How to transfer contacts from Xiaomi to Redmi 9T: all working ways

Shifting contacts between Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces when buying a new device. Even if both phones run on MIUI, the process can be difficult due to differences in firmware versions or lack of synchronization. Redmi 9T (model M2010J19SG) supports all standard data migration methods, but some require pre-tuning.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods of transferring contacts - from automatic synchronization via Mi Account to manual export via vCard. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that arise when working with Redmi 9T: the limitations of the version of MIUI 12/13, the features of the Snapdragon 662 chip and compatibility with SIM-cards of nano-SIM and micro-SIM formats (via an adapter).

If you’ve used Xiaomi’s MediaTek-based smartphones before (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro), you may have trouble recognizing contacts in Google Contacts when you switch to the Redmi 9T from Qualcomm.

Preparation for transfer: what to do before the start

Before proceeding with the transfer, make sure that both devices meet the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Source phone: any Xiaomi model on the MIUI 10 or newer (e.g. Mi) 9T, Redmi Note 7: Older versions may not have synced via Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Target phone: Redmi 9T firmware MIUI 12.0.8+ (Check in the settings → If the version is older, update it via Settings. → Updating the system.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50% on both devices. when using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, energy consumption increases.
• 📶 Internet: stable Wi-Fi or mobile network connection (for sync via Google or Mi Account).

If you plan to use it SIM-The card is to be transferred, note that Redmi 9T It only supports nano-SIM. Micro-SIM requires an adapter. Also check if the contacts are saved to the device. SIM: Many users mistakenly believe that all numbers are automatically duplicated on the map, although by default the number is not the same. MIUI it's off.

⚠️ Note: If the original phone has two-factor authentication enabled for Mi Account, link backup email or phone number. If you reset settings on the old device, access to the account may be blocked.

To speed up the process, we recommend clearing the cache in the Contacts app on both phones:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Contacts and select Clear Cache.
3. Reset the device.

Method 2: Synchronize with Mi Account (the fastest method)

This method only works if both phones use the same Mi Account. It is suitable for transferring not only contacts, but also messages, notes, photos (if backup is enabled), the main advantage is automatic update of data in real time, without the need for manual export.

Instructions:

1. On the source phone: Open Settings → Mi Account. Make sure that the contacts sync is enabled (the switch must be active). Press Sync and wait until it is completed.

Redmi 9T

• Sign in to the same Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If the original phone has enabled contact sync with both Mi Account and Google, there may be a version conflict. → Accounts.

Check the version. MIUI both phones|Sign in to one Mi Account|Turn on contact synchronization|Clear the cache of the "Contacts" application"|Reboot the devices-->

Method 3: Transfer through Google Account (universal method)

If you use Google Contacts as your primary storage, this is the most reliable way, and it works even if the phones are on different Mi accounts, as long as the same Google is linked to it. The Redmi 9T has Google Contacts installed by default, but it may not be on older Xiaomi models (like the Redmi 4X).

Step-by-step:

1. On the source phone: Open Settings → Accounts → Google. Select your account and enable Contact Sync. Wait until completed (check in Contacts → Manage → Import/Export).

Redmi 9T

• Sign in to the same Google Account.
• Enable contact synchronization in Settings → Accounts → Google.
• Open the Contacts app and update the list (pull down).

If no contact appears, check:

• 🔄 Is synchronization enabled in the settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of the account.
• 📱 Google Contacts app installed (download from Play Market if not).
• 🔒 Are there any background activity restrictions for Google Play Services (check Settings) → Permits → Auto-start).

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If contacts are duplicated after sync, use the Google Contacts merge function: open contacts.google.com, select Other → Find and combine duplicates.

Method 3: Export/import via vCard file (for manual control)

This method is suitable if you want to selectively transfer contacts or make a backup..vcf (vCard) file can be saved to the user. SD-It's a map, a cloud, an email, and the main advantage is that it doesn't depend on accounts, and it works even without the Internet.

Instructions:

1. Exports on the source phone: Open the Contacts app. Click ⋮ (three-point) → Contact management → Imports/Exports → Export to file: Select contacts for export (you can mark everything) and specify a save path (for example, Internal Memory). → Download).

Redmi 9T

• Copy the.vcf file to your new phone via Bluetooth, USB-Cable or Cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
• Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Management → Imports/Exports → File-based import.
• Select the copied file and confirm the import.

If you have an error when importing "File corrupted", try:

• 📁 Restore the file in vCard 3.0 format (in export settings).
• 🔄 Reboot both phones.
• 📱 Check the file on another device (for example, on a PC via Outlook).

⚠️ Note: When exporting to vCard, contact photos and some additional fields (such as notes or custom tags) may be lost.If critical, use Mi Account or Google Contacts.

5. Method 4: Transfer through SIM-card (for basic phones)

This is less convenient than the previous one, but it can be useful if you don't have access to the Internet or accounts. SIM-The card stores a limited number of contacts (usually up to 250) and does not support additional fields (e.g. email or address).

How to move:

1. On the original phone: Open Contacts → ⋮ → Management → Imports/Exports → Exports to SIM. Choose contacts (all possible) and confirm the export.

Redmi 9T

nano-SIM

• Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Management → Imports/Exports → Import with SIM.
• Select contacts for import and confirm.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Only name and number are saved (without photos, email, addresses).
• ❌ Maximum length of name – 14 characters (the rest is cut off).
• ❌ International rooms (+7. ) may be displayed incorrectly.

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Use it. SIM-card only for temporary transfer after importation to Redmi 9T We recommend syncing your contacts with Google or Mi Account to avoid data loss.

6. Method 5: Transmission via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct

If you don't have cable or internet, you can use wireless transmission, which is slower than the others, but doesn't require additional accessories. Redmi 9T supports both Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi Direct (in MIUI 12+).

Instructions for Bluetooth:

1. On both phones, turn on Bluetooth (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. Pair devices (click Search and select Redmi 9T in the list).
3. On the source phone: Open Contacts, select the numbers you want (or click on) ⋮ → Highlight everything. Click Share. → Bluetooth and select Redmi 9T.

Redmi 9T

For Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on both phones (Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct).
2. Connect to the device (no password required).
3. Use any file manager (e.g., Explorer) to transfer a.vcf file (see Method 3).

7 Problems and Solutions: What to Do If Contacts Are Not Moved

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical scenarios and how to solve them:

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

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Restart the phone and repeat the import.

⚠️ Warning: After cleaning the Contacts app data, all local records will be deleted. make sure you have a backup in Google or Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring contacts to Redmi 9T