How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide with photos

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 cards are a challenge that every new smartphone owner faces. Even in 2026, many users store numbers on a physical card, but it's inconvenient: limited number of records (typically up to 250), inability to add a photo or multiple numbers to a single contact, risk of data loss if damaged SIM. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in import methods, and for complex cases there are third-party solutions.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for transferring contacts, from standard import through settings to synchronization with a Google account and the use of specialized applications. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances associated with Redmi 9: MIUI version (12, 13 or 14), operator restrictions (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) and problems with encoding Cyrillic names. If you are afraid of losing data, at the end of the article there is an FAQ with answers to frequent errors.

Before you start, check two things: 1 Make sure that SIM-card inserted SIM 1 (on Redmi 9, import only works with the first slot). 2) Run the Contacts app and wait for the system to read the data from the card (can take up to 30 seconds).

1. Standard import through Xiaomi Redmi 9 settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in import feature in MIUI. It does not require internet and works even without a linked Google account. It is suitable for owners of Redmi 9 on any firmware version (including global and Chinese).

Instructions:

  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 β†’ select Contact Management.
  3. Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
  4. Select Import with SIM-map.
  5. Tick the necessary contacts (or click Select All) β†’ Import.
  6. Specify where to save data: on the phone (Local contacts) or in Google account.

After importing, check the results:

  • πŸ” Contact us. β†’ Groups and make sure that a group is present SIM-card or telephone.
  • πŸ“ž Try calling one of the imported numbers – if the call passes, the data is transferred correctly.
  • ⚠️ If the names are displayed by the Krakozabras (for example, ÀíÀðΓ₯Γ© instead of Andrey, then the problem with encoding - the solution see section 4.

β˜‘οΈ Checking After Importation

Done: 0 / 4

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ Not working with SIM 2 – with the first slot only.
  • ❌ Cannot tolerate photos of contacts (they will have to be added manually).
  • ❌ On the Chinese versions. MIUI There may be no import point with SIM-Cards – use method 2 or 3 in this case.

2. Import via Google account (synchronization)

If you use Google services, this method will not only allow you to transfer contacts from the SIM to Redmi 9, but also automatically sync them with other devices (for example, a tablet or laptop), the main condition is a stable Internet connection.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Accounts and Synchronization.
  2. Add your Google account (if not already added) or tap on an existing one.
  3. Activate the Contact Slider for Synchronization.
  4. Return to Contacts, click three points β†’ Contact Management β†’ Import/Export.
  5. Select Import with SIM-Maps and Targets – Google.
  6. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 5 minutes depending on the number of contacts).

Advantages of this method:

  • ☁️ Contacts are automatically backed up in the cloud and available on any device.
  • πŸ”„ When changing the number on one gadget, updates will be applied to all.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Data protected from loss when resetting your phone.
πŸ“Š How do you usually keep your contacts?
Only on the SIM-map
On the phone (locally)
Synchronizing with Google
I use another cloud (Yandex, Mail.ru)

An important caveat: if you've previously imported SIM contacts to another phone through Google, you might have duplicates.

  1. Go to contacts.google.com.
  2. Click Duplicates on the left menu and combine the repeated entries.

πŸ’‘

Before importing to Google, export your current SIM contacts to a VCF file (via Export to SIM) and this will create a backup in case of errors.

3. Transfer by Third-Party Applications

If the built-in methods didn’t work (for example, due to an old version of MIUI or coding problems), use third-party utilities. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the two most reliable ones for Xiaomi Redmi 9:

AnnexRankings in Play MarketPlusesCons
ES File Explorer4.3 ⭐Import/export in VCF, CSV formats.The commercial is free.
Copy My Data4.5 ⭐Wi-Fi transfer between devices, saves photos of contacts.It requires installation on both devices.

Instructions for ES File Explorer:

  1. Install an app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and go to the Contacts section.
  3. Select Import with SIM β†’ mark the necessary contacts.
  4. Specify a folder to save (e.g. Internal Storage/Contacts Backup).
  5. The file will be saved in.vcf format – open it and confirm the import to the phone book.

Important: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in Xiaomi settings (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Auto Run), otherwise the import may be interrupted.

