Transfer of contacts with SIM-maps on Xiaomi Redmi 9C It seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances, from the lack of import options in the menu to copying errors. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of porting numbers (including hidden functions). MIUI), Explain why the standard method may not work and show how to avoid data loss when changing SIM.
The Redmi 9C features a stripped-down version of MIUI without some of the features of Xiaomiβs flagship models, for example, there is no built-in βMaster of Transferβ (as in the Redmi Note 10), and the option to import with SIM is hidden in the non-obvious section. We tested all methods on the firmware MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 β the results are summarized in the comparison table below.
Important: If you are planning to change SIM-If you switch to a new card (e.g., eSIM or other operator), move the contacts until the old card is retrieved, or you risk losing the numbers saved only on the card. SIM β They cannot be restored without specialized equipment.
1. Standard import via phone settings
The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI function, which is suitable if:
- π± On the phone installed stock firmware (without custom assemblies)
- π Contacts to SIM saved in vCard 2.1 or 3.0 format
- π You did not change the region of the system to an informal one (for example, from Russia to India)
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personβs silhouette).
- Slip on three dots in the top right corner β select Contact Management.
- Go to Import/Export Contacts β Import from SIM-card.
- Select the numbers you need (or click Select All) β Import.
- Specify your account to save (e.g., Device or Google).
Free space in the phone memory (minimum 10 MB)
Battery charge >30%
SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)
Disabled. VPN and energy-saving regimes-->
β οΈ Note: If the option is Import with SIM-The map is not on the menu, so:
- π§ Your firmware is modified (installed by Custom) ROM)
- π΅ SIM-The card is not recognized by the system (check the slot or restart the phone)
- π Region MIUI modified to incompatible (e.g., Chinese version for global market)
2. Transfer through the application "Google Contacts"
This is a universal method that works even on custom firmware, and the main advantage is that contacts are automatically synced with a Google account, which protects them from loss when you reset your phone. 9C any version MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Install Google Contacts from the Play Market (unless preinstalled).
- Open the application β tap on the profile avatar in the upper right corner β Import.
- Choose. SIM-map.
- Check the necessary contacts with ticks β Import.
- Wait for the process to be completed (notification will appear on the screen).
β οΈ Note: If contacts are not displayed in the standard Contacts app after import, sync:
- Go to Settings β Accounts β Google.
- Select your account β turn on the Contacts switch.
- Press Sync (circular arrow icon).
π‘
If contacts are duplicated after import, use the βCombine and Correctβ feature in Google Contacts, which automatically finds the duplicate entries and prompts them to be merged.
3. Manual transfer via export to VCF file
This is a good way to back up your contacts on your computer or transfer them to another phone..vcf (vCard) is supported by all modern devices, including iPhones and Android phones.
How to export contacts with SIM:
- Open Contacts. β Contact management β Imports/Exports.
- Select Export to the Device β mark SIM-map.
- Specify the folder to save (for example, Downloads) β confirm the export.
- The contacts.vcf file will appear in the selected directory.
To import the file back:
- Open Contacts β Contact Management β Import from the device.
- Select the.vcf file β specify the account to save.
What happens if the VCF file is not opened?
4. Alternative methods: through PC and third-party applications
If the standard methods donβt work, use one of these options:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Contacts Backup | πΉ Keeps contacts in the cloudπΉ It works without a Google account. | πΈ Advertising in the free versionπΈ Limitation on 500 contacts | 1. Install the application.2. Press Backup β send the file to email.3. Open the letter on the new device β import. |
| Through SMS | πΉ Doesn't require the Internet.πΉ Suitable for the old ones. SIM | πΈ Limitation of 250 characters in SMSπΈ Manual copying of numbers | 1. Send your contacts as SMS (*#99# for some operators). 2. Copy the numbers from the message to the phone book. |
| Through the PC (AT-team) | πΉ It works even with the damaged. SIMπΉ Complete control of data | πΈ Requires skills to work with ADBπΈ Risk of losing data in case of an error | 1. Connect your phone to your PC.2. Use the command:adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/phone_lookup --where "number IS NOT NULL" |
β οΈ Attention: When in use AT-commands (adb) have a risk of data damage on SIM-This method is recommended only for advanced users.
Standard import through settings
Google Contacts app
Export to VCF file
Third-party programs (specify which)
I can't stand it yet.-->
5. Solving problems when moving numbers
Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes.
π΄ Error: βNot able to import contacts from SIM"
Causes and solutions:
- π SIM-card blocked PIN-code β Unlock it in the settings (Settings) β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Lockdown SIM).
- π Damaged data on SIM β Try reading the map on another phone.
- π Incompatible format β Export contacts to.vcf via old device.
π΄ Contacts were imported without names (numbers only)
This happens if:
- π Names are stored in incorrect encoding (for example, Cyrillic instead of Latin).
- π SIM-card from an operator that does not support name storage (rarely, but found in virtual operators).
Solution: Manually edit contacts after importing or use the Sim Contact Editor app (available in the Play Market).
π΄ After importing, some numbers were lost.
Probable reasons:
- π Nana SIM-The card had more than 250 contacts (limiting many phones).
- π Numbers are saved in a non-standard format (for example, with spaces or special characters).
- π Conflict with existing contacts on the phone (duplicates were deleted automatically).
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Before importing contacts, always back up your current records, export them to a.vcf file or sync them with your Google account.
6. How to avoid future contact loss
To avoid facing the transfer problem again, follow these tips:
- βοΈ Synchronize your contacts with the cloud (Google, Mi Cloud or Yandex) and this automatically backs up all changes.
- π Export contacts to.vcf file regularly (e.g. once a month).
- π± Use one contact app (e.g., only Google Contacts) to avoid duplicates.
- π Check your import settings when changing your phone: some devices save contacts by default SIM, Not a phone memory.
β οΈ Note: If you use two of these SIM-maps 9C, Default contacts are saved to the card that is active in slot 1. To avoid confusion, transfer all numbers to the phone memory or cloud.
For maximum reliability, combine several methods.
- Synchronize your contacts with your Google account.
- Once every six months, export them to.vcf and save them to PC.
- Install a backup application (such as Super Backup).