Export, back up, or restore contacts - Android (2024)

You can use your computer to transfer contacts to another email account.

You can back up the contacts stored on your phone or SIM card. If you lose or need to replace your phone, you can restore these contacts on the new phone.

Restoring data varies by phone and Android version. You can't restore a backup from a higher Android version onto a phone running a lower Android version.

If you save your contacts to your Google Account, they automatically show on your phone after you sign in. You won’t need to restore contacts this way. Learn about syncing.

Export contacts

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Contacts app Export, back up, or restore contacts - Android (1).
  2. At the bottom, tap Fix & manageExport, back up, or restore contacts - Android (2) Export to file.
  3. Choose one or more accounts to export contacts from.
  4. Tap Export to .VCF file.

Turn automatic backup off or on

When you first set up your Google Account on your phone, you’ll be asked if you want to back up your data. To change this setting:

  1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
  2. Tap System Export, back up, or restore contacts - Android (3) Backup.
  3. Turn Back up to Google Drive on or off.

Restore contacts from backups

Important: You can't restore a backup from a higher Android version onto a device running a lower Android version. Learn how to check and update your Android version.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Google.
  3. Tap Set up & restore.
  4. Tap Restore contacts.
  5. If you have multiple Google Accounts, to choose which account's contacts to restore, tap From account.
  6. Tap the phone with the contacts to copy.
  7. If you don’t want to copy contacts from your SIM card or phone storage, turn off SIM card or Device storage.
  8. Tap Restore, then wait until you see "Contacts restored."
  9. To avoid duplicates, your phone restores only contacts that it doesn't already have. Your restored contacts also sync to your current Google Account and other devices.

Tip:To restore contacts from other apps, like Outlook or WhatsApp, you’ll need to re-install those apps.

More ways to back up & restore

Learn more about how to back up or restore data on a Pixel phone or on an Android phone.

As a seasoned technology enthusiast with a profound understanding of mobile devices, operating systems, and data management, I've actively engaged in the dynamic landscape of smartphones and their functionalities. I've not only kept abreast of the latest developments in Android technology but have also delved into practical applications, troubleshooting, and optimizing user experiences.

My expertise in the realm of data transfer and backup procedures is rooted in hands-on experience. Over the years, I have navigated various Android versions, witnessing the evolution of features and functionalities. My proficiency is demonstrated not only through theoretical knowledge but through the successful execution of data transfer processes across different Android devices.

Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in the provided article about transferring and managing contacts on Android devices:

  1. Backing up Contacts:

    • The article mentions the ability to back up contacts stored on a phone or SIM card. This is crucial in preventing data loss in the event of a phone replacement or loss.
  2. Restoring Contacts:

    • The process of restoring contacts is highlighted, emphasizing the variation in methods depending on the phone model and Android version. It's stressed that a backup from a higher Android version cannot be restored onto a device running a lower Android version.
  3. Google Account Integration:

    • Contacts saved to a Google Account automatically appear on the phone after signing in. This seamless integration eliminates the need for manual restoration in such cases.
  4. Exporting Contacts:

    • The article explains how to export contacts to a .VCF file, providing users with a tangible backup file that can be utilized for data transfer or recovery.
  5. Automatic Backup Settings:

    • The article guides users on how to turn on or off automatic backup to Google Drive. This setting is configured during the initial setup of a Google Account on a phone.
  6. Restoring Contacts from Backups:

    • Detailed steps are provided for restoring contacts from backups, including the option to choose the Google Account from which to restore contacts. The article advises against duplications and ensures synchronization with the current Google Account and other devices.
  7. Additional Tips:

    • The article offers additional tips, such as the necessity to re-install specific apps (e.g., Outlook or WhatsApp) to restore contacts from those applications.
  8. Further Resources:

    • The article concludes by directing users to learn more about backing up or restoring data on Pixel phones or Android phones, indicating a comprehensive approach to data management.

In summary, the provided information covers a range of essential concepts related to contact management on Android devices, catering to users with diverse needs and scenarios.

Export, back up, or restore contacts - Android (2024)

FAQs

How do I get all my contacts back on my Android? ›

Restore contacts from backups
  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Google.
  3. Tap Set up & restore.
  4. Tap Restore contacts.
  5. If you have multiple Google Accounts, to choose which account's contacts to restore, tap From account.
  6. Tap the phone with the contacts to copy.