4. Solving coding problems (Cracose cherry instead of names)

Frequent problems with importing SIM Xiaomi Redmi 9 – incorrect display of Cyrillic names (for example, иван This is because operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) keep their contacts encrypted. UTF-8, MIUI Trying to read them as ANSI.

Methods of correction:

  • πŸ”„ Re-import via Google: Export your contacts with the SIM Google Account, then delete them from SIM And import back to the card - often solves the problem.
  • πŸ“± Manual editing: Open each contact in the Contacts app, click Edit and enter the name again.
  • πŸ› οΈ Specialized Applications: Use SMS Backup & Restore – It handles the encoding correctly.
Why do cracosiabras arise?
The reason for the discrepancy between the codings SIM-It's a card and a phone. UTF-8 for keeping names, and MIUI It is the default to read the data as ANSI (Windows-1251). This leads to distortion of the Cyrillic characters, the solution is forced conversion of the encoding through third-party utilities or re-importing through Google, which automatically normalizes the data.

If the problem persists, try the following trick:

  1. Export your SIM contacts to.vcf via Settings β†’ Import/Export.
  2. Send the file to your mail or Telegram.
  3. Open the file on your computer using Excel or Notepad++ and save it in UTF-8 encoding without a BOM.
  4. Import the edited file back to your phone.

5. Transferring contacts from SIM to Redmi 9 without data loss: expert advice

To avoid common mistakes, follow these guidelines:

⚠️ Attention: Never take out SIM-On Xiaomi Redmi 9, this can cause the contact system to crash and you will have to reset the Contacts app settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Contacts β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data).

Proven life hacks:

  • πŸ“Œ Backup: Before importing, export contacts with SIM to a.vcf file and save it to the cloud (e.g. Google Drive or Yandex Disk).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge: Make sure your phone has at least 30% charge – interrupting the process due to discharge can damage data.
  • πŸ“Ά Airplane Mode: If you import through Google, turn on Active Wi-Fi Flight Mode to avoid interruption due to calls.

If you plan to sell or rent Redmi 9 for repair, after transferring contacts:

  1. Delete all data from SIM-maps (Contacts) β†’ Management β†’ Remove from SIM).
  2. Reset your phone settings to factory settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Reset settings).

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way is to combine importing through Google and local backup to a VCF file, which ensures that data is safe even if the system fails.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi Redmi 9 users face problems.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
No sign of Import with. SIM-mapSIM 2 Slot or Chinese FirmwareTransfer the card to SIM 1 or use a Google account
Imports interrupted by 50%Memory shortage or app failure ContactsClear the app cache (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Contacts β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache)
Contacts are duplicatedPreviously Imported Data to GoogleCombine the takes at contacts.google.com

A specific error for Redmi 9: if the contacts are displayed after importing, but the caller receives an error "Number void", then the numbers are saved in the wrong format.

  1. Open a problem contact.
  2. Click Edit and delete all characters except numbers (e.g., replace +7 (999) 123-45-67 with 79991234567).
  3. Save the changes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer my SIM contacts to Redmi 9 without the internet?
Yes, use standard import through Settings β†’ Contacts β†’ Import with SIM-The Internet is only needed to sync with Google.
Why are not all contacts imported?
Probably on SIM-The map has old records that are not supported. MIUI. Try: Export all contacts to.vcf. Delete them from the SIM. Import the file back to the card, then repeat the import to the phone.
How to transfer contacts from SIM to Redmi 9 if the phone does not see the card?
Check: Is the SIM inserted correctly (chip up, beveled corner on the left), is the card working on another phone, is there any physical damage (such as bent contacts), if the problem is in the slot, contact the service center.
Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to Redmi 9 via SIM?
Technically yes, but not recommended. iPhone saves SIM contacts in a stripped-down format (no photos, notes, or multiple numbers). Better use: Sync through Google account (on iPhone: Settings β†’ Contacts β†’ Accounts β†’ Add Google). Move to iOS app (however, it only works when you first set up Redmi 9).
How to save photos of contacts when transferring with SIM?
SIM-The card doesn't store photos, just names and numbers. To transfer photos: Sync your contacts with Google or Mi Account on your old phone. Add photos manually through the web version of Google Contacts. Import data to Redmi 9.