The switch to a new smartphone is often accompanied by the need for rapid data migration, and one of the first steps is to move the phone book. MIUI, You may find that all the numbers are stored in the memory of the old SIM-Modern storage standards require synchronization with cloud services, but a physical SIM card is still a common medium of information.
The procedure for copying numbers on Xiaomi devices is as simple as possible thanks to the built-in tools of the Android system. You do not need third-party software or a connection to the computer. All operations are performed directly through the standard Contacts application, which is preinstalled in the system. It is important to understand that the SIM card memory has significant limitations on the number of characters in the name and number, so transferring data to the internal memory of the device is a must for full use of the smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm that will allow you to safely and quickly import all records.We will look at the nuances of working with two SIM cards, since Redmi 9 supports two numbers at the same time, and you will learn how to avoid duplication of records and why storing numbers in the Google cloud is preferable to local storage.
Preparation of the device and SIM card for import
Before you start copying directly, you need to make sure that the SIM card is correctly defined by the system. Plug the card into the appropriate slot of the device, observing the orientation of the chip. After turning on the smartphone, check that the network is found and the name of the operator is displayed in the status bar. If the SIM card is new or previously used in the button phone, it may have records that are not visible immediately.
Modern Xiaomi smartphones use a file system that requires the correct formatting of data to display. Sometimes old records can be hidden by display settings. Before starting work, it is recommended to back up important data, although the risk of losing it when importing is minimal. Make sure that the Xiaomi Redmi 9 battery is at least 20% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
☑️ Pre-transfer check
It should be noted that the memory of the SIM card is often limited to 255 contacts, and the length of the name should not exceed 10-15 characters, when transferring to a smartphone, these restrictions are removed. If the SIM card has numbers in international format without a plus or with extra zeros, after importing them, you may need to manually edit them for the correct operation of the messengers.
Configure the display of contacts in the application
The standard MIUI Contacts app has flexible filtering settings. By default, the device can only show numbers that are stored in your phone's memory or Google account by ignoring SIM card entries. To see them, you need to change the display settings. Open the app and find the settings button, which is usually located in the top or bottom corner of the screen.
In the settings menu, select “Contacts displayed” or “Contact filter” and you will be asked to select a data source. Make sure the checkmark is opposite your SIM card (SIM 1 or SIM 2). If you do not, the system will “think” that there are no numbers on the card, and the import option may be inaccessible or inactive.
Why are there no SIM contacts visible?
Once you've turned on the SIM card, the list in the phone book may not be updated instantly. Give the system a few seconds to index. If the numbers appear but look like a set of numbers without names, that's normal for old cards, where the encryption might not have been supported by the previous device. Now you can move on to the copying procedure.
Step-by-step instructions for importing numbers
The main transfer process is through the contact management menu. MIUI may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, EEA or China), but the logic of the actions remains the same. Open the Contacts app and find the three-dot button or gear that indicates the menu.
In the drop-down list, select "Import Contacts" and the system will prompt you to select a data source. SIM-If the device has two SIM cards, Xiaomi Redmi 9 will offer to select a specific card (SIM 1 SIM 2), which the data are to be considered.
Then the system will ask where to save the copied numbers. There are options available: "Phone" (local memory) or "Google" account. It is recommended to choose a Google account, as this provides automatic synchronization. Click "OK" or "Import" to start the process. The operation takes from a few seconds to a minute depending on the number of records.
Selection of storage location: Phone or Google Account
When migrating data to Xiaomi Redmi 9, it is critical to choose the right storage. The local memory of the phone (“Device”) is convenient because contacts are available immediately and do not require Internet. However, if something happens to the device, or you decide to reset the settings to the factory, all numbers will be irretrievably lost.
Using a Google account provides a number of benefits: Numbers are linked to your email and restored to any device after logging in, especially when you upgrade to a new smartphone in the future, and Google automatically combines duplicates and allows you to edit contacts from your computer via a web interface.
Compare the main characteristics of storage options:
| Characteristics | Phone memory | Google account | SIM-map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security of data | Low (lost when discharged) | High (cloud storage) | Medium (physical risk) |
| Length of name | No restrictions. | No restrictions. | Limited (10-15 SIMV) |
| Additional fields | All fields (email, address) | All fields (email, address) | Name and number only |
| Synchronization | Absent. | Automatic. | Hand-held |
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Choosing a Google account when importing is the only right solution for long-term data retention and protection against accidental loss of information.
Solution: duplicates and import errors
During the transfer process, users often encounter duplicates, which occurs if the same number has been stored on both the SIM card and in the phone's memory before. The MIUI shell has a built-in tool to solve this problem. Go to the contact settings and select "Clean duplicates" or "Combine duplicate contacts."
The system will analyze the database and suggest combining records with the same numbers or names. Carefully check the algorithm's suggestions, especially if you have contacts with similar names but different numbers, in which case manual verification will take less time than subsequent correction of call errors.
⚠️ Attention: When you connect a lot, make sure you have a backup. Although the system works reliably, the human factor in choosing to combine all can cause different people to mix up their data.
Another common problem is the encoding of names, and if you see Krakozyabry or question marks instead of Russian names after importing, it means that the SIM card used the old encoding, in which case you have to manually resave the numbers, editing each name. There is usually no automatic encoding converter in the standard Android interface.
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After importing and combining duplicates, delete the original contacts with the SIM-This will free up space on the map and prevent confusion in the future when you decide to move the SIM to another phone.
Export of contacts for backup
Once you successfully migrate and clean up the phone book, it's a smart step to create a full backup, which can be done through your Google account settings or by creating an export file. A.vcf (vCard) file contains all the contact information and can be stored on a memory card, sent to your own mail or uploaded to the cloud.
To create a file, go to your contacts settings, select Contact Export, and select the.vcf format. The system will prompt you to choose a save location. Regularly creating such copies, for example, once a month, will protect you from losing important numbers in the event of a device breakdown or a virus attack.
Remember that the backup file also needs protection. If you save it to a public cloud, make sure that access to the storage is protected by a strong password and two-factor authentication. Contacts contain personal data that can be leaked by fraudsters.
What happens if the importation does not start?
Can I transfer contacts via Bluetooth?
How many contacts does the SIM card hold?
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to edit contacts directly on the SIM card through third-party applications with superuser rights.This can damage the card file table and completely lose records without the ability to restore them.
When you complete the setup, make sure that all important numbers are displayed correctly and are linked to the right sources. A properly configured phone book on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is the key to comfortable communication and efficient work with the device in the future.