How to transfer contacts from your Google account to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways of 2026

Moving contacts from a Google account to a Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that many users face when switching to a new smartphone or after resetting. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can cause complications from lack of synchronization to loss of data. In this article, we will examine all the current methods of transferring from automatic synchronization to manual export through a file, as well as consider typical errors and their solutions.

The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC, M2004J19C and other models) features a proprietary MIUI shell that sometimes conflicts with Google services. For example, users note that contacts may or may not be duplicated in the standard Contacts app. We tested all methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14 and Android 11/12 to ensure that instructions are operational.

Important: If you have previously used another Xiaomi smartphone, the process may differ due to changes in sync policy. for example, in MIUI 12 and older Google Contacts are not integrated into the system application by default, which requires additional actions.

1. Automatic synchronization of contacts through Google account

The easiest way is to sync through a Google account that is already linked to your Redmi 9, which requires no additional applications and takes no more than 5 minutes.

• 📱 On the old device, contacts were saved to Google Contacts (not in Google Contacts). SIM-phone-card).
• 🔄 Redmi 9 has synced with this account.
• 🌐 There is a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

To check and enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync (or Google depending on the version of MIUI).
2. Select your Google account → click on Sync Account.
3. Make sure the slider opposite Contact is active. If not, move it to the right.
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes with a large number of contacts).

Contacts are displayed in the "Contacts" app (icon) 📇)

In the web version of Google Contacts (contacts.google.com), the data match

No duplicates or empty records

Sync is enabled for all relevant accounts-->

If you don't get any contacts, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone and re-enable synchronization.
• 📶 Switch from mobile to Wi-Fi (sometimes operator restrictions block synchronization).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache of the application Contacts in Settings → Annexes → Application management.

💡

If contacts are duplicated after synchronization, use the merge function in the Contacts app: click on three dots in the upper right corner → Contact Management → Combine duplicates.

2. Manual export of contacts via VCF file

If automatic synchronization doesn’t work (for example, due to lack of Internet or account problems), you can export contacts to a.vcf file and transfer them manually, which is universal and suitable even for older versions of MIUI.

Instructions for export from Google Contacts:

1. Open your browser on your PC or phone and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in under your Google account.
3. Click on More (three dots on the left menu) → Export.
4. Select the Google CSV or vCard format (for iOS) → click Export.
5. Download the downloaded file (usually contacts.vcf) to Redmi 9 via Telegram, email or USB-cable.

Import to Xiaomi Redmi 9:

1. Open the.vcf file on your phone (usually automatically identified as contacts).
2. Choose to Import All or mark the necessary contacts.
3. Specify your account for saving (Google or Local Memory is recommended).

Important: When imported into local memory, contacts will not sync with Google. To avoid data loss, export them back to your Google account after importing.

3. Transfer contacts using the “Contact” app from Google

If the standard Contacts app on Redmi 9 doesn’t display data from Google, install the official Google Contacts app from Play Market.It works with all versions of Android and MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and set up Google Contacts.
2. Open the application and log in under your account.
3. Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner → Synchronization settings.
4. Turn on sync for Contacts.
5. Wait until the process is complete (you can check the progress in the Contact Management section).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔍 Automatic combination of duplicates.
• 📊 The ability to edit contacts directly in the web version.
• 🔄 Synchronize with other devices (for example, a tablet or PC).

Automatic synchronization via Google

Manual export/import of VCF file

Google Contacts app

Another way.-->

Alternative methods: SIM-map and third-party applications

If the previous methods did not work, you can use them. SIM-These are less reliable methods, but sometimes they're the only way out.

Transfer through SIM-map

Suitable for a small number of contacts (usually) SIM-The card supports up to 250 records).

1. On your old phone, export your contacts to SIM: Contacts → Settings → Import / Export → Export to SIM.
2. Insert the SIM in Redmi 9.
3. Open Contacts → Settings → Import / Export → Import with SIM.
4. Select an account to save (Google recommends).

💡

Import with SIM-Cards often result in loss of contact photos and additional fields (such as addresses or birthdays).

Third-party annexes

For complex cases (for example, when data is damaged), you can use:

• 📱 My Contacts Backup – Creates a backup in.vcf format.
• 🔄 Copy My Data – Transfers Wi-Fi contacts between devices.
• 📧 Super Backup & Restore – Supports Google Drive Exports.

When using third-party applications:

• Check reviews and ratings in the Play Market (avoid programs with a score below 4.0).
• Do not provide access to SMS or calls unless required to carry contacts.
• After the transfer, delete the application to free up memory.

5. Solving typical problems when transferring contacts

Even if you do the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Clear the cache.
3. Reboot the phone and repeat the sync.

💡

If your contacts are gone after reset, don’t panic: they will remain in your Google account and recover when you sync again.

6. How to avoid future contact loss

To avoid problems with moving contacts in the future, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔄 Check the sync regularly: go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and make sure your contacts are synced.
• 📥 Backup: Export contacts.vcf times 2-3 For a month and save the file to Google Drive.
• 📱 Use one primary account: Don’t keep contacts at the same time on Google, Xiaomi and Google. SIM — It leads to doubles.
• 🔍 Check your default settings: In Redmi 9, when you add a new contact, the system may suggest you save it to local memory.

For automatic backup:

1. Install the Google One app (if you have a subscription) or Automatic Call Recorder (for backup along with your call history).
2. Configure autoexport to Settings → Backup (in some versions of MIUI this feature is available by default).

💡

Store a backup of your contacts in three places: in a Google account, on a physical medium (for example, a flash drive), and in cloud storage (Google Drive or Mi Cloud).

7. Comparison of transfer methods: which one to choose?

The choice of transfer method depends on your situation, and below is a comparative table with the pros and cons of each method.

For most Redmi 9 users, the best combination is automatic synchronization and backup in.vcf. This ensures that data is safe even in case of failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer