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

Saving phone numbers on SIM-The map in Xiaomi Redmi 9 seems like an easy task, but many users face unexpected difficulties: the lack of an option in the menu, errors in exporting or restrictions on the number of contacts. MIUI 12–14, including workarounds for cases where standard functions are not working.

The Redmi 9 (and other Xiaomi smartphones) feature a proprietary MIUI shell that often hides or modifies standard Android features. For example, in some versions of the software, the SIM save option is hidden in the depth of the settings, and in others it is completely absent without additional manipulation. We tested all methods on real devices and collected current data for 2026, including solutions for cases where contacts are not portable due to operator restrictions or a damaged SIM.

It is important that you use two SIM-The system can only offer to save contacts to one of them, which is a problem we will also discuss below (VCF) backup.

Why Xiaomi Redmi 9 doesn’t have a Save on SIM option?

Reason. №1 - Politics MIUI. Starting with the versions MIUI 11-12, Xiaomi began to gradually remove the ability to save contacts on the Internet SIM It's a feature that's left in the system and is available through Settings. → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse or special teams.

Reason. №2 is the operator's limitations. SIM-Cards (especially virtual or newer eSIM standards) do not support the storage of contacts, and you can check this by inserting the card into another phone - if the option is missing there, the problem is that the card is not available. SIM, Not in Redmi 9.

Reason. №3 - A damaged file system on SIM. If the card has been used for a long time or is not retrieved correctly, its memory for contacts can be blocked, in which case only a replacement will help. SIM operator.

• 🔍 How to check: Try to keep contact with SIM It's a problem with the map if it doesn't work.
• 📱 MIUI-crutch: in some firmware, the option appears only after rebooting the phone with the inserted SIM.
• 🛠️ Solution for eSIM: contacts for virtual SIM You can’t save it – use a cloud or file. VCF.

Method 1: Save through the Contacts app (standard method)

This is the most obvious path, but it doesn't work on all versions of MIUI.

1. Open the Contacts app** (a human silhouette icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Contact Management.
3. Tap Import/Export contacts → Export to SIM-card.
4. Select contacts to transfer (or tap Allow) → Ready.
5. Confirm the SIM to be saved (if there are two).

If the export items SIM-map:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📲 Check that SIM-The card is inserted into slot 1 (in Redmi 9, some features work only with the main slot).
• 🔧 Update the Contacts app via Google Play (sometimes Xiaomi rolls back bug versions).

⚠️ Attention: SIM-The only thing you can save is your name and number -- photos, email, addresses, and other fields will be lost. If they're important, export the contacts to the file first. VCF (see method 3).

Method 2: Save through the Contacts settings

If the standard path didn’t work, try an alternative route through the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Contacts** (or com.android.contacts) → open.

If you don't have an option here, then your version of MIUI has removed the feature completely, so use Method 4 (via the engineering menu) or Method 3 (export to the file).

💡

If you're often rearranging SIM-map between phones, create a backup of contacts in format VCF And you can store it in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud). SIM, malfunctioning.

Method 3: Export contacts to a VCF file and then import them to a SIM

If direct transfer to SIM is not possible, use the workaround:

1. Transfer the file to another phone (if necessary): Send yourself via email, Mi Drop or Bluetooth.

This method is suitable if:

• 📵 Yours. SIM does not support the preservation of contacts (e.g. eSIM).
• 🔧 V MIUI Export function removed completely.
• 🔄 We need to move the contacts with the double. SIM single-card.

⚠️ Attention: Files VCF They may be incorrectly imported if the contacts use special symbols (for example, emojis in names.

Method 4: Save through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

If all previous methods failed, you can use Xiaomi’s hidden engineering menu, a method that requires caution but often helps bring back hidden features.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636## (if the code doesn't work, try ##36446337### for MIUI).

If the engineering menu does not open:

• 📱 Check that you are using a standard keyboard (some third-party keyboards do not transmit characters *#).

Solving problems while maintaining contacts with SIM

Even if you find an export option, the process can end up in error.

If none of these methods worked, the last option is to manually enter contacts through the SIM menu.

1. Open the "Contact» → press + (connect).
2. In the "Save in" field, select SIM-Map (not phone or Google»).
3. Enter the data manually and save it.

💡

If you SIM-A card older than 5 years old is likely to have worn out its memory for contacts, in which case even successful storage can lead to data loss.

Frequent questions about contacts on SIM in Xiaomi Redmi 9