How to transfer contacts to SIM-Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Mi 9 is still a popular smartphone due to the powerful “iron” and current updates MIUI. However, many users face the problem: how to save phone numbers directly to the Internet SIM-In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for the Mi 9, including bypassing the limitations of modern versions of Android and the features of different mobile operators.

Starting with Android 9 Pie (and the Mi 9 originally came with Android 9 and MIUI 10), Google removed the standard SIM contact export feature from the interface. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. We'll look at both the official hidden menus and third-party alternatives.

Why the standard method doesn’t work in Xiaomi Mi 9

If you tried to find the “Export to SIM” option in the contact menu and didn’t find it, it’s not a bug, but a feature of modern Android versions. Starting with Android 9, Google removed this feature from the standard Contacts app for several reasons:

• 📱 Limited capacity SIM: Even modern maps don’t support more. 250-500 contacts with a minimum set of fields (name only) + number).
• 🔒 Security: Keeping Contacts on SIM is considered less secure than syncing with a Google account or MI.
• ☁️ Cloud Priority: Manufacturers are actively promoting sync through Mi Cloud or Google Contacts.

However, in Xiaomi Mi 9 there are still hidden ways to work with the SIM-They can be activated through an engineering menu or special commands, and some operators (such as MTS or Beeline) provide their own management applications. SIM-phonebook.

⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulation of contacts, back up via Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud.In the event of a crash, you can lose all the numbers stored in your phone's memory.

Method 1: Through the Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings

This method works for Mi. 9 any version MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14), But you need to type in a special code, and it activates a hidden menu where you can export to the Internet. SIM.

Instructions:

1. Open the standard Phone app (green handset).
2. Enter the combination: ##3646633##
3. You will be taken to the engineering menu. Go to Connectivity → SIM Management.
4. Choose yours. SIM-Card (if you have dual-SIM, specify the slot: SIM 1 SIM 2).
5. Press Export Contacts to SIM and confirm the action.

The process can take several minutes depending on the number of contacts. Once completed, you will see a notification of successful export. Please note: this method supports only the main fields (name + number), additional data (email, address, notes) will be lost.

Battery charge > 30%|Backup of contacts saved|SIM-card inserted into the correct slot|Flight mode is off.-->

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

If the engineering menu seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, we tested several applications and selected the most reliable for Xiaomi Mi 9:

Recommendations for use:

• 🔍 Check reviews before installing – some apps may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions.
• 📋 Choose utilities with support for Android 9+, Older versions may not work on the Mi 9.
• 🔄 After export, restart your phone to make changes to the SIM-map.

Through phone settings|With third-party applications|Using the cloud (Google/Mi)|Manual input on new SIM|Another option-->

Method 3: Through the application of the operator

Many Russian operators offer their own management solutions SIM-This is especially useful if you use dual-SIM configuration in Mi 9 with cards from different providers:

• 📡 MTS: Install My MTS. In the "Services" section there is an option "Contact Management", where you can export numbers to the SIM.
• 🟢 Beeline: In the My Beeline app, go to Settings → Phone book. Import/export is available here. SIM.
• 🔴 MegaFon: Use MegaFon Cloud, although direct exports to the cloud SIM No, you can back up to the cloud and then restore it to another phone with a different phone. SIM.
• 🟠 Tele2: My Tele2 app allows you to synchronize contacts with SIM through the “Services” menu → Phone book».

This method has the advantage of integrating with the data plan and additional features (for example, backup to the operator’s cloud).However, note that carrier applications often contain advertising and may collect data about your contacts (check this in the privacy policy).

⚠️ Note: When using operator apps, check that the Mi 9 settings allow changing contacts for this application. → Annexes → Permits → Contacts.

Method 4: Manual input through the menu SIM-map

If you have few contacts (up to 50), the most reliable way is to manually enter directly into SIM memory.This guarantees 100% compatibility and eliminates the risk of data loss.

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Contact Management → Import / Export → Export to SIM-card.
4. If this item is missing, go back to the main Contacts menu and press + (Add Contact).
5. In the “Save in” field, select yours. SIM-map, SIM 1 (MTS)).
6. Fill in the Name and Phone fields, then click Save.

This method is slow but reliable, and it works if you only need to transfer the most important numbers (like close relatives or colleagues), and the main advantage is that you control what data goes to the SIM, avoiding duplicates or unnecessary entries.

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If there is no SIM save option in the Contacts menu, try updating the app via Google Play. Sometimes, after updating, hidden features become available.

Limitations and problems when working with SIM-contact

Transfer of contacts to SIM-Xiaomi Mi 9 has a number of nuances that you should know in advance:

• 🚫 Limitation on quantity: majority SIM They support no more than 250 contacts, and no new numbers will be saved if the limit is exceeded.
• 📛 Data format: by SIM Only the name and number are stored, and the additional fields (email, address, birthday) will be lost.
• 🔄 Dual-SIM Problems: If You Have Two Cards, Make Sure You Export Contacts to the Right One SIM (Mi 9 slots are not always signed intuitively).
• 🔐 Operator Blocking: Some providers (such as virtual operators like Tinkoff Mobile) may block a record on the Internet. SIM.
• 📱 Incompatibility with iOS: if you plan to move SIM In iPhone, note that Apple does not support reading contacts with the SIM new models.

A critical feature for the Xiaomi Mi 9 is that using nano-SIM (the format that supports this smartphone) may have less memory than micro-SIM. This is due to differences in card manufacturing standards. If you encounter an error called “Inadequate SIM memory”, try using a micro-SIM adapter — sometimes this solves the problem.

Alternative solutions: when transfer to SIM is not necessary

If you’re having trouble exporting to SIM, consider alternative ways to back up and transfer contacts, which often prove to be more convenient:

• ☁️ Google Sync: Automatically reserves all contacts and restores them when you change your phone. → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
• 📱 Xiaomi's Mi Cloud: Similar to Google, but with additional features (like device search). → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud.
• 📄 Export to file VCF: A universal format that can be imported into any phone. → Settings → Exports → File.vcf.
• 🔗 Transfer of Bluetooth/NFC: Quick way to transfer to another phone without SIM. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and select the Send Contacts option».

The advantage of these methods is to save all contact fields (including photos, emails and notes), as well as protect against data loss in case of damage. SIM-For example, Mi Cloud allows you to restore contacts even after the Mi 9 is completely reset to factory settings.

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If your goal is just backup, not necessarily SIM, use cloud services, which are more reliable and support a full set of contact data.

Frequently asked questions