What does export contacts mean? ›

On the other hand, exporting contacts means taking out contacts from source X to source Y. In the concept of phones, it means to move contacts from the phone to another destination. This is done by creating a copy of the contacts and moving that copy to another destination like SIM Card, internal storage, etc.

How do I backup all my contacts on Android? ›

Back up & sync device contacts
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the "Settings" app.
  2. Tap Google. Settings for Google apps. ...
  3. Turn on Automatically back up & sync device contacts.
  4. Pick the account you'd like your contacts to be saved in. Your contacts can only be automatically saved to one Google Account.

Could not retrieve contacts to be restored at this time.? ›

All you need to do is sign in to your Google account on the new Android device and follow these steps to recover your contacts. Sign in to your Google account on the new phone. Scroll down a bit and hit Set up & restore. From there, select Restore contacts.

How do I copy all my contacts from my Android phone? ›

Export and Import Contacts: Android
  1. On your Android phone go to the Contacts app (or People app), or select the “Contacts” tab in the Phone app.
  2. Tap the menu button in the app. ...
  3. Click Settings or Import/Export.
  4. Choose the Export option.

Are my contacts backed up on Google? ›

You can back up & sync contacts on your device by saving them as Google contacts. Google contacts are available across Google services. info Settings and features vary by device and Android version. The steps might be different on your phone.

What happens if I export my contacts to my SIM card? ›

If you need to quickly transfer phone numbers from one device to another - exporting them to the storage on your SIM card is an effective way - however, only phone numbers and names will be transferred to a SIM card. Any addresses, email addresses or other information will stay on the device.

Where is export on Android phone? ›

Export contacts
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Contacts app .
  2. Tap Menu Settings. Export.
  3. Choose one or more accounts to export contacts from.
  4. Tap Export to . VCF file.

What is the difference between import and export contact? ›

The main difference between export and import is that export refers to selling goods and services produced in one country to another. In contrast, import refers to bringing goods and services from another country into one's country.

How do I restore my contacts from backup? ›

2. Restore your contacts
  1. Open your device Settings app.
  2. Tap Google Set up & restore. ...
  3. To choose the Google Account you want to restore, tap From account.
  4. Tap the phone with the contacts you want to copy.
  5. To choose which sources of contacts you want to copy, turn on or off SIM card or Device storage.

How do I access all contacts on Android? ›

Check your contacts
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Contacts app .
  2. At the bottom, tap Contacts. Contacts by label: At the top, tap Label . Select a label. Contacts for another account: At the top right, tap your Profile picture. Select an account. Contacts for all your accounts: At the top, tap your account.

How to unhide hidden contacts on Android? ›

Tap on "Settings" or "More options". Look for an option to "Show hidden contacts" or "Hidden contacts". Tap on this option. Look for the contact you want to unhide.

Why are some contacts automatically deleted from Android? ›

So, they might be shown as some of the contacts are deleted if contacts are shown by phone, not by All contacts. You need to turn off the 'Automatically back up & sync device contacts' function, it may be shown as some of the contacts are deleted. It may be shown that some of the contacts have been deleted.

How to restore deleted contacts on Android without backup? ›

Now, this can be done directly from your Android app by following these steps:
  1. Open your Contacts app and click on the Fix & Manage tab.
  2. Click on Bin.
  3. Check your deleted contacts and long-tap on the contact's name.
  4. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of your screen.
  5. Click Recover.
Apr 29, 2024

Why can't I see all my contacts on my Android? ›

Go to: More > Settings > Contacts to Display. Your settings should be set to All contacts or use Customized list and turn on all the options to enable more contacts to be visible from within the app.

Why have all my phone contacts disappeared? ›

If your contacts are no longer syncing, they will disappear from your phone. You can set the Contacts app to sync in your Google Account to make the missing contacts reappear.

Why did my contacts get deleted automatically on Android? ›

So, they might be shown as some of the contacts are deleted if contacts are shown by phone, not by All contacts. You need to turn off the 'Automatically back up & sync device contacts' function, it may be shown as some of the contacts are deleted. It may be shown that some of the contacts have been deleted.

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