How to keep contacts on SIM-Map in Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways and nuances

Maintaining contacts SIM-The map in Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a task that at first glance seems simple, but often raises questions among users.The fact that modern smartphones, including the Redmi models, by default save contacts in the Google account or internal memory, and the function of working with the user is not a problem. SIM-It's hidden deep in the settings or not in the usual form. In this article, we'll look at all the ways that you can transfer contacts to the right place. SIM, including workarounds for cases where standard methods do not work.

The feature of Redmi 9 (codename lancelot) is the use of a shell. MIUI, This means that the paths to customization may differ from “pure” Android, and some features (for example, mass export to the Android market). SIM) We'll take all of these things into account and provide you with the right instructions for the firmware. MIUI 12–14.

It is important to understand that SIM-The cards have strict memory limits: they usually support no more than 250-500 contacts, and storage fields are limited only by name and number (without photos, addresses or additional notes). If your goal is to back up or transfer data to another phone, consider alternative methods, which we will also discuss.

Why Contacts Are Not Saved on SIM in Redmi 9: The Main Reasons

Before you start moving, you need to understand why the function might not be available, and here are the most common reasons:

• 📱 Outdated firmware MIUI: In the versions below MIUI 12 interface of work with SIM-contacts were less intuitive, and in some regional firmwares the function was completely absent.
• 📇 Operator restrictions: Some mobile operators (e.g, Tele2 or Yota, block the recording on SIM Due to the specifics of the tariff plans.
• 🔄 Contacts synced with Google: If your contacts are linked to a Google account, the default system suggests saving new numbers there instead of on the Google account. SIM.
• 🛠️ Lack of support USIM: Modern nano-SIM (especially format) 4FF) may not support contact recording if released after 2018.

To check if your support is SIM-Contact record card, try pasting it into another phone (like Samsung or Nokia) and try to save a test contact. If the feature works, the problem is exactly with the Redmi 9 settings.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-Redmi 9 cards, the system can offer to save contacts only on the first (main) SIM. Switch the slots in the settings if you need to write data to the second card.

Method 1: Save contacts on SIM via the standard Contacts app

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

1. Open the Contacts app (a human silhouette icon).
2. Click on + (add contact) or select an existing contact to edit.
3. In the "Save to" (or "Account") field, select the option "SIM-map” (may be called "SIM 1" or "SIM 2").
4. Fill in the "Name" and "Phone" fields (other fields, such as email, will not be saved!).
5. Press Save.

If options "SIM-"Card" is not on the list, so:

• 🔹 Your version. MIUI does not directly support this function (see alternative methods).
• 🔹 SIM-The card is blocked by the operator (try another card).
• 🔹 Contact already saved on Google or on your device – create a new contact.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure that SIM-The card supports recording (try on another phone)

Turn off sync with Google in Settings → Accounts

Create a test contact to check

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If the method worked but you need to transfer all contacts to SIM, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Mass Exporting Contacts to SIM through Settings

Redmi 9 has a hidden SIM-export function, but it's hidden in the import/export menu.

1. Open "Contacts" → press three points (⋮) top-right → Select "Contact management".
2. Go to the section "Import/Export contacts" (or "Import/Export").
3. Select "Export to" SIM-The card (may be called "Export to") SIM").
4. Mark the contacts you want to move (or click "Select All").
5. Confirm the export and wait until the completion (can take up to 1-2 minutes with a large number of contacts).

Please note the limitations:

• 📵 Only name and number are exported (photos, addresses, notes - no).
• 🔢 Maximum number of contacts on SIM — 250 (depending on the operator).
• 📱 If the contact has multiple numbers, SIM Only the first one will remain.

⚠️ Note: If the error "Can not keep contact" appears during export, try to extract the SIM-I can reset my phone, reset my phone, and put it back in, and sometimes it helps reset the cache of the communication module.

Method 3: Using third-party applications to migrate to SIM

If the standard methods didn't work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and we tested a few and selected the most reliable ones:

• 📲 SIM Contacts Manager – allows you to copy contacts on a massive scale SIM, edit them and even back them up to a.vcf file.
• 📱 Copy to SIM Card – a simple tool with support for the Russian language and the ability to choose specific contacts.
• 🔄 Contacts Backup & Restore – a universal backup solution, including exporting to the UK SIM.

Instructions for SIM Contacts Manager:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to your contacts.
3. Select "Copy Contacts to SIM".
4. Tag the contacts you want (or click "Select All").
5. Press "Copy" and wait until it's finished.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ They even work on custom firmware.
• ✅ Supports mass transfer.
• ✅ Allows you to edit your contacts directly to SIM.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Additional permits are required.
• ❌ It can contain advertising (in free versions).

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Before using third-party apps, check reviews – some may ask for unnecessary permissions (such as accessing SMS or geolocation).

Method 4: Alternative methods if the SIM does not support recording

If you SIM-The card does not allow you to save contacts (for example, it is a modern eSIM or a new card). USIM From MTS/Beeline, consider these options:

4.1 Export contacts to VCF file and transfer to another phone

This is a universal method that works on any device:

1. Open "Contacts" → ⋮ → Contact management → Imports/Exports.
2. Select "Export to File" (.vcf format).
3. Send the file to yourself by email or save it to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk).
4. On a new phone, import the file through the same menu.

4.2. synchronization with Xiaomi account (Mi Account)

If you have a Mi Account, you can sync your contacts through it:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Turn on contact sync.
3. On the new device, log in to the same account – contacts will be automatically connected.

4.3 Use of cloud services

Services like Google Contacts, Yandex.Contacts or iCloud (for iPhone) allow you to store contacts in the cloud and sync them between devices, the main advantage is no restrictions on the number of contacts or data fields.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with SIM contacts in Redmi 9, users face typical problems.

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🔧 Settings SIM-Maps: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → There's probably an option to unlock the recording.
• 📱 Flight mode: Turn it on for 30 seconds, then turn it off - this will reset the connection to the network and can solve temporary failures.
• 🔄 Resetting network settings: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Network reset (does not delete data, but resets mobile settings).

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If you're often rearranging SIM-card between phones, consider buying Multi-SIM (for example, from MTS or Beeline) – they usually better support recording contacts.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions