How to Export Contacts From iPhone using iCloud, Apps, Gmail / iTunes
Retaining contacts while switching phones may seem like a daunting task. But it really is not! Learn here the easy steps on how to Export Contacts From iPhone to any other device. You may be moving to an Android device or upgrading to a later version of the iPhone itself. In the latter case, you can use a PC to store your contacts and then import them into your new device.
Whatever the scenario is, we have easy step-by-step methods for you to follow to export contacts from iPhone. If you are changing operating systems between devices, do not fret. If you have to keep your contacts safe because you are resetting your old phone, then too, not to worry. Follow the below steps and you are sorted!
Contacts can be stored as vCards or in VCF formats on any device. This file format is a standard for electronic business cards, which are what your contacts basically are. These vCards are automatically attached to emails, SMSes, and other messaging apps. They contain all kinds of information relating to the particular contact – including phone number, email address, and name.
Now let us look at the various methods to How to Export Contacts From iPhone into other devices:
How to Export Contacts From iPhone using iCloud
The best way to export contacts from iPhone into Android is to use Apple’s iCloud system. Here are the steps to follow:
Visit iCloud.com on your computer. All your contacts will appear under “All Contacts”
Visit iCloud.com on your computer. All your contacts will appear under “All Contacts”
2. Click on “Select All” or choose the contacts that you want to export.
Click on “Select All” or choose the contacts that you want to export.
3. From the same menu, click on “Export vCard.” A VCF file will be downloaded into your PC containing all your selected contacts.
From the same menu, click on “Export vCard.” A VCF file will be downloaded into your PC containing all your selected contacts.
4. Plug your new device or phone into the same computer. Copy the VCF file and paste it into your device.
5. On your phone, import the contacts from the VCF file. They will now appear in your Phonebook or Contacts.
The VCF file may not be read on your computer but your phone will be able to read it. Just import it once you have copied the file.
How to Export Contacts From iPhone using Apps
Nowadays there’s an app for everything! Yes, even for exporting your contacts! To export contacts from iPhone to a new device, you can put one such app to use. The benefit of this method is that you do not need to use a computer. Simply go to the App Store and download the My Contacts Backup app or any similar app that you may find more suitable.
Here are the steps to follow when using the My Contacts Backup app:
Download and install the My Contacts Backup app on your iPhone.
Download and install the My Contacts Backup app on your iPhone
2. Grant the app access to your contacts while installing.
Grant access
3. Tap on “Backup”
Take backup
4. Open the email app, compose a new email, attach the VCF file, and send it to your Gmail account.
5. On your new device, log in with your Google credentials and open your Gmail inbox. Download the VCF file and import it into the phone.
open your Gmail inbox and download the VCF file and import it
While importing from the VCF file, you can select all the contacts or can choose which contacts to import.
How to Export Contacts From iPhone using Gmail / iTunes
To export contacts from iPhone, you can also use Gmail to directly import all your contacts into your new device. Once you have downloaded the VCF file, follow these steps:
Visit iCloud.com on your computer.
Select all or choose the contacts you want to keep.
From the menu list, select “Export vCard” to download the VCF file on your computer.
On your new device, log in with your Google credentials and open Gmail.
Go to Contacts > More > Import
Click on “Import” again and the contacts will be synced into your new device.
If you are using an older version of the iPhone and your iOS is outdated, you will have to use iTunes to sync your contacts. You will not be able to use iCloud since it is incompatible with older versions of the iOS. Here are the steps:
5. Click on “Apply.” Your new device should also be logged in with the same Gmail account at this point.
6. Grant the necessary permissions and Google will automatically sync your contacts to your new phone.
Google will automatically sync your contacts to your new phone
The above are the various methods to export contacts from iPhone.
Alternatively, on your iPhone, go to Contacts, and select the contacts you want to export. Scroll down the list of options and simply share the list over email or through a text message. Keep in mind that this manual method works only for small lists – fewer than ten contacts.
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