How to transfer contacts from SIM-card to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working ways

Why contact with the SIM-The maps may be missing – and how to avoid it

A SIM card is an unreliable storage for a phone book. A single failure, mechanical damage, or accidental formatting will disappear and all numbers will be restored. The Xiaomi Redmi 9, like other MIUI smartphones, offers several ways to transfer SIM contacts to internal memory or the cloud, but not all of them are obvious to users.

The main problem: many Redmi 9 owners are faced with the fact that when trying to import, the system gives an error "failed to copy contacts" or simply ignores the command. MIUI 12-14, where the function of working with SIM-It's hidden deep in the settings or requires additional actions. In this article, we're going to look at the current ways to move to 2026, including bypassing common errors.

It's important to understand: SIM-The card stores contacts in an outdated format that does not support email, addresses or photos. When you transfer to Xiaomi, some of the data may be lost - but the main numbers and names will be saved. If you need advanced fields, it is better to export your contacts to Google Account or.vcf file.

Method 1: Standard import via MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in import function. It works on all versions of MIUI, but the path to settings may vary depending on the shell. For Redmi 9 with MIUI 12/13/14, the instructions are as follows:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → select Contact Management.
3. Go to the section Import / Export contacts → Import from SIM-card.
4. Select the right contacts (or click Select All) → confirm the import.

If the item Imports with SIM-No card – check if it is installed SIM slot SIM1. Xiaomi Redmi 9 sometimes doesn’t see the contacts on the second SIM. Also make sure the card is not blocked by the PIN (in this case, the phone will not be able to read the data).

Make sure that SIM-slot-card SIM1

Unlock the PIN code (if any)

Check the free space in the phone memory

Close background applications (especially messengers)

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⚠️ Note: If the error “Contacts not found” appears when importing, try rebooting the phone with the phone removed and re-inserted. SIM-And in 30 percent of cases, it solves the problem of reading data.

Method 2: Exporting to Google Account (most reliable)

Not only does Google Account transfer your contacts to the cloud, it syncs them to other devices, a method recommended if you're planning to change your phone or reinstall your firmware frequently.

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Select your Google Account (if not connected, add it).
3. Activate the Contact switch and wait for the synchronization to be completed.
4. Return to Contacts → Contact Management → Import/Export.
5. Select Import with SIM-map → Specify the purpose of saving as Google.

After importing, check if contacts have appeared on contacts.google.com. If not, repeat the sync manually by clicking on three dots next to the account in the settings and selecting Sync Now.

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If contacts are duplicated after import, use the Connect and Correct function in Google Contacts, which automatically finds and combines the duplicate entries.

Method 3: Use of.vcf file (for backup)

The.vcf (vCard) format is a universal standard for storing contacts, and the advantage of this is that you can transfer a file to a computer, send it by mail, or save it to the cloud, to export your SIM contacts to.vcf on Redmi 9:

1. Open Contacts. → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select Export to the Device → specify SIM-map.
3. Save the file in the phone’s memory (for example, in the Downloads folder).
4. Open the file through any file manager (like Google Files) and import the contacts into the phone book.

The.vcf file can also be imported to Google Contacts via the web or sent to another phone, the main advantage of this method is independence from cloud services, minus manual file management (you need to remember to copy it when you change your device).

⚠️ Note: If the file weighs 0 KB when exporting, it means that the phone could not read the data from the data. SIM. Try clearing the cache of the Contacts app in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Clear the cache).

Method 4: Third-party applications (for complex cases)

If the built-in methods do not work, third-party software will help. For Xiaomi Redmi 9, you can:

• 📱 Copy My Data - transfers contacts, messages and photos over Wi-Fi or cable. SIM-import.
• 🔄 Super Backup & Restore — backs up contacts in.vcf and restores them. SIM.
• ☁️ My Contacts Backup — exports contacts to a file and sends it to an email. Simple interface, but no Russian language.

Examples of Super Backup & Restore:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and select Contacts → Backup.
3. Specify the source SIM-map and save the file.
4. To restore, select Restore and specify the backup created.

The advantage of third-party apps is that they often bypass MIUI restrictions, such as when the phone does not see contacts on the second SIM. However, be careful: some programs request unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or geolocation).

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Third-party apps are useful if the built-in import doesn’t work, but they should only be used from official sources (Google Play, AppGallery).

Method 5: Manual input (if contacts are few)

If SIM-It's less than 20 contacts, sometimes easier to type them manually, and it takes time, but it guarantees 100% accuracy:

1. Open the Contacts app and press + (add a new contact).
2. Enter the name and number, then click Save.
3. Select an account to save (Device or Google).

To avoid missing any contact, make a list on paper or take a screen picture. SIM-menu (to do this, type ##4636## in the dialer and select Phone Information). → Viewing SIM-contact).

⚠️ Attention: It is easy to make typos in rooms with manual input. Check each contact by phone or by phone. SMS, Especially if it is an important number (banks, support services).

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the right actions, Redmi 9 users face challenges, and the most common solutions are:

If none of these methods worked, check:

• 🔧 Version MIUI — in old firmware (below) MIUI 12) the import function may not be available. Update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📶 Operator network - some SIM-Cards (e.g. virtual operators) do not support the storage of contacts.
• 🛠️ Integrity SIM — If the card is damaged, the contacts may not be readable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact transfer