How to copy contacts from phone to computer: basic methods. How to copy contacts from your phone to PC

The contact list in our smartphones has long become almost the only place to store contact information of our loved ones, work colleagues and useful acquaintances. Agree, I really wouldn’t want to lose all this information, because anything can happen to equipment - breakdown, software failure, virus software and the banal loss or theft of a device, and almost no one writes phone numbers into notebooks anymore. In this case, a backup of contacts will help us.

What is contact backup

Backup contacts- this is a backup of all phone numbers so that they can be restored in case of unforeseen circumstances leading to data loss. You can store a copy either locally on your smartphone or PC, or in cloud storage. Each of these options has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, storing a backup in the cloud will allow you to access it from any device, you just need to log into your account, but if you do not have access to the Internet, then nothing will work.

Backup contacts on Android

There is a standard way to make a backup of contacts through the contact book settings, it is done like this:

• Open contact book settings
• "Export to storage"
• Confirm saving the backup

All your contacts will be saved to a VCF file, which will be located in the root folder of the memory card.

There are many applications for creating backups, the most famous among advanced users is Titanium Backup. It is intended not only for backing up contacts, it saves a complete backup copy of the device and requires Root rights to operate. Therefore, you can opt for a lighter analogue exclusively for contacts - Go Backup Pro. The procedure for creating a backup is as follows:

• Open " New/Restore»
• Go to " Contacts»
• Click " Copy»

Once you have multiple contact backups, you can combine them into one file.

Save contacts to the cloud

Cloud backup refers to saving backups on the servers of companies that provide such services. Android has Sync contacts with Google .

One of the most time-tested applications is Dropbox. To make a backup, go to Dropbox settings and check the box next to “ Save contacts" You can also automatically save photos and videos from the camera and any of your files.

Backup contacts on PC

MyPhoneExplorer is a PC program that allows you to manage your contacts, messages and phone files from your computer. Enable USB debugging in your phone settings, connect it to your PC and wait until synchronization with MyPhoneExplorer finishes. To create a backup of contacts in the program menu, click the rightmost button “ Miscellaneous" and select " Back up your data».

You can also find out How to transfer contacts to Android.

How to restore contacts from a backup?

Contacts are restored from a VCF file like this:

• Open contacts settings
• Go to the import and export section
• Restore your contacts from a backup file

Transferring information from an Android device to a PC may be necessary for various reasons, for example, if the screen on the gadget is broken and you can’t see anything. In this article we will talk about how to save contacts from Android to a computer. This is not at all difficult, because the smartphone has special options, and separate applications have been developed that allow you to save and edit data on a PC.

This option is the simplest - you only need a phone with saved numbers and a computer, because the information will be transferred to it. Launch the Contacts application, click the menu button and look for Import/Export.

As a result, you have a vCard file with numbers that can be opened by almost all applications that work with similar data, for example:

• Windows
• Microsoft Outlook

It is worth noting that sometimes difficulties arise with these programs - Russian names are shown in hieroglyphs. If you are a Mac OS X user, then there will be no such problem; the file can be easily imported into the Apple application.

How to save all contacts from Android to computer via Google

Users of Android-based gadgets should synchronize their contacts with their Google account in advance, so it will be possible to save them on their PC in various formats, for this you need to go to the page contacts.google.com.

In the menu on the left, click “More” - “Export”. After clicking on this item, a window appears asking you to use the export options in the old Google interface, so we will consider it.

Already in the old version, click “More” and select “Export”. In the window that appears, indicate:

• numbers that you will move - you should use the “My Contacts” group or only “selected” ones, because there is unnecessary information in the “All” list;
• format for saving - it is better to use vCard (vcf), almost all programs support it, although CSV is also supported almost everywhere.

We use third-party products

Now on Google Play you can find many free programs that allow you to save the necessary information to the cloud, to a special file or on your PC. But choosing a truly high-quality one is quite difficult, so it’s worth using other products.

Manufacturers of mobile gadgets on Android create their software for Windows and Mac OS X, with its help you can backup versions of phone numbers or transfer them to other applications.

For example, for Samsung there is KIES, for Xperia devices - Sony PC Companion. In such programs, importing and exporting data is elementary, there will be no difficulties.

Most mobile phone users who have a list of contacts saved not on a SIM card, but in a mobile device, prefer to save such lists on a computer in order not to lose the necessary numbers. But many people have problems, because not everyone can export the list just like that, even with a normal connection of a smartphone to a PC. The following offers several basic methods that will help solve the problem of how to copy contacts from your phone to your computer. And it is absolutely not necessary to use any additional software for this.

