How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi 9T: all ways of 2026

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Smartphone cards are a challenge faced by every new Xiaomi Redmi owner 9T. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: from the lack of visibility SIM-In this article, we will discuss all current transfer methods (including hidden functions). MIUI), explain why some contacts may not be copied and give backup recommendations.

Feature of Redmi 9T — two-way SIM-This makes the process more complicated: the system may not see the contacts on the second card. SIM We've taken these into account and prepared instructions for both slots, and you'll also learn how to avoid duplication of contacts and why you shouldn't keep numbers only on the main slots. SIM-map (spoiler: a security threat).

There is no water in this article, only proven methods relevant to MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).If you use custom software (e.g. Pixel Experience), some menu items may differ, as we will also warn you in advance.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before import

Before you start copying contacts, follow 3 mandatory steps to avoid data loss or crashes:

1. Check visibility. SIM-Contacts. Go to the Contacts app. → Contact management → Imports/Exports If the item "Imports with SIM" No, that means yours. SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts (relevant for some virtual operators).
2. Identify the slot SIM. At Redmi. 9T Contacts are imported only from the main SIM-cards (slot 1 by default) To move numbers from the second SIM, You need to make it the main one in the settings.
3. Back up. Even if you transfer contacts in a single click, save them to your computer or the cloud, and export them to.vcf through the same Import/Export menu.

Pay special attention to the format of the contact SIM. Older cards (especially MTS or Beeline operators until 2018) can save numbers in a stripped-down format, with no names or a 20 character limit.

A good example for dual-SIM owners is if you use two. SIM-cards, but keep the contacts only on one, before the perenosom check whether the second card is blocked PIN-Otherwise, the system may not see the contacts on it.

Method 1: Standard import through the Contacts app

The easiest method that works on any version MIUI (including Redmi 9T Suitable for transferring contacts from the main SIM-cards (slot 1):

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Select the contacts you need (or click "Select All") → tap Import.
5. Specify your account to save (we recommend choosing Phone or Google for backup).

If the item "Imports with SIM" No, that means yours. SIM-The card contains no contacts or they are saved in an unreadable format. In this case, try alternative methods (see sections below).

Note: If you import contacts into your Google account, they automatically sync to the cloud, which is convenient but takes up traffic (up to 5MB with a lot of contacts).

Method 2: Transfer from the second SIM-cards (slot 2)

By default, Redmi. 9T Imports only the main contact SIM-cards (slot 1) If your numbers are stored on the second SIM, Follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks.
2. Tap it on the control. SIM-map → Choose slot 2.
3. Activate the option to use for default calls (this will make the second SIM the primary one).
4. Return to the Contacts app and repeat the import (see Method 1).
5. After the transfer, return the SIM settings back if you use the first card for calls.

If contacts are not displayed after changing the slot, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔌 SIM-The card does not support the storage of contacts (relevant for some virtual operators type). Tele2 or Yota).
• 🔒 Contacts blocked. PIN2-code (an outdated function, but some cards support it).
• 📱 Firmware MIUI modified (e.g. custom assembly without support) SIM-contact).

Method 3: Export to.vcf and import to phone

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 Standard import does not work (no item "Import with" is not available). SIM").
• 🔄 You need to move contacts to multiple devices.
• 🛡️ You want to create a backup before importing.

Instructions:

1. On your old phone (or other device), export your SIM contacts to the.vcf file:
2. Transfer the.vcf file to Redmi 9T (via Bluetooth, email, or cloud).
3. Open the file on Redmi 9T and the system will prompt you to import contacts.
4. Select an account to save (phone or Google).

The advantage of the method is that the.vcf file can be edited manually (e.g., delete duplicates or correct numbers) before importing it, open it in a text editor (e.g., Notepad++) or a special service like VCF Editor.

💡

If you import duplicate contacts from the.vcf file, clear the phone’s memory before the procedure: Contacts → Management → Delete all contacts (from the phone).

Method 4: Using a Google Account to sync

If you plan to use Redmi 9T with a Google account, this method will not only transfer contacts, but also create a backup in the cloud.

Instructions:

1. On your old phone, export your SIM contacts to your Google Account:
2. On Redmi 9T, add the same Google account: Settings → Accounts → Add an account.
3. Enable Contact Synchronization: Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization → Contacts (incl.).
4. Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes).

If no contact appears:

• 🔄 Check your internet connection (sync only works via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔒 Make sure there is enough space on your Google account (contacts take up little space, but corporate accounts may have restrictions).
• 📱 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI "Forgetting to start synchronization automatically.

💡

Syncing with a Google Account is the most reliable way, as contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and available on any device.

Method 5: Transfer through third-party applications

If the standard methods didn’t work, use specialized applications. We tested the 3 most reliable options for Xiaomi Redmi 9T:

To use Copy My Data:

1. Install the app on both phones (old and Redmi 9T).
2. On your old phone, select Send Data → Contacts → SIM Card.
3. On Redmi 9T, select Receive Data and connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the first phone.
4. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → Battery optimization, otherwise the transmission may be interrupted.

What to do if contacts are not transferred or duplicated

Problems with moving contacts to the Xiaomi Redmi 9T are usually due to one of 5 reasons:

If after importing contacts are displayed without photos, it is normal — SIM-The cards don't store images:

1. Open the contact in the Contacts app.
2. Slip on the camera icon next to the name.
3. Choose a photo from the gallery or make a new one.

⚠️ Note: If you imported contacts to your Xiaomi account (Mi Account), they will not sync with Google.To transfer them to Google, export to.vcf and import again by selecting a Google account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving contacts to Xiaomi Redmi 9T