How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to the phone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5 proven ways

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 cards seem like a simple task, but in practice, users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of import options in the menu to losing some numbers when copying. MIUI, including hidden functions and workarounds for old SIM-map.

The main problem when working with contacts on the Redmi Note 9 is limited memory SIM-maps (usually up to 250 records) and no support for additional fields (email, addresses, birthdays) We will examine not only standard import through settings, but also alternative methods, from using a Google account to specialized backup applications.

We will focus on common errors: why some contacts are not copied, how to avoid duplication of records and what to do if the phone does not see SIM-map when you move. At the end of the article — FAQ Frequently answered questions and a method comparison table for speed and reliability.

Preparation for the transfer: what to do before copying

Before starting the transfer, check two key points: condition SIM-- The cards and the space on the phone. SIM-The cards (especially the Mini-SIM format) often have physical damage to the contacts, which leads to malfunctions when reading data. The Redmi Note 9 uses nano-SIM, so if you use an adapter, make sure it fits tightly.

The second step is to estimate the amount of data. Go to Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Import / Export and look at the number of records on SIM. If there are more than 200, standard import can take up to 5-7 minutes, and the phone can freeze without progress bar.

• 🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the charge level is above 30%. MIUI It may interrupt the process to save energy.
• 📶 Network: Turn off mobile internet during transfer – background synchronization can slow down the process.
• 📱 Memory: Free at least 500MB – temporary files can take up to 300MB when imported.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-cards in Redmi Note 9, before transferring to the main slot SIM, This eliminates the "can't read contacts" error 80 percent of the time.

2. Standard import via MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in import function in MIUI. The algorithm works on all firmware versions for the Redmi Note 9, but has limitations: no photos of contacts and additional fields (such as notes) are copied.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to Contact Management → Import/Export Contacts.
4. Select Import with SIM-cards and specify slot (SIM 1 SIM 2).
5. Tick the necessary contacts (or click "Select all") → Import.
6. Select the location of the save: Device or Google account.

The process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the number of records. SIM-The card uses non-standard name encoding (often found in Beeline and Tele2 operators until 2018). VCF-file (section 4).

3.Move over Google Account: Reliable, but longer

Google sync is the safest method, because data is stored in the cloud and available on any device, but there is a caveat: the Redmi Note 9 can block background sync by default to save battery life.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Turn on the Contact Switch (if it is turned off).
3. Return to Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Import/Export.
4. Select Import with SIM-maps, and when you request a save location, specify a Google account.
5. Wait until the import is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
6. Check the sync: go to contacts.google.com from your computer.

The advantage of this method is automatic backups, but there are also disadvantages:

• 🐢 Slower than standard imports (especially with weak internet).
• 🔄 Requires a stable connection to the network during synchronization.
• 📵 Some special symbols in names (for example, ✞ or ♡) They may not be properly displayed.

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If contacts aren’t synced with Google, check your battery saving settings: go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management for apps and turn off restrictions for the Contacts app.

4.Exports to VCF-File: A universal method for any SIM

The VCF file format (vCard) is a standard for storing contacts that is supported by all modern phones, and this method is useful if:

• 📵 Standard importation does not work (error "I could not read" SIM").
• 🔄 You need to transfer contacts to another phone not Xiaomi.
• 📁 Want to create a backup before resetting your settings.

Instructions for Redmi Note 9:

1. Export SIM contacts to VCF: Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to the device (select SIM) The file will be saved in the Internal Storage → MIUI → backup → Contacts folder.
2. Import VCF to your phone: Contacts → Settings → Contact Management → Import / Export → Import from your device Select the saved contact.vcf file.

If the file doesn't appear in the import list, check it through any file manager (like Google Files).Sometimes MIUI hides system folders - turn on the hidden files in the manager settings.

5. Using third-party apps: When nothing works

If the built-in methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue.

For the Copy My Data application, the instructions are as follows:

1. Install the app on the Redmi Note 9 and a second phone (if you need an intermediate port).
2. On both devices, turn on Wi-Fi and launch the app.
3. On the old phone, select Send Data, on the Redmi Note 9, select Receive Data.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair devices.
5. Select Contacts and wait for the transfer to be completed.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Application management → Battery optimization? otherwise the background process may be suspended.

6. Manual copying: for advanced users

If the automatic methods don't work, you have to manually transfer it, which takes longer, but it gives you 100% control over the data.

• 📝 Notepad or text editor (e.g. Google Keep).
• 🔍 Loop (to read small characters on the screen).
• ⏱ Time: ~1 hour for 200 contacts.

Algorithm:

1. Open Contacts. → SIM-Map and select the first contact.
2. Write down the name, number and additional details (if any) in a notebook.
3. Create a new contact on your phone (Contacts → +) and enter the data.
4. Repeat for all records.

To speed up the process:

• 📸 Take screenshots with contacts (hold power) + Volume Down).
• 🔤 Use voice input in Google Keyboard to quickly add names.
• 📋 Group contacts alphabetically and transfer them in blocks (for example, first everything is in "A").

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Manual copying is the only way to transfer contacts from the old one SIM-Maps (released before 2010) that are not readable by modern phones.

7.Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, Redmi Note 9 users are facing problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If photos of contacts are missing after the transfer, it is normal — SIM-The cards don't store images to reconstruct avatars:

1. Find photos in the gallery or messengers.
2. Open contact → Click on the empty avatar field → select Change.
3. Select an image from the gallery and trim it.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)