How to save contacts on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways with instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it is not immune to crashes, data loss or the need to reset to factory settings. The main headache of users in such situations is the loss of contacts, which often accumulate over the years. This article will help you understand how to reliably save the phone book on Redmi 9 (including modifications of Redmi 9A/9C/9T) with all the nuances of the MIUI firmware.

We will consider not only standard methods such as synchronization with a Google Account, but also alternative options: export to a.vcf file, use of the Internet. MI Cloud, backup through MIUI Backup and even manual saving on SIM-We'll focus on the hidden settings. MIUI 12/13, If you're planning to sell your phone, change your firmware, or just want to be safe, this is the guide for you.

1. synchronization of contacts with Google Account

The most versatile and reliable way to do this is to link your contacts to your Google account, which works on all Android devices, including Redmi 9, and allows you to restore numbers even after you completely reset your phone, the main advantage of which is that the data is stored in the cloud and automatically updated when you add new contacts.

To enable synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Select your Google Account (if not, add it through Add Account).
3. Activate the slider opposite Contact.
4. Press Sync (or wait for automatic sync).

⚠️ Note: If you use multiple Google accounts, make sure that contacts are saved to the desired profile. Check this in the Contacts app: open any contact → Edit → Check out the Account field.

Make sure your phone is connected to the internet.

Check that the account settings include contact synchronization

Open contacts.google.com on PC – contacts should be displayed there

Create a test contact on your phone and check it for the web version-->

2. Export contacts to VCF file (vCard)

If you prefer to store your backup locally (like on your computer or flash drive), exporting to a.vcf file is the perfect solution, and it is supported by all modern devices and services, including iCloud, Outlook, and Yandex.Mail.

Instructions for Redmi 9:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Contact management.
3. Select Import/Export Contacts → Export to File.
4. Specify which contacts to export (e.g., only from a Google Account or all).
5. Select a folder to save (we recommend Downloads or Documents).
6. Confirm the export – the contacts.vcf file will be created.

💡 Useful tip: Send the received file to your email or save it to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) so you can restore contacts even if the phone is lost.

3. Backup through MI Cloud

MI Cloud is Xiaomi's proprietary cloud storage that offers 5GB for free, and it automatically backs up not only contacts, but also SMS, notes, photos, but it has some nuances:

• 🔄 Mi Account is required (you can register in Settings) → Mi Account).
• 📱 Contacts are synced only between Xiaomi devices (on other Android smartphones they will not be available).
• 🔒 Data is stored on Xiaomi servers, which could raise privacy questions.

How to turn on reservations:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → MI Cloud.
2. Activate the Contact Slider.
3. Press Sync (or wait for automatic sync).

⚠️ Note: If you plan to switch to a smartphone from another brand (such as Samsung or iPhone), pre-export contacts from the company. MI Cloud to.vcf via i.mi.com web version.

Google Account

VCF file on the computer

MI Cloud by Xiaomi

SIM-map

Another option-->

4. Maintaining contacts on SIM-map

This method is a thing of the past, but it is still relevant for those who often change phones or use the Redmi 9 as a backup device. SIM-The card can store a limited number of contacts (usually up to 250), but they will be available on any device.

How to transfer contacts to SIM:

1. Open Contacts. → ⋮ → Contact management.
2. Choose Import/Export Contacts → Exports to SIM-map.
3. Specify which contacts to copy (e.g., from your phone or from Google).
4. Confirm the export – the process can take a few minutes.

📌 Limitations of method:

• 📵 Only numbers and names are saved (photo, post, address - no).
• 🔢 Maximum of 250 contacts (depending on operator).
• 🔄 When you restore contacts are duplicated, if already on the phone.

💡

Before exporting to SIM, remove old contacts from the card to avoid duplicates. To do this, select Delete with SIM from the Import/Export menu.

5. backup via MIUI Backup

MIUI Backup provides a complete snapshot of the system, including contacts, SMS, apps and settings, which is convenient before resetting your phone or updating your firmware.

• ⚠️ Backup takes up a lot of space (up to several GB).
• 🔄 Data can only be restored on Xiaomi devices.
• 🔒 The file is encrypted - without Mi Account it cannot be opened.

How to make a backup:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Click Backup and select Contacts (you can add other data).
3. Specify the location of the storage (internal memory or SD-map).
4. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).

🔍 Where to find the backup file?

It's stored in a folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup (file name begins with backup_ + To recover data, use the same Local Backup section.

💡

MIUI Backup is the best choice for a full phone reset, but it’s not the right choice if you’re planning to switch to another smartphone brand.

6. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities, which offer advanced features like export format selection, backup scheduler, or data encryption.

Top.-3 supplant 9:

⚠️ Note: Before using third-party apps, check their permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permissions: Contact utilities should only request access to Contacts and Warehouse if the application requires access to the contact. SMS, Geolocation or microphone is a reason to be wary.

Comparison of methods of maintaining contacts

To choose the best way, compare all options according to the key criteria:

🔹 Recommendation: For maximum reliability, use a combination of methods, such as sync your contacts with Google (for automatic backup) and export them to a file once a month. VCF (in case of account blocking).

FAQ: Frequent questions about keeping contacts on Redmi 9