How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways of 2026

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 cards are a challenge that every new smartphone owner faces. Even in 2026, when cloud services became the standard, many users store phone numbers on a physical card. This is convenient for quick access when changing the device, but inconvenient for everyday use: contacts on the device. SIM not synchronized, not reserved and occupy precious space (total 250-500 records depending on the operator).

In this article you will find 5 Proven methods of contact transfer – from standard functions MIUI We'll go through the nuances of each method, including the limitations. SIM-Characteristics of Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) And we'll give you backup recommendations, and if you're afraid of losing data or you're not sure what you're doing, there's a step-by-step guide with screenshots and warnings about common errors.

Why not just leave your contacts on SIM-map?

SIM-A card is an outdated way of storing contacts, and here’s why:

• 📵 Limited number of records: even modern nano-SIM supports no more than 500 contacts (some operators have only 200), and the fields for additional information (email, address, date of birth) are often absent.
• ⚡ No synchronization: if you lose your phone or SIM-The map, all numbers will be lost forever. The cloud services (Google, Mi Cloud) automatically back up data.
• 🔍 Inability to search: on your phone, you can search for contacts by name, company or notes. SIM-The map is only available manually scrolling the list.
• 📱 Display problems: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 may incorrectly display Cyrillic characters in contacts imported from the SIM (Especially if you have an old-style card).

In addition, contacts on SIM-The card does not support grouping, profile photos and binding to accounts of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in import function in firmware MIUI. It is suitable for Redmi Note 9 on any version of the software, including MIUI 14 and HyperOS — SIM-The card must be an active and properly recognized system.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Contact Management.
3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and tick the contacts for transfer (or click Select all).
5. Specify the location of the save: Device (locally) or Google (for synchronization).
6. Confirm the import with the button Ready.

The process will take from 10 seconds to a minute depending on the number of contacts. After completion, check that the numbers appear in the main list (section All contacts).

⚠️ Note: If after importation, Krakozabras are displayed instead of Cyrillic names (for example, Анна), signifier SIM-The solution: transfer contacts to another phone (like an old Samsung or Nokia), then export them to a.vcf file and import them to a Redmi Note 9.

Method 2: Export to.vcf and import to phone

This method is universal and works even if standard import fails..vcf (vCard) is the standard format for storing contacts that all modern smartphones support. Its advantage is that you can edit contacts on your computer before importing or save a backup.

How to transfer contacts via.vcf:

1. Exports with SIM-Insert the cards SIM Any phone (you can use your old phone). → Settings → Imports/Exports → Export to a memory card (or Save as vCard). SIM-map as a source and save the file (usually in the Download or Contacts folder).
2. Transfer a file to Redmi Note 9: Copy a.vcf file to your phone via USB, Bluetooth or the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud). Open the file through Files (built-in Explorer) or send it to the mail and download it to the device.

Import for phone

• Tap on the.vcf file → select Contacts as an Opening Application.
• Confirm the import (contacts will be saved in the memory of the phone or Google account).

Important: If you've used an Android smartphone before, check if there are any old contacts left on Google. To avoid duplicates, export your current contacts from Google to a.vcf file before importing them and compare them to the data on the Internet. SIM-map.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., the phone can’t see) SIM-You can use third-party utilities, we tested 3 applications that are guaranteed to work on the Redmi Note 9:

• 📱 Copy My Data (from Media Mushroom) - transfers Wi-Fi contacts from one phone to another without clouds.

Example of transfer via SIM Contacts Backup:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start it and give access to the contacts.
3. Select Backup from SIM → specify a save path (e.g. internal memory).
4. After you create a backup, click Restore and select the file to import to your phone.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller request access to your address book and can upload data to their servers. If privacy is important, use offline utilities (e.g., use the same as the one you use, SIM Contacts Backup) or delete the app after the transfer.

Method 5: Transfer over a computer (for advanced users)

This is a good method if you have access to a computer and want full control of the process. We will use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android devices.

What you need:

• Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• ADB and Fastboot utility.
• USB Debugging enabled on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 taps to unlock Developer Settings, then turn on USB Debugging).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm confidence in the device.


2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:




adb devices




(Your device should be displayed)




3. Export your SIM contacts to the file:




adb shell content query --uri content://icc/adn --projection "name,number" > sim_contacts.txt




4 Edit the file sim_contacts.txt (lead to the vCard format) and import it to your phone via Google Contacts.

This is a technique that requires technical skills, but it gives you the most flexibility, so for example, you can filter the numbers before importing them or convert them to another format.

💡

If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, update Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite or install Google USB Driver.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you migrate your SIM contacts to the Redmi Note 9, you'll find typical problems, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📶 Software Updates: Go to Settings → Update the system and install the latest patches.
• 🔧 Settings SIM-maps: in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks make sure the card is activated for calls.
• 📱 Alternative apps: Try Samsung Contacts or Simple Contacts from Google Play – they sometimes work better with Google Play. SIM-contact.

💡

If SIM contacts are critical (e.g. work numbers), make a backup copy by exporting to a file or screen photo with a list before any manipulation.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions