Xiaomi smartphones store contacts in the cloud or internal memory, but sometimes you need to transfer them to the cloud. SIM-card - for example, when changing the device or for backup. 9A, Despite the budget price category, it supports this feature, but the process is nuanced. Unlike flagship models, there is no automatic synchronization with Google Contacts, and the storage capacity is not enough. SIM limited - usually 250-500 records according to the operator.
Many users have a problem when the SIM Export button is simply not on the menu, due to the specifics of the MIUI firmware and the type of SIM card used. In this article, we will discuss 3 working methods of transfer (including workarounds for nano-SIM), explain why some contacts may not be saved, and give recommendations for preparing data before exporting, and you will learn how to avoid the common error βInsufficient SIM memoryβ, which occurs when trying to write more than 200 numbers.
β οΈ Attention: Transfer of contacts to SIM delete photos, additional fields (such as addresses or birthdays) and leave only names and primary phone numbers. If you care about full data, first back up through Settings β Google β Backup.
Why SIM Contact Transfers in Redmi 9A Can't Work
On the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12/13 firmware, the export function on the SIM is sometimes hidden or blocked.
- π± Type SIM-Nano-SIM (used in Redmi) 9A) It doesn't have a physical slot to store contacts, and it's software-enabled, and not all operators support it. For example, Tele2 and Iota SIM cards often restrict recording.
- π Update MIUI: The firmware versions are newer MIUI 12.5.3 item βExports to SIMΒ» moved to the contact management submenu, which confuses users.
- π Contact format: If the numbers are saved as Google contacts or phone contacts, the system can block them from being transferred to the Internet. SIM non-transformation.
- π Operator restrictions: Some mobile operators (for example, MTS in the tariffs for devices) software disable the ability to record on the device. SIM.
Before starting the transfer, check if yours supports you. SIM-- A contact card:
- Insert the SIM into another phone (like an old Nokia or Samsung with classic SIM support).
- Try to create a test contact directly on the SIM through the menu of this device.
- If you can, your SIM is portable. If not, you'll need an alternative method (see the workaround section).
Method 1: Standard export through the Contacts app
This is the easiest method, but it only works if:
- β Yours. SIM-Cards contain contact records.
- β Contacts are stored in your phoneβs memory (not in your Google Account).
- β You have firmware installed. MIUI not newer than 13.0.5 (recent menus modified).
Step-by-step:
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner β select Contact Management.
- Go to the Import/Export tab β Exports to SIM-map.
- Select the contacts you want to move (or click βSecret Allβ), then confirm the export.
If there is no item "Export to SIM":
β οΈ Attention: In the firmware MIUI 14+ Try an alternative route: Settings β Annexes β Contacts β Memory. β Exports to SIM. If you donβt have an option, use Method 2 or 3.
Check the type SIM-Cards (nano-SIM may not support recording)
Make sure your contacts are stored in your phoneβs memory, not in Google.
Free up space on SIM (remove old contacts if you have any)
Battery charge of at least 30% (in case of failure)
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Method 2: Transfer through the engineering menu (for power users)
If the standard method does not work, you can use the MIUI engineering menu, which requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to failures.
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633###
- In the engineering menu, go to Connectivity β SIM/MMS.
- Choose yours. SIM-map, SIM 1).
- Find the Contact Management Point β Export Contacts to SIM.
- Confirm the export. The process can take 1-2 minutes.
β οΈ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, editing the Modem Settings settings can lead to network loss.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Method 3: A workaround through third-party applications
If the first two methods didn't work, use the apps from Google Play, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected two reliable ones:
| Annex | Support for Redmi 9A | Features | Ratings. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy to SIM Card | β Yes. Android. 10/11) | Supports package exports, retains names in Cyrillic | 4.3 |
| SIM Contacts Manager | β Yes, all versions. MIUI) | Allows you to edit contacts directly to SIM, but shows ads | 4.1 |
| Contacts Optimizer | β No (failures on) MIUI) | It works incorrectly with two-sim phones. | 3.8 |
Copy to SIM Card: Instructions for use:
- Download and install the app from Google Play.
- Start it and give access to the contacts.
- Choose. SIM-card (if there are two of them on the phone).
- Check the contacts you want or click βSelect Allβ.
- Press Copy to SIM and wait until it is completed.
Important: Applications cannot bypass operator restrictions. SIM-The card is software blocked for recording (for example, Yota SIM cards), even third-party utilities will not help.
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Before using third-party applications, back up contacts in.vcf format. To do this, open Contacts β Contact Management β Import / Export β Export to File.
Limitations and problems when transferring contacts to SIM
Even if the transfer is successful, you may face the following problems:
- π’ Restriction on quantity: On one SIM-The card usually contains no more than 250 contacts, and when you try to write more, you will get an error: "Not enough memoryΒ».
- π Data loss: On SIM Only the name and primary number will be saved, and all other fields (email, address, additional numbers) will be lost.
- π Coding problems: Cyrillic names can be displayed by cracosyabra on phones from other brands (e.g. iPhones).
- π Duplicate: If the contact already exists SIM, in case of re-export, a double with the prefix "(1) will be created)Β».
How to minimize the risks:
β οΈ Warning: Before transferring, sort the contacts by importance. Export only the ones that are really needed for the transfer. SIM (For example, the numbers of relatives or colleagues. The rest are better saved in Google Contacts or.vcf.
What to do if contacts are not transferred: 5 solutions
If none of these methods worked, try the following:
- Check the type SIM-Maps: Nano-SIM in Redmi 9A You can't record it. Try inserting an old-style SIM card (mini-SIM) through an adapter.
- Update the firmware: In some versions of MIUI, the export bug has been fixed. Check the updates in Settings β About Phone β System Update.
- Reset the Contacts app settings: Go to Settings β Apps β Contacts β Storage β Reset. This will return the standard settings.
- Use the second SIM slot: If you have a two-sim Redmi 9A, try inserting the SIM into another slot and repeat the export.
- Contact the operator: Some operators (such as MegaFon) can unlock the recording on SIM upon request. Call support and check the possibility of activating the function.
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If neither method worked, consider alternatives: transferring your contacts via Bluetooth to another phone and then writing to SIM or using cloud services (Google, Mi Cloud).
Alternative methods of backup contacts
If SIM transfer is not possible or convenient, use more reliable methods:
- βοΈ Google Contacts: Automatically synced, accessible from any device. Included in Settings β Accounts. β Google β Synchronization of contacts.
- π Export to.vcf: Creates a backup copy that can be saved to a computer or flash drive. β Management β Export to file.
- π± Mi Cloud: Xiaomi Cloud with 5GB of free space. Activated in Settings β Mi Account. β Mi Cloud β Contacts.
- π Transfer through Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct: You can send contacts to another phone and write to it. SIM. To do this, select βSendβ in the contact menuΒ».
Comparison of methods:
| Method | Data volume | Speed. | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM-map | β Up to 250 contacts. | β‘ Quickly. | β οΈ Low (risk of loss) |
| Google Contacts | β Unlimitedly | π’ Slowly (depends on the internet) | βββββ Tall. |
| File.vcf | β Unlimitedly | β‘ Quickly. | ββββ Medium (you need to store the file) |