How to sync Google contacts with Xiaomi Redmi 9: the complete guide

Synchronizing contacts between Google Account and Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that every new smartphone owner faces. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by features of MIUI firmware, authorization errors or conflicts between multiple accounts. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way to sync through phone settings, but also alternative methods for cases where contacts refuse to update automatically or are duplicated.

The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SS/M2004C3LGG) features a hybrid contact management system that runs both the Google Contacts app and the MIUI Contacts brand solution, which often leads to confusion – users do not understand why contacts do not appear in the phone book after adding an account. We have analyzed all the nuances and prepared instructions relevant to MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions of the firmware).

Preparation: What to do before synchronization

Before you start synchronization, make sure that the basic conditions are met:

• 📱 Google account added to your phone. You can't sync without it. You can check Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Google.
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization is on. MIUI It is disabled by default to save battery.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection: Synchronization requires access to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet).
• 🔒 There are no restrictions on antivirus or VPN. Software like Mi Security or NordVPN can block access to Google servers.

If you’ve previously used another Android smartphone, export your contacts to.vcf (via Settings → Import/Export) and save the file to the cloud (like Google Drive) to help restore data if sync goes wrong.

💡

If you are switching from an iPhone, use the official Google Contacts app for iOS to transfer data to your Google account before setting up Redmi 9.

Also check if the Power Saving mode is turned on in Settings → Battery. It can pause background sync. If so, turn it off for setup time.

Method 1: Standard synchronization through MIUI settings

This is the most reliable method that works on most Xiaomi devices.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Accounts and Sync (some versions of MIUI refer to passwords and accounts).
3. Click on Google (if there is no account, add it via Add Account).
4. Turn on the Contact Sync switch (could be called Google Contacts).

After that, the contacts should appear in the Contacts app** (phone book icon). If this does not happen, check:

• 🔍 The correct account is selected by default. Go to Settings → Annexes → Contacts → Contact Storage and select Google.
• ⏳ Give time to sync. With a lot of contacts, it can take up to 10 minutes.

Open the annex “Contacts"|Check for all records|Make sure that photos of contacts are displayed|Try adding a test contact and checking it to Google-->

Method 2: Manual import via.vcf file

If automatic synchronization fails (for example, due to the “Sync Stopped” error), you can import the contacts manually:

1. Transfer the file to Redmi 9 (via Google Drive, Telegram, or USB cable).

This method is guaranteed to carry all data, including photos and additional fields (such as birthdays), but note that when you re-import the same file, duplicates will appear.

💡

Importing via.vcf is the only way to transfer contacts from non-android devices (iPhone, Windows Phone) or older phones without Google services.

Method 3: Sync through the Google Contacts app

Google’s branded app often works more stable than the one built into MIUI. Install it from the Play Store and follow the instructions:

1. Download and open the Google Contacts app.
2. When you first start, select the Google account you want to sync with.
3. Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner → Contact Synchronization settings.
4. Turn on Auto Sync and select Sync Now.

The advantage of this method is that it's more flexible, for example, you can:

• 🔄 Choose which contact groups to sync (e.g., only "My contacts»**).
• 📥 Restore Remote Contacts within 30 Days.
• 🔍 Use advanced field search (for example, company or notes).

If contacts are not displayed after installing the app, check if sync is disabled in MIUI settings (see Method 1). Also make sure that the Google Contacts app** has access to contacts in Settings → Apps → Permissions.

Solving common problems

Even after setting up correctly, synchronization may not work properly. Consider typical errors and their solutions:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app settings:**

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
3. Reboot the phone and repeat the sync.

Synchronize through Google|I'm using a.vcf file.|Copying. SIM-map|Manual input|Another way.-->

💡

If the contacts are still out of sync after all the manipulations, check to see if the operator-level access to Google Services is blocked, which is true in some regions (e.g. China, Iran).

How to avoid losing contacts in the future

To avoid running into sync issues when changing your phone or resetting your settings, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Check syncs regularly. Go to Google Contacts on your computer and make sure all data is up to date.
• 📱 Don't keep contacts on SIM-This format supports only names and numbers, without additional fields.
• 🔒 Set up two-factor authentication for your Google Account to avoid loss of access.
• 📥 Create a backup every six months through Settings → System system → Backup to MIUI.

It is also useful to use alternative backup services, such as:

• Microsoft Outlook (Sync with Exchange)
• My Contacts Backup (export app to.vcf)
• Simpler Contacts (to clean duplicates)

If you change phones frequently, consider using cross-platform solutions like iCloud (for iPhone owners) or Samsung Cloud (if you’re planning to switch to Galaxy), but Google Contacts remains the most versatile option.

Synchronization methods comparison: what to choose?

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, depending on your situation:

For maximum reliability, we recommend combining methods.

1. Sync your contacts through Google Account (Method 1).
2. Once a month, export a backup to.vcf (Method 2).
3. Install the Google Contacts app** to manage data.

💡

If you are using Xiaomi Redmi 9 with global firmware (MIUI Global), prioritize standard sync through settings. For the Chinese versions (MIUI China), it is better to use the Google Contacts app, as they often lack Google services by default.

FAQ: Frequent questions about contact synchronization