How to transfer contacts from an old phone to a new phone

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

ContactsTransferMobileAndroidiPhoneData ManagementBackupDevicesSettingsSynchronization

Transferring contacts from one phone to another is a process that almost everyone has to go through at one time or another. This guide will explain in detail the different methods you can use to transfer contacts from your old phone to your new phone. By the end of this guide, you'll be fully equipped to perform this task with confidence.

Method 1: Using Google Account (Android to Android)

The easiest way to transfer contacts between two Android phones is using a Google account. Follow the steps here:

1. Sync your contacts to the old phone:
   • Open the Settings app on your old Android phone.
   • Go to the "Accounts" section and select your Google account.
   • Make sure "Sync Contacts" is enabled. If not, enable it.
2. Set up your new phone:
   • On your new Android phone, log in with the same Google account you used during the setup process.
   • Make sure "Sync Contacts" is enabled in the "Accounts" section.
3. Check your contacts:
   • Open the 'Contacts' app on your new phone to make sure all your contacts have been transferred.

Method 2: Using iCloud (iPhone to iPhone)

Using iCloud is probably the easiest way to transfer contacts between two iPhones. Follow these steps:

1. Back up your contacts to the old phone:
   • Open 'Settings' on your old iPhone and tap your name at the top.
   • Select 'iCloud' and make sure 'Contacts' is turned on.
   • Scroll down and tap 'iCloud Backup', then tap 'Back Up Now'.
2. Set up your new iPhone:
   • During the setup process on your new iPhone, sign in with the same Apple ID.
   • When prompted, choose to restore from your iCloud backup.
3. Check your contacts:
   • Open the 'Contacts' app on your new iPhone and make sure all your contacts have been transferred.

Method 3: Using a SIM card (cross-platform)

If you're moving from one platform to another, such as from Android to iPhone or vice versa, using a SIM card may be an easier way to do it. Here's how:

On Android:

1. Open the 'Contacts' app and tap on the three-dot menu.
2. Select 'Import/Export' and then 'Export to SIM card'.
3. Wait for the process to complete.
4. Remove the SIM card, and insert it into the new phone.

On newer iPhones:

1. Go to 'Settings' and tap 'Contacts'.
2. Select 'Import SIM Contacts' and wait for the process to complete.
3. Your contacts will now be available in the 'Contacts' app.

Method 4: Using Bluetooth (Android to Android)

Transferring contacts via Bluetooth is another option if you don't want to use the online method. Here's how:

1. Enable Bluetooth on both devices:
   • Go to 'Settings' > 'Bluetooth' and turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
2. Add devices:
   • On one phone, find the other phone under 'Available devices' and pair them.
3. Transfer contacts:
   • Open the Contacts app on your old phone.
   • Tap and hold the contact you want to transfer, then select 'Share' or 'Send.'
   • Select Bluetooth as the sharing method and choose the new phone to send the contacts to.

Method 5: Using email (cross-platform)

If you only need to transfer a few contacts, you can also email your contacts to yourself. Here's how:

1. On an older phone:
   • Open the Contacts app.
   • Select the contact you want to send the email to and tap 'Share' or 'Send'.
   • Select 'Email' and send it to your email address.
2. On new phones:
   • Open your email app and download the VCF file attached to the email.
   • Tap on the VCF file to import the contacts into the 'Contacts' app.

Method 6: Using third-party apps (cross-platform)

There are also third-party apps available that can help you transfer contacts between different phones. Some of the popular apps include SHAREit, Xender, and Copy My Data. Here is a general guide on how to use these apps:

1. Download and install the app:
   • Install the app on both your old and new phone from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and follow the instructions:
   • Typically, these apps will have a straightforward setup that guides you through connecting the two devices.
3. Select 'Contacts' and transfer:
   • Select ‘Contacts’ as the data you want to transfer and start the transfer process.
   • Wait for the process to complete, then verify the contacts on your new phone.

Method 7: Using a computer (cross-platform)

This method involves using a computer as a middleman to transfer contacts. This can be especially useful for large contact lists. Follow these steps:

With Android:

1. Connect your old phone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Go to the 'Contacts' app, tap the menu, and select 'Import/Export'/'Export to .vcf file'.
3. Transfer the .vcf file to your computer.
4. Connect your new phone to the computer and transfer the .vcf file to your new phone.
5. On your new phone, go to the 'Contacts' app, tap the menu, and select 'Import from .vcf file.'

With iPhone:

1. Connect your old iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and open iTunes.
2. Select your device in iTunes, then click 'Info' and make sure 'Sync Contacts' is enabled.
3. Sync your contacts with your computer.
4. Disconnect the old iPhone and connect the new iPhone.
5. On iTunes, select the new iPhone, go to 'Info', and sync the contacts from the computer to the new device.

Each of these steps ensures that your contacts are safely transferred to your new phone without any loss of data. Some methods may be more straightforward if you're staying in the same ecosystem (Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone), while cross-platform methods require a bit more work.

Final thoughts

Transferring contacts from an old phone to a new one doesn't have to be a difficult task. Whether you're moving from Android to iPhone, iPhone to Android, or staying on the same platform, there are several methods available to suit your needs.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and seamless transition of your contacts. Always remember to back up your contacts before beginning the transfer process. By doing so, you avoid any potential data loss and ensure that your valuable contact information is safe.

Whichever method you choose, you'll find it straightforward and effective. Keeping your contacts safe and easily accessible on your new phone will simplify your day-to-day communications and ensure you can stay connected with all your important contacts.

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