Why keep in touch with the people SIM-map still relevant
In the era of cloud services and synchronization through Google Account, saving numbers on the Internet SIM-But there are some advantages to this method: autonomy (contacts are available even without the Internet), compatibility with any phone, and protection from accidental deletion when resetting. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face the need to transfer numbers to the SIM - for example, when switching to another smartphone without access to the cloud or when selling a device.
It is important to understand that SIM-The cards have limitations: they only store names and numbers (no photos, addresses, or notes), and the memory capacity is usually no more than 250-500 contacts, but for basic backups or fast data exchange between devices, this remains one of the most reliable methods. Next, we will analyze all available methods for Redmi 9, including hidden nuances MIUI.
Preparation: compatibility check SIM-map
Before you keep in touch, make sure yours is yours. SIM-The current nano-SIMs (used in Redmi 9) are technically capable of storing data, but some operators are turning this capability off:
- π± Open the Contacts app on Redmi 9.
- π Tap on three points (menu) β Settings β Import/Export of contacts.
- πΎ If there is an item on the list Export to SIM-map, so the function is available.
If there is no option, the problem may be:
- π« Operator: some virtual operators (e.g, Tele2 or Yota, block the recording on SIM.
- π οΈ MIUI: in firmware for some regions (e.g. global vs. Chinese version) the function is hidden.
- π Type SIM: Very old cards (before 2010 release) may not support recording.
β οΈ Note: If you are using a dual-SIM adapter in Redmi 9, keep contacts only on the main one. SIM (The secondary card (slot 2) often operates in call-only mode and does not support data recording.
Method 1: Export contacts through the standard Contacts app
The easiest method is to use the built-in Contacts app from Xiaomi.The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is maintained:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a personβs silhouette).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β select Settings.
- Go to the Import/Export Contacts section.
- Select Export on Export SIM-map.
- Check the necessary contacts (or click Allocate) β Export.
- Confirm the choice SIM-cards (if there are two) and wait until the process is complete.
The process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute, depending on the number of contacts, and after export, the system will show a notification of successful preservation. SIM-Contact names are trimmed to 14 characters, and numbers are stored only in international format (for example, in the international format, +79XXXXX instead 89XXXXX).
βοΈ Preparation for export of contacts
β οΈ Note: If your Redmi 9 has a firmware installed MIUI 13+ with the updated appendix "Contacts", the item Export to SIM-The card can be hidden behind an extra menu, in which case, try to hold your finger on any contact. β Management β Exports.
Method 2: Transfer contacts from Google account to SIM
If your contacts are synced to a Google Account, they can be imported into your phoneβs memory first and then exported to SIM. This method is useful if youβve used an Android smartphone before and want to migrate data to Redmi 9:
- Open Settings β Accounts and Sync β Google.
- Make sure the Contact switch is on (synchronization is active).
- Return to Contacts β Menu β Settings β Import / Export.
- Select Import from Google β wait until you complete it.
- Repeat Method 1 (export to SIM)
This method ensures that the SIM-All contacts, including those added via Gmail or other Google services, will be included in the card, but please note that when imported from Google, the phone memory may be duplicated if they already existed locally.
What if your contacts are not synced with Google?
Method 3: Use third-party applications (if standard methods don't work)
If the built-in MIUI tools do not allow you to save contacts on SIM, you can use third-party utilities, for example, the Sim Contacts Manager app (available on Google Play) offers advanced SIM-card functionality:
- π² Support for dual-SIM devices (selecting a slot for export).
- π Ability to edit contacts directly to SIM-map.
- π Viewing the occupied/free space SIM.
- π Exports/imports in.vcf format (for backup copies).
Instructions for use:
- Install an app from Google Play (e.g. Sim Contacts Backup).
- Start it and give access to the contacts.
- Choose Export to SIM β mark the necessary contacts.
- Press Export and confirm your choice. SIM-map.
The advantage of third-party apps β they often bypass the limitations MIUI They can even keep in touch with βunsupported" SIM-However, be careful: some utilities request excessive permissions (for example, access to the Internet). SMS call-book).
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Before using a third-party app, check reviews on Google Play β some utilities may contain ads or pay to install other programs.
Limitations and problems in maintaining the SIM-map
Despite the convenience, the method has several critical drawbacks that you should know about in advance:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts no longer available | SIM-card blocked by PIN code | Disable PIN in Settings β Security β Locking SIM-card |
| The "Not enough memory" error | SIM-map filled | Remove old contacts through the Management menu SIM-contact |
| Contact names are cut off | SIM Limitation: 14 characters per name | Cut names manually before exporting |
| Numbers are saved in the wrong format | SIM supports only international format (+7...) | Edit numbers before export (add +7) |
Another common problem is duplicate contacts, so if you've imported SIM numbers to your phone before, and then you try to export them back, the system can create copies.
- π§Ή Clean it up. SIM-Map from old contacts (Management menu) SIM-contact β Delete everything).
- π Check the phone book for duplicates manually or with apps like Duplicate Contacts.
How to check if your contacts are successfully saved on SIM
After export, make sure that the data is written correctly.
- Extract. SIM-A card from Redmi 9 and paste it into another phone (like an old Nokia or Samsung with support) SIM-contact).
- Open the phone book on the second device β contacts should be displayed in the SIM or Map section.
- Check for a few random entries: do the names and numbers match the original?
If you donβt have a second phone, you can check the contacts directly on Redmi 9.
- Open Contacts β Press three points β Settings.
- Choose to display contacts with β SIM-map.
- Make sure the list is not empty and matches the exported data.
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If the contacts are not displayed on SIM-Repeat the export by restarting the phone, sometimes due to background synchronization with Google.
Alternative methods of backup contacts
If the preservation SIM-The card is impossible or uncomfortable, consider alternative backup methods for Redmi 9:
- βοΈ Google Contacts: Automatic Cloud Sync Available from any device via Gmail.
- π± Local Export to.vcf: Through Contacts β Settings β Export to the device. You can copy the file to the PC.
- π Xiaomi Cloud: Built-in cloud from Mi Account (available in Settings) β Accounts. β Mi Cloud).
- πΎ Third-party services: My Contacts Backup (saves to.vcf or sends to email).
The advantage of these methods is that there are no restrictions on the number of contacts and the preservation of complete information (including photos, addresses and notes), but they require access to the Internet for recovery. sync with Google and export to the SIM-map.