How to copy contacts from phone to computer: basic methods

When creating a list of contacts that should be transferred to a desktop PC or laptop, you should follow a few simple rules. It is their observance that will help avoid many problems that may arise during the process of copying or creating a contact list.

Firstly, synchronizing your phone contacts with your computer can be done by saving the list in the most common and accessible formats directly on your mobile device. Secondly, you can use special utilities offered by the manufacturers of mobile equipment themselves or the developers of the corresponding software. For example, the question of how to copy contacts from a Samsung phone to a computer can be solved quite simply using the desktop computer program Kies. But in this case, we will not focus on any particular application, but will consider the problem, so to speak, in a global sense.

Synchronizing contacts from your phone to your computer: the easiest way to export

If such a need arises, the first thing on any Android device, even without Google registration, in the main menu you just need to select the contacts section.

In this menu, you must use the import/export function, and then specify the location to save the list on the internal storage or external SD card in VCF format. Then you can simply copy the created file to your computer by connecting the device via USB.

Visible contact filter and VCF format

True, not always absolutely all contacts are copied to the list file (and sometimes it is necessary to copy not all numbers, but only some).

In this case, when exporting, a special filter is first installed in the contact list itself, after which the system will offer not only to save the list, but also to send it to the registered email address that is used to log into Google accounts.

Transferring contacts via export in vCard format

The question of how to copy contacts from a Nokia phone to a computer or from any other device can be solved by using the universal vCard list format. In fact, even when saving copies of the Android device system on Google servers, this is what is used. In this case, we are talking only about those contacts that were saved directly on the mobile device, and not in the SIM card memory.

However, the question of how to copy contacts from a phone to a computer requires special explanation (it will be clear why later).

You can create a vCard file directly on your phone or use software installed on your computer. On your phone, you just need to save the list in the selected format, after which it can be opened in any email application like The Bat, Outlook or Outlook Express.

If you use additional software, you can create an exported contact list in the computer application itself. But not all programs allow you to create such lists. But applications like MyPhoneExplorer support export to both Word and Excel. Agree, when there is nothing at hand, this option looks very convincing. Then, however, contacts, for example, when restoring the phone to its factory firmware, will have to be entered manually. But the good thing about this technique is that you can open the list using any editor, not just those related to the MS Office package.

Troubleshooting encoding issues

Finally, the most important problem in the question of how to copy contacts from a phone to a computer is that sometimes, depending on the mobile device itself or the application used to save, the list may not be displayed correctly simply because the wrong encoding is set. Android operating systems use their own standards that are different from those used in MS Windows.

Here the way out of the situation is completely simple: open the file in any text editor such as the standard Notepad or Word and change the encoding from UTF-8, which is set by default, to Windows 1251, after which we simply save the document in the original format (Ctrl + S).

Don't like this option? Use the Sublime Text program, which allows you to save a contact list not only by changing the selected encoding, but also by using Cyrillic characters, which are not supported by some English-language applets.

Brief summary

This, in fact, is where the question of how to copy contacts from a phone to a desktop PC or laptop can end. As many have already guessed, in general, there is no need to use special software to transfer contacts from a mobile device to a computer. With Android devices everything is quite simple. But if you are the owner of an Apple gadget, you cannot do without installing iTunes or something similar (especially since directly exporting the contact list is not supported in these devices).

Nowadays, when smartphones, tablets and social networks have become an integral part of everyday life, many users have problems managing countless contacts. This article discusses several effective ways to save data, using which you can forever forget about the problems associated with finding the necessary phone numbers.

Try to use the correct details of people and companies when entering them into the phone book, as this will help avoid confusion in the future. Also decide in advance where you will store this data. If your contacts are synced with an online account, it will be easier later. To save phone numbers, you can use third-party applications or built-in ones. Which option is better is up to you to choose based on the capabilities of the device and your own needs.

Method 1: Google Contacts

This method is suitable for those who use mail. This way, you can receive recommendations for adding new contacts based on who you're messaging, and easily find the information you need from any device.

This method is convenient because you can always find all your contacts in one place and access them from any device. This means that no import, export and other manipulations will be needed anymore. At the same time, you will need to take measures to strengthen the security of your account and, most importantly, not forget your password. You can also save phone numbers in your Google account using other applications.

