How to copy contacts with SIM on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods

Transfer of contacts with SIM-Smartphone cards are a challenge that every new Xiaomi Redmi 9 owner faces. Even in 2026, when cloud services seem like a universal solution, many users store phone numbers on a physical map. But how to safely and quickly transfer this data to a device so that it becomes part of the phone book?

In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods, from standard MIUI functions to workarounds for complex cases, how to avoid common mistakes (such as duplicate contacts or loss of Cyrillic characters), which applications really work and which only take up space.

If you have already tried to copy contacts and received a message "No contacts on the Internet". SIM-And there's a map, even though there are numbers, don't close the page. One section has a solution to this problem. And for those of you who are afraid of losing data, we've prepared a checklist before we move.

Important: instructions are relevant for Xiaomi Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS, etc.) based on MIUI 12-14. If you have a different version of the firmware, check the compatibility of methods in the appropriate section.

1. Standard import through Xiaomi Redmi 9 settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI function, which requires no additional applications and works on most firmware versions, but there are nuances: the path to import options may vary depending on the regional version of MIUI.

To get started, open the Contacts app (an icon with a human silhouette on the home screen).

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
2. Select Contact Management (or Settings in some versions).
3. Scroll down to the Import/Export Contacts section.
4. Tap on Import with SIM-map.
5. Choose where to save contacts: to your device or to your Mi Account.

If the item Imports with SIM-No card, don't panic. This is a typical situation for firmware with cropped features (for example, for the European version). MIUI). The solution is to change the region in the settings or use alternative methods from the following sections.

Make sure that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (main card)

Check the SIM contact balance (no more than 250 numbers)

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (for long-term operations)-->

⚠️ Note: When importing to the device, contacts will only be stored in local memory. If you reset the phone to factory settings, they will be deleted. To avoid this, select the save option in Mi Account or sync with Google after importing.

2. Alternative path: through the "Settings" menu

On some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 13 for the global market), the import option is hidden elsewhere, which is suitable if the standard method has not worked.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Contacts.
2. Put it in the storage (or memory).
3. Select Import with SIM-map.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

If there is no option, the reason may be:

• 📱 Absence SIM-cards in the slot (even if it is, the phone may not recognize it).
• 🔄 Outdated firmware - update MIUI last-minute.
• 🛠️ Operator restrictions – some SIM-Cards block reading of contacts.

Standard through the "Contact" app

Settings menu.

With a third-party application

Never carried a contact.

Another option-->

⚠️ Note: If an error occurs when importing, "I could not read" SIM-Map, try restarting your phone or temporarily disabling it PIN-code SIM. Also check if the card is installed in a microSD slot (on hybrid Redmi 9 models, this can block reading).

3. Use of third-party applications

When the built-in MIUI tools fail, third-party tools come to the rescue, we tested 7 popular contact transfer apps and selected the 3 most reliable ones for Xiaomi Redmi 9.

We recommend Contacts Backup & Restore, as it not only transfers contacts to SIM, but also backs them up.

1. Install an app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and give access to your contacts.
3. Select Import with SIM.
4. Mark the contacts you want (or click Select All).
5. Click Import and select your target storage (phone or Google account).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, never give them access to the app. SMS or a call log, which is an over-permission that could be a security risk, just access to contacts and storage.

4. Computer Transfer (for power users)

If you're not working at all, you can use a PC, which takes longer, but it's 100% control.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS
• 📱 Cable USB (Best Original from Xiaomi)
• 🛠️ Programme Mi PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi)

Instructions:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite.
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and allow debugging over USB (when you see a request on your phone).
3. In the program, select the Contacts section.
4. Press Import. → S SIM-map.
5. Follow the tips of the import master.

The advantage of this method is the ability to edit contacts before transfer (for example, correct errors in numbers or delete duplicates), and Mi PC Suite automatically backs up your computer.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disconnect your phone from your computer during importation. If the process is interrupted, contacts may be partially or error-free (e.g., without a name or with cropped numbers).

5. Manual input: when automation doesn't work

If all previous methods have failed (for example, due to damage) SIM-You have a map or a unique firmware, and you have to manually type it. It's long, but it's reliable. Here's how to optimize the process:

First, export your SIM contacts to the file:

1. Use any application in Section 3 (e.g. SIM Contacts Manager).
2. Select Export on Export SD-map or save in CSV.
3. Open the file on your computer (for example, in Excel).

Now you have a table with all the contacts.

• 📇 Correct errors (e.g. add missing country codes).
• 🔍 Remove duplicates (Excel has a repetitive value search function).
• 📤 Import back via Google Contacts or Mi Account.

For import to Google Contacts:

1. Go to contacts.google.com.
2. Press Import. → choose CSV-file.
3. Sync your Google account with your phone (Settings → Accounts → Google).

💡

Manual method is the only way to transfer contacts with the damaged SIM-A card that your phone cannot read automatically.

6. Solving typical transfer problems

Even with the right actions, Xiaomi Redmi 9 users are faced with errors. We have collected the TOP-5 problems and their solutions:

If your problem is not on the list, check:

• 📶 Network signal - with weak coverage SIM-The card can block access to contacts.
• 🔋 Battery charge - at a level below 15% MIUI Limits background processes.
• 🛡️ Security settings – some firmware requires unlockingEM Unlock in Settings → For developers.

💡

Before transferring contacts, take a screenshot of the list of numbers on SIM-map (via annex "SIM This will help you recover your data if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer