How to transfer contacts to SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 map: all ways

Why keep in touch with the people SIM-map still relevant

In the era of cloud services and sync through Google Account, keep your contacts on the Internet SIM-But there are still significant advantages to this method: autonomy (contacts are available even without the Internet), versatility (transfer between devices without linking to accounts), and security (data is not stored on third-party servers). For Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners, this method is especially useful when changing phones, traveling abroad or if the cloud is not available for some reason.

But there are pitfalls. SIM-The cards are severely restricted: they usually support no more than 250 contacts, and storage fields are limited to a name and one number (no email, addresses or additional phones). MIUI It hides some of the features in the depths of the menu, which makes it difficult for beginners. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from standard tools to workarounds for complex cases.

Preparation: What to check before transfer

Before you keep in touch with the SIM-card, make sure your card supports this feature. SIM (Especially the Mini-SIM format, which may not have storage, and virtual eSIMs, especially. Redmi 9 uses a hybrid slot, so it's a very simple device:

  • ๐Ÿ” Check the type SIM: physical Nano-SIM (12.3ร—8.8 mm) with memory chip - suitable; eSIM or card without chip - no.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Make sure the phone recognizes SIM: Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. If the card is not displayed, restart the device.
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Free up space: one record takes up ~50 bytes: At 250 pins (typical for most operators), total memory capacity SIM will ~12.5 KB.

It's important: SIM-cards from some Russian operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) can block the recording of contacts by default, in which case you will need to change the card in the communication salon.

๐Ÿ“Š How do you usually keep your contacts?
Only on the phone.
Synchronizing with Google
Save it for SIM-map
I use the cloud (iCloud, Mi Cloud)
Another way.

Method 1: Save through the standard Contacts app

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi's built-in Contacts app, which supports export to SIM, but the path to the feature is not obvious.

  1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personโ€™s silhouette).
  2. Tap it on three points (โ‹ฎ) top-right โ†’ Select Contact Management.
  3. Go to Import/Export Contacts โ†’ Exports to SIM-map.
  4. Check the necessary contacts (or click Select All) โ†’ Export.
  5. Choose. SIM-card (if there are two) and confirm the action.

The process can take up to 2-3 minutes depending on the number of contacts. SIM-the card before the notice of successful completion appears. If the export is interrupted, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery level (must be above 20%).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Network stability (although the Internet is not required, some versions are available) MIUI Checking licenses online).
  • ๐Ÿ›‘ No locks from the operator (see section "Errors and solutions").

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for export of contacts

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Transfer through phone settings

If the Contacts app does not offer an export option (relevant for some MIUI 12-14 firmware), use the system settings:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Contacts โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Manage Contacts.
  3. Select Import/Export โ†’ Export to SIM-card.
  4. Follow the clues on the screen.

This path works even if the Contacts icon is hidden or replaced with a third-party one (e.g. Google Contacts). If there is no Contact Management, then your version of MIUI uses an alternative interface - try Method 3.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the menu doesn't have an export option, update the Contacts app via Google Play. Sometimes this brings back hidden features.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods fail, install one of the proven contact management applications.

AnnexAdvantagesDeficienciesReference
Sim Contacts ManagerPackage export support, backupAdvertising requires access to contactsGoogle Play
Copy to SIM CardSimple interface, works on old AndroidRestriction on 10 contacts in the free versionGoogle Play
Contacts OptimizerCleaning of duplicates before exportDifficult for beginnersGoogle Play

Instructions for Sim Contacts Manager:

  1. Install the application and open it.
  2. Press Export to SIM โ†’ Choose contacts.
  3. Confirm the export and wait until it is completed.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some applications (such as Truecaller) may block access to contacts. Before using third-party utilities, disable such programs in the security settings.

Errors in Saving Contacts on SIM and Their Solutions

Even with the right actions, Redmi 9 users are faced with errors, and consider the typical problems and ways to fix them:

  • ๐Ÿšซ "Failed to export contacts": Most often caused by lack of memory on the Internet SIM. Remove old records through Settings โ†’ SIM-map โ†’ Contact management SIM.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ "SIM-card blocked": Enter PUK-code (indicated on plastic carrier) SIM After 3 wrong attempts, the card will be blocked!
  • ๐Ÿ“ต "No Supported Feature: Contact the Operator to Replace SIM Support for the storage of contacts (for example, USIM instead SIM).
  • โš ๏ธ "Contacts partially exported": problem with encoding. Try to keep contacts without Cyrillic symbols or special marks.

Critical information: If SIM contacts are displayed in characters after export, this means that the encoding is incompatible, the solution is to use the Sim Contacts Manager application with the option "Force UTF-8 encoding".

What to do if SIM-map not defined?
1. Reboot the phone. 2. Remove the phone. SIM 3. Check the slot: in Redmi 9 it is hybrid (SIM2 It shares space with a microSD. 4. Try another one. SIM-diagnostics.

How to transfer SIM contacts to a new phone

Once you have successfully saved your contacts on SIM, you can transfer them to another smartphone (including a non-Xiaomi one).

  1. Put it in. SIM-card.
  2. Open the Contacts โ†’ Import / Export โ†’ Import with SIM.
  3. Select your target storage (phone or Google account).
  4. Confirm the import.

On iPhone, the path will be different: Settings โ†’ Contacts โ†’ Import SIM contacts. If contacts are not displayed, check:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Compatibility SIM: Some iPhones donโ€™t read contacts from Android cards.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Recording format: iOS requires Latin in contact names.

Alternatives SIM-When to choose another way:

Keeping contacts on SIM is convenient, but not always justified.

  • ๐Ÿ“Š You need to save more. 250 contact or data with multiple numbers/email.
  • โ˜๏ธ You change phones frequently and want automatic sync.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Safety is important: SIM-The card is easily lost or copied.

The best options for Redmi 9:

MethodPlusesCons
Google ContactsAutomatic backup, access from any deviceRequires Internet and Google Account
Mi CloudIntegration with MIUI, backups once a dayLimit 5GB in free fare
Export to VCF fileUniversal format, can be sent by emailManual importation to new device

To export contacts to VCF on Redmi 9:

  1. Open Contacts. โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Contact management.
  2. Select Import/Export โ†’ Export to file.
  3. Specify a save path (e.g., internal memory โ†’ Download).

๐Ÿ’ก

For maximum reliability, use a combined approach: duplicate contacts on the SIM-Map and cloud (Google or Mi Cloud).

FAQ: Frequent questions about working with contacts on SIM

Can I save multiple numbers on SIM?
No. SIM-The cards only support one phone number per contact, additional numbers, email or addresses will be lost during export. VCF Synchronize with Google Contacts.
Why did the Russian letters in the names disappear after the transfer to SIM?
It's a coding problem. SIM-maps 7-bit GSM Solution: Rename your contacts to Latin before exporting. Use applications like Sim Contacts Manager with option UTF-8.
How to find out how many contacts are left on my SIM-map?
In Redmi 9, go to Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ [yours SIM] โ†’ Contact management SIM. This will show the number of slots occupied and free. If this item is not available, yours will be the number of slots occupied. SIM Does not support maintaining contacts.
Can I save my WhatsApp or Telegram contacts on SIM?
No, you can't directly. Messengers store contacts in their cloud, and they don't show up in the system phone book. First export chats (on WhatsApp: โ‹ฎ โ†’ Export chat), then manually add numbers to Contacts and only then save to SIM.
What happens if you take it out? SIM-map during the export of contacts?
Data will be lost or damaged. At best, exports will be interrupted; at worst, some contacts will remain in an unreadable format. Always wait for notification of successful completion of the operation. If the process is stalled, wait 10 minutes before retrieving the SIM.