Method 2: Built-in Contacts app

The built-in contact management application on Android is easy to use, but functionality may vary depending on the system version.

1. Launch the application: it can be found on the home screen or in the “All applications” tab.



2. Click on the plus sign. Typically, it is located in the upper or lower right corner of the main application window.



3. If a dialog box appears, select an account or save location. Saving on your device or Google account is usually available.



4. Enter your first name, last name and phone number. To do this, tap on the corresponding input field and, using the keyboard, type the data.



5. To add a photo, tap on the icon with the image of a camera or a person’s outline.



6. Click "Add field" to enter additional information.



7. Click "OK" or "Save" in the upper right corner of the screen to save the created contact. On some devices, this button may look like a checkmark.

Your new contact is saved and ready to use. For convenience, you can add frequently used phone numbers to "Favorites", so you can find them faster. Some devices also offer the option to add a shortcut to a contact on the home screen for quick access.

Method 3: Saving the number in the dialer

Probably one of the most common and simplest ways to save phone numbers, available on any device.

Method 4: True Phone

A convenient and functional contact manager, available for free in . With it, you can easily save phone numbers, import and export them, send data to other applications, create reminders, etc.

Before Android, almost everyone had a regular phone with a lot of useful contacts stored in it. Transferring all numbers to a new smartphone manually is time-consuming and inconvenient. There are several ways to automate the contact transfer process.

How to Sync Android Contacts with Google

Contacts synchronization is a built-in feature that allows you to restore and use data after a factory reset, as well as synchronize contacts with your Android smartphone.

How to use this feature to synchronize with Google account?

1. You need to open the settings on your smartphone
2. find the “Accounts” section
3. select Google
4. go to synchronization settings and click on the mailbox
5. a page with data for synchronization will become available
6. select “Contacts” and synchronization with your account will begin.

Sync contacts from other sources with Android. You can add contacts from Facebook, Odnoklassniki, VKontakte, Skype, Twitter to your smartphone's contact list.

Account settings display applications installed on your Android device. You should select “Synchronize contacts” and the data will be added to the smartphone’s phone book. To avoid “clutter” in your contact book, you need to set visible entries in your phone settings (for example, phone book + Skype).

How to change a contact on Android

To change a contact on Android you need to:

1. go to the phone book
2. find the desired contact and select it
3. a list of information for this contact will open
4. to change the data you need to press the button, which will bring up the menu for working with the contact
5. After changing the information, click “Save”
6. contact saved.

How to delete contacts from Android

How to delete duplicate contacts android

1. To delete duplicate contacts on an Android smartphone, you need to go to http://google.com/contacts
2. In the top menu, click “More”
3. Select "Find and merge similar contacts"
4. A list of duplicate contacts will appear (for contacts that do not need to be merged, uncheck the box)
5. At the top of the contact list, click “Merge”
6. Synchronize contacts on your smartphone.

How to backup Android contacts

Backup is a backup of data on Android devices. How to backup contacts on Android and restore them later? There are several ways:

1. Back up data using synchronization with your Google account.

Personal contacts and email correspondence of the user are synchronized with a personal account on Google – gmail. Setting:

1. go to the main menu of the smartphone
2. select "Settings"
3. select "Accounts and synchronization"
4. select your gmail email address (which you want to sync) and the desired contacts (phone contacts and mail).

You can enable automatic synchronization in the background or do it manually.

2. Backup to SD or SIM cards.

1. go to the smartphone menu
2. select "Contacts"
3. select "More"
4. select “Import/Export”
5. select the copy path to SD or SIM cards.

3. Backup using Moborobo program

1. open the program
2. select "Data"
3. tick the required contacts
4. select "Backup"
5. specify the backup path
6. select "Restore".

How can I restore contacts on Android?

It is possible to restore contacts on Android if you have a backup copy of the necessary contacts or an authorized Google account. To restore contacts from your account, you need to connect your phone and synchronization will start automatically, the data stored on the server will be copied to your smartphone. You can restore contacts (vcf. format) from a backup copy on a memory card using the Contacts application by exporting the data.

How to recover numbers on Android

An equally important question: how to restore numbers on Android? To do this, you can use the list of saved contacts on your Google account, after logging into it on your phone.

How to transfer contacts to Android

1. Transferring data via the Google Contacts website from vCard or CSV files. Android synchronizes all contacts with Google servers (the company that developed this operating system), which are also stored in your Google account at http://www.google.com/contacts.

