How to transfer contacts and SMS s SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 cards: all working methods

Data transfer from SIM-cards for the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9 — It's a challenge that every new device owner faces, and despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances, from the limitations of memory. SIM before the features of work with firmware MIUI 12-14. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transferring contacts, SMS and even notes from SIM internal memory of the phone, including bypassing typical errors.

The main problem is incomplete data transfer or duplication of records, for example, when importing SIM contacts to Redmi 9, profile photos or fields with additional information (email, addresses) may disappear. We tested all methods on devices with different versions of MIUI and identified the optimal solutions for each case.

Important: If you are using a double SIM-The map in Redmi 9, the transfer algorithm will be different.

Preparing for data transfer: what to do before the start

Before you transfer data from the SIM to the Xiaomi Redmi 9, follow the necessary preparatory steps, which will prevent loss of information and speed up the process.

First, check the space on the phone's internal drive. 500 contacts will require ~2-3 MB to import, but if you carry an SMS, save at least 10 MB. You can check the memory in the Settings → Memory menu.

Second, update the firmware to the latest version. MIUI. In older versions (below). MIUI 12.5) There is no mass import function SMS s SIM, Contacts can be carried over with errors. Update solves these problems.

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
• 🔄 Update the firmware: Settings → Updating the system
• 📁 Clear the cache of the Contacts app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Clear the cache
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% – transferring data consumes charge

⚠️ Attention: If yours SIM-card over 5 years old, back it up on another phone before transferring data. SIM (Mini-SIM formats can be damaged by multiple extraction.

Method 1: Standard import of contacts via phone menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function in the Xiaomi Redmi 9. It is suitable for transferring only contacts (SMS does not move this way).

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Tap Import/Export Contacts → Import with SIM-map.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the necessary contacts (or click Select all).
5. Click Import and wait until completion (takes 10-60 seconds depending on the number of entries).

After importing, check duplicates: MIUI often creates repeating entries if the contact already existed in the phone's memory, and you can remove duplicates manually or using the Cleaner app (included in the standard MIUI set).

Check the balance. SIM-cards (some tariffs block access to memory at zero balance)

Make sure that the SIM is inserted into the SIM 1 slot (some firmwares don’t see the contacts in the second slot)

Turn off VPN – it can block access to SIM memory

Close all background apps (especially messengers)

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If contacts are not imported, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📶 Insert SIM In another slot (if you have a Redmi 9 with two cards).
• 🛠️ Clear the Contact Application Data (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the data).

Method 2: Transfer SMS from SIM to Xiaomi Redmi 9 (hidden feature)

Unlike the contacts, the transfer SMS s SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 cards are not provided by default, but there is a workaround through the engineering menu or third-party apps.

The most reliable method is to use the SMS Backup & Restore app (available on Google Play), which allows you to export SMS with SIM to a file and then import them into internal memory.

1. Install SMS Backup & Restore.
2. Open the application → click Create a backup.
3. Choose. SIM-map → launch reservation.
4. After creating the file (.xml), click Restore and select the backup you created.

Alternative method (for advanced users) - use of ADB-This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and knowing the basic commands:

adb shell


content query --uri content://sms/ --where "address IS NOT NULL"




insert content --uri content://sms/ --bind address:s:1234567890 --bind body:s: "SMS text"

⚠️ Attention: When transferring SMS through ADB If the exact date of sending/receiving is important, use only SMS Backup & Restore.

Method 3: Using Mi Mover for complex data transfer

If you need to transfer not only contacts and SMS, but also notes, calendar, photos, use the proprietary Mi Mover app. It is preinstalled on all Xiaomi Redmi 9 and supports data transfer from:

• 📱 Other Smartphones (including iPhone and Samsung)
• 💾 SIM-cards (contacts only)
• 🖥️ Computer (via computer) USB-cable)

Instructions for transfer with SIM:

1. Connect a second phone (if any) or insert the SIM into Redmi 9.
2. Open the Mi Mover (two-arrow icon).
3. Select I am a new user → Android.
4. Press Import with SIM-Maps and follow the hints on the screen.

Important: Mi Mover can't stand it SMS s SIM-Maps are contacts and media only. Use the method from the previous section to message.

Features of data transfer to Redmi 9 with dual SIM-card

If your Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports two of your SIM-maps, when transferring data, take into account the following nuances:

1. Contacts are imported only with the active SIM. By default, the card in the SIM 1 slot is active. To transfer data from the second card:

• Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• Select Control. SIM-map → Activate the card as the main card.
• Repeat importing contacts (see Method 1).

2. SMS is stored separately for each SIM. The Messages app in MIUI automatically sorts SMS by card number.

• 🔖 Name it. SIM-cards in settings (for example, “Worker” and “Personal»).
• 📤 Export. SMS from each card separately through SMS Backup & Restore.

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If the contacts are displayed without names (numbers only) after the transfer, check the region. SIM-Some operators (e.g., maps, Tele2) Solution: import data through Google Contacts (see next section).

Transferring SIM contacts to Xiaomi via Google Account

If standard methods don’t work (e.g. contacts aren’t imported or displayed in hieroglyphics), use Google Contacts as a stash.

Steps:

1. Export your SIM contacts to another phone (where they read correctly).
2. On this phone, open Google Contacts → Contact Management → Import.
3. Select a file with contacts (usually.vcf) or import directly from SIM.
4. On Redmi 9, add the same Google Account and enable Contact Sync (Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Automatic backup to the cloud.
• 🌍 Contacts are available on any device with the same account.
• 🛡️ Protection against data loss when resetting your phone.

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account for sync, disable it before importing it via Google. Simultaneous sync with two clouds can create a contact version conflict.

💡

Google Contacts is the most reliable way to transfer data to SIM if it is corrupted or written in a non-standard format.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you migrate data from SIM to Xiaomi Redmi 9, users face typical problems, and here are the most common 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 import.

In extreme cases, perform a hard reset (but it will delete all data from the phone!):

Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Delete all data

FAQ: Answers to popular questions