Why migrating SIM contacts to Redmi 9C is not a trivial task
Preservation of telephone numbers from SIM-cards for the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9C It seems like a simple operation, but in practice, users are faced with nuances that the manufacturer does not mention. SIM-cards (usually up to 250 contacts) and no fields for additional information (email, address, birthday) MIUI This data is lost if the correct method is not used.
The second pitfall is compatibility.Redmi 9C base-work MIUI 12-14 (depending on region and updates), and in each version the interface of the contact import menu may differ. MIUI 14 option is hidden in the submenu "Additional", while in MIUI 12 it was in a prominent place, and some operators (e.g. MTS or Beeline) block access to the Internet. SIM-Contacts via standard Android tools, requiring special applications.
In this article, we will discuss 3 working methods of transferring numbers (including the hidden method through the Internet). ADB For advanced users, we'll compare them in speed and reliability, and we'll also show you how to avoid data loss when you duplicate contacts. 9C: Sync failure with Google account when importing more than 150 contacts at a time.
Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings
This is the simplest method that doesn't require third-party applications to be installed, but it doesn't always work, for example if you have a problem with the system. SIM-A map from Tele2 or Yota, the system may not recognize contacts:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Contact Management.
- Go to Import/Export Contacts → Import from SIM-card.
- Select the numbers you need (or click “Select All”) and confirm the import.
Important: By default, contacts will be saved to your phone’s memory, not to your Google account. To avoid losing your settings when you reset, sync after import:
⚠️ Note: If you have a two-sim Redmi 9C, The system can suggest importing contacts from both cards at the same time, which often leads to duplication of numbers. SIM-Map or select contacts manually.
Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)
Check the free space in the phone memory (need ≥50 MB)
Turn off the second. SIM-card (if any)
Close all background applications (especially messengers)
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The speed of import depends on the number of contacts:
| Number of contacts | Time of importation (MIUI 14) | Time of importation (MIUI 12) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–50 | 10-20 seconds | 15-30 seconds |
| 51–150 | 30-50 seconds | 1-2 minutes |
| 151–250 | 2-3 minutes | 5+ minutes (possible hanging) |
Method 2: Export through third-party applications (for SIM problems)
If the standard importation does not work (for example, SIM-The map does not appear in the menu, use applications such as «SIM Card Contacts" or "Copy to Phone" are bypassing restrictions. MIUI They even support the outdated ones. USIM-Algorithm of action:
- Install the app from Google Play (links below).
- Open it and provide access to contacts and SIM-map.
- Choose Export to Phone or Copy All.
- Specify the target folder (Google Contacts is recommended for automatic sync).
Advantages of the method:
- 🔹 Works with anyone. SIM-cards, including corporate.
- 🔹 Preserves the formatting of numbers (for example, +7 instead of 8).
- 🔹 Allows you to edit contacts before importing.
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Requires third-party software installation (risk of data leakage when selecting questionable applications).
- ⚠️ Some apps show ads.
Google Contacts|SIM Card Contacts|Copy to Phone|Other|I don't use it.-->
For the Redmi 9C, we recommend SimplerApps’ SIM Card Contacts**, which is optimized for 4GB RAM devices and does not slow down.
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Before installing the app, check out reviews from the past month — some apps stopped supporting Android 10 (which runs Redmi 9C) after the 2023 updates.
Method 3: Manual transfer over ADB (for advanced users)
This method is suitable if the first two didn’t work, or you need to move contacts around the limitations of MIUI. It requires connecting your phone to a PC and using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool.
Steps:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 9C: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install Xiaomi USB Drivers (download from the official website).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the connection.)
adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/simcontacts --where"sim_id=1"(This team will list the contacts with SIM-slot-card.)
adb shell content insert --uri content://com.android.contacts/raw_contacts --bind name: "Name" --bind phone: "+71234567890"(An example of adding a single contact. A script is needed for mass import.)
⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB You're register-sensitive and syntax-sensitive, and if you're wrong in one character, like an extra space, you'll fail. If you're not sure, use the first two.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To determine how you can transfer, consider not only speed but also reliability — for example, manual input through ADB guarantees 100% control, but requires technical skills.
| Criteria | Standard Imports (MIUI) | Party of annex | ADB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (fast) | ⭐⭐⭐ (depending on the application) | ⭐ (long) |
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐ (occasionally) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (stably) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (maximum control) |
| Preservation of additional fields | ❌ (numbers) | ✅ (email, address, etc.) | ✅ (scripted) |
| Skills required | Basic | Basic | Advanced |
For most Redmi 9C users, the first method (standard import) is optimal. If it doesn't work, try the apps. ADB is left for emergency or for automation (for example, if you need to move contacts regularly).
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When importing more than 100 contacts, always check the result: MIUI 12-14 has a bug that can cause the first 10-15 numbers to be duplicated.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi 9C users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 📵 SIM-card not determined: Check if it's inserted into slot 1 (main). 9C slot 2 often only works for calls, but not for reading contacts.
- 🔄 Contacts are duplicated: This happens if you previously imported them into Google Contacts and now try to add them to your phone's memory.Solution: Clear the Contacts folder in your Google account before importing.
- ❌ Failed to import error: Usually linked to memory shortages. ≥100 MB in the Settings section → Memory.
- 📱 The Contacts app freezes: Reset its settings in Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
If the numbers are displayed in the wrong format after import (for example, +79123456789 instead of 8 (912) 345-67-89), use the mass editing function in Google Contacts:
- Open contacts.google.com on PC.
- Select all contacts (check at the top of the list).
- Click “More” → “Change numbers” → select the format.
How to keep contacts for a long time: backup
Shifting numbers from SIM to Redmi 9C is only half the battle. To avoid losing them when you reset or break your phone, set up automatic backup. MIUI has a built-in feature, but it's not always reliable. We recommend combining the two methods:
- Sync with Google: Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync. Turn on the switch opposite Contacts. Click More → Sync Now.
- Local Backup: Open Contacts» → «Contact management» → «Import/Export. Select Export to File and save a backup to SD-map or cloud (e.g. Mi Cloud).
Important: Google Contacts keeps a change history for up to 30 days, and if you accidentally delete a number, you can restore it:
- Go to contacts.google.com.
- In the left menu, select “Cancel Changes”.
- Specify the time range (e.g., “last 7 days”).
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If you change phones frequently, export contacts in.vcf and send the file to yourself by email, a format that is supported by all modern smartphones, including iPhones.