You need to create your account. All contacts are in Google Mail. Should do:

1. log into your mail account
2. Click the arrow next to Gmail
3. Select “Contacts” from the drop-down menu.

Data is exported from the old device in csv format (Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express) and vCard format.

This method is very functional, since you can edit contacts from a computer, without the participation of an Android device. When you automatically synchronize data on your smartphone or tablet, all contacts are automatically transferred to your Google account, where they are stored.

To transfer data from your account to Android you need:

1. click "Advanced"
2. Above the list of contacts, select “Export”
3. save contacts in a convenient format
4. transfer to the memory of your smartphone.

2. Transfer data to Android devices using an SD memory card. Each vCard file stores one contact, which is very convenient for transferring from one device to another. The SD card easily imports contacts in vCard format to Android smartphones. On the memory card you need:

1. create a folder "Contacts"
2. copy all contacts in vCard format to the created folder
3. go to the Contacts application
4. select “Import/Export”
5. Click the “Import from SD card” function
6. all data will be transferred to the smartphone, you can also make a backup copy on a flash drive.

3. Transfer contacts using Bluetooth. Wireless Bluetooth is available in almost all mobile devices; it is very convenient to transfer contacts to Android devices through it. Need to:

1. activate bluetooth on phones
2. establish a connection
3. enter a password if necessary
4. on your old phone, in the “Contacts” menu, find the “Select all” item and select the “Via Bluetooth” option
5. transfer phone contacts to a new phone.

4. Data transfer using MOBILedit!PC Suite. For the convenience of importing/exporting contacts, Android OS developers have created various applications, the most functional of which is the MOBILedit!PC Suite program. The program has a huge database of phone models, the ability to import and edit data.

You should install applications from Google Market on your computer:

1. connect your old phone to it via USB
2. synchronize phone and computer
3. in the program in the “Navigation” panel there will be a list of information on the phone
4. select "Phonebook"
5. click “Export”
6. save the phone book in the required format disable
7. old phone
8. connect a smartphone with Android OS
9. Click “Import” at the top of the window
10. specify the contacts folder
11. transfer to a new device.

How to Transfer Contacts from Android to Android

Transferring contacts from Android to Android should not deter anyone from buying a new device. There are 2 simple ways. The first one is without an Internet connection:

1. go to the Contacts application
2. select “Export/Import” from the menu
3. select and write to media (sim, SD, USB). In the new smartphone, the Contacts application
4. "Export Import"
5. "Import from media."

That's all! The second method, already known, is using a Google account (requirement: Internet and your account).

How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Android

Changing an iPhone to Android is not only a transition to a different brand, but also a new operating system. This can lead to incompatible formats and phone book contacts, which greatly complicates data transfer.

All methods for transferring contacts from iPhone to Android can be seen in the video

How to transfer contacts from computer to Android

You can “pick up” or transfer contacts from your computer to Android through your Google account, using the export of files in cfv format.

How to transfer contacts from Nokia to Android

The easiest and fastest way to transfer contacts from Nokia to Android is to export contact data from Nokia PC Suite and import it into your Google account.

You need to connect your phone using Nokia PC Suite to your computer:

1. launch Nokia Communication Center
2. select “Contacts”, and then highlight the ones you need
3. select “File – Export” to csv.
4. save to computer
5. go to Google Contacts
6. select import file and upload.

On a smartphone:

1. go to “Settings”
2. "Data Synchronization"
3. import contacts to Android.

How to transfer contacts from Simbian to Android

To transfer contacts from Simbian to Android, you can use Google Contacts. But there is another easy way.

1. find "Contacts"
2. "Select all"
3. “Copy” to “Memory card”
4. vCard contacts will appear in the folder on the card e:/others/contacts.

1. go to “Contacts”
2. "Menu"
3. "Import Export"
4. “Import from SD card”
5. "All vCard files"
6. Click "OK".

How to Transfer Contacts from Bada to Android

The easiest way to transfer contacts from Bada to Android is to dump them onto an empty SIM card and copy from it to the memory of a new smartphone. The disadvantage of this method: the SIM card does not support all phone book options (long names, several phone numbers in one contact). The second method, already known, is through a Google account. If in the future you leave auto-sync and Google display on your Android smartphone, then when you save a new contact, the phone will ask: phone, sim or Google. This is convenient because the data can be immediately saved in your account and edited from your computer. And, the third way, transfer the necessary contacts (in vcf. format) using an external SD memory card.