance!

Alternative method (without third-party applications):

  • πŸ“© Hand-transmit important SMS by email or messenger (for example, Telegram with the function "Save message").
  • πŸ“Ž Use Google Messages (an app from Google) that automatically archives SMS cloudy.

5. Method 4: Manually configure the APN (if the internet is not working after the transfer)

After transferring the data to the new SIM-This card may be lost mobile Internet. APN (Access Point Name: Redmi 9 can be added manually:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. Click Add and enter your operator's settings. Examples for popular operators:
Operator.APN nameAPNType of authentication
MTSmtsinternet.mts.ruPAP
Beelinebeeline internetinternet.beeline.ruNone
MegaFonMegafoninternetPAP
Tele2.Tele2 Internetinternet.tele2.ruNone

After saving, restart your phone. If the Internet doesn't work, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Is the mobile internet turned on in the notification curtain.
  • πŸ”„ Network Mode: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Preferred type of network and select 4G (recommended).
  • πŸ”’ No blockage on the basis of IMEI (It is important for phones purchased abroad).
What to do if the APN is not saved?
If you reset your settings after entering the APN settings and clicking Save, it may be due to operator restrictions. Solution: 1. Put your phone in flight mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off. 2. Remove all existing APNs and create a new one. 3. If the problem persists, contact the operator - perhaps your tariff has blocked manual APN input.

Method 5: Using Mi Mover to Transfer Data Completely

Mi Mover is a proprietary application from Xiaomi for migrating data from one smartphone to another, SMS, Photos and even some settings. SIM-The card will require an intermediate device (old phone).

Instructions:

  1. Install Mi Mover on both phones (available in Play Market or via Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Mi Mover).
  2. On your old phone, export contacts with SIM-cards to internal memory (as in Method 1).
  3. Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network and start the Mi Mover.
  4. On Redmi 9, select I am a new user, on the old one, I am sending data.
  5. Scan it. QR-code and select data to transfer (including contacts and SMS).

⚠️ Note: Mi Mover does not transfer data directly from the SIM-If you don't have an old device, use Method 2 (export to the phone) VCF).

Advantages of Mi Mover:

  • πŸ”„ It transfers not only contacts, but also call logs, SMS, photo.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Data is transmitted over a local network (without downloading to the cloud).
  • πŸ“± Supports transfer between Android devices of different brands.

πŸ’‘

Mi Mover is the best choice if you change your phone completely (not only for the phone). SIM-To transfer only contacts from SIM standardized MIUI.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When transferring data from SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 cards are common problems for users. Here's how to solve them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Contacts are not copiedSIM-card blocked or damagedUnlock. PUK-code or replace the card in the operator's cabin
Names are displayed as???Incompatible encoding (e.g. Cyrillic in Latin SIM)Export contacts to VCF 3.0 and import through Google Contacts
Transfer interrupted by 50%Lack of memory on the phone or SIM errorClear the cache in Settings β†’ Memory and try again
SMS is not portableSIM-card does not support storage SMSUse SMS Backup & Restore or forward messages manually

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”§ Updates MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Update the system and install the latest version.
  • πŸ› οΈ Resetting network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Reset network settings (does not delete data, but resets) APN).
  • πŸ“ž Xiaomi support appeal: If the problem is firmware, you may need to flash through Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer contacts to SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 cards without a computer?
Yes, all the ways in this article (except exporting to CSV) work without a PC. The easiest option is to use standard import in the Contacts app (section 2) or Mi Mover (section 6) if you have a second phone.
Why do they duplicate contacts on Redmi 9?
This happens if the contacts have already been synced with Mi Account or Google. To eliminate duplicates: Open Contacts β†’ Contact Management β†’ Contacts β†’ Merge Contacts. Choose AutoUnite - the system will find and merge duplicates. If the duplicates are left, export the contacts to VCF, delete all the entries on the phone and import the file again.
How to transfer data from SIM-Redmi 9 cards if the phone can't see them?
If Redmi 9 doesn't recognize SIM-card: Check if the card is inserted correctly (the chip must be pointing down). SIM-cards with dry cloth (sometimes oxidation of contacts interferes with reading). SIM to another phone - if it doesn't work, contact the operator for a replacement. Update the Redmi 9 firmware to the latest version (sometimes read bugs) SIM If the card works but the contacts are not copied, use an intermediate device (e.g. an old phone) to export the data to the VCF.
Can I move the settings? APN single-handed SIM-card?
No, the settings. APN specific SIM-If you change the card, you need to reconfigure it (see section 5). APN You can copy the settings to a notebook and manually enter them on Redmi 9. Some operators (e.g. MTS) allow you to send settings to the device. APN through SMS β€” send a text message APN 1234 (check the number with your operator).
How to protect the transferred contacts from accidental removal?
To secure contacts: Sync with Mi Account: Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Mi Account β†’ Contact Sync. Export backup: Regularly save VCF contacts to a memory card or cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk). Use two-factor authentication for Mi Account and Google to avoid hacking. If contacts suddenly disappear, they can be restored from backup or the cloud.