How to Import CSV to iPhone Contacts [iOS 17 Supported]

This guide will tell you how to import CSV to iPhone contacts. Read on to learn several effective methods to import contacts from Excel to iPhone.

By @Lena Last Updated September 4, 2024
 

How to Import Excel to iPhone Contacts

I have a .csv file with my contacts. How to convert excel to iPhone contacts? Is there any way that can help me transfer CSV file to iPhone contacts directly?

- Question from Apple Community

The CSV format is a popular format supported by almost all popular operating systems. We can easily store and manage contact information through excel sheets. However, Apple does not support CSV format, which makes it a bit difficult if you want to import CSV to iPhone contacts.

If you want to export Excel to iPhone contacts via iTunes or iCloud, you should first convert CSV to VCF format. The whole process is kind of completed and time-consuming. But it doesn't need to be such a hassle. You can use the third-party transfer tool to guide you on how to import CSV to iPhone contacts directly.

Way 1. How to Transfer Contacts from Excel to iPhone Directly

AOMEI FoneBackup is one professional iOS data management tool for Windows users, which supports data transfer between an iPhone and a computer & between two iPhones.

As for contacts transfer, you can let it help you import CSV or VCF file to iPhone contacts. All contact information, including name, phone number, email, address, birthday, and other notes will be transferred to the iPhone.

Highlights of AOMEI FoneBackup to Import CSV to iPhone Contacts Bulk Import: AOMEI FoneBackup allows you to import contacts from CSV files in batches, saving time and effort compared to manual entry. Preview Functionality: With AOMEI FoneBackup, you can preview the CSV file before importing in order to validate the data and make any necessary adjustments to the data. CSV Compatibility: AOMEI FoneBackup supports CSV files to ensure compatibility with various contact management systems and applications. Offline Access: AOMEI FoneBackup works offline, allowing you to import CSV files into iPhone contacts without the need for an Internet connection. Backup and Restore: In addition to data transfer, AOMEI FoneBackup offers backup and restore functionality, protecting important data in case of data loss or device malfunction.

How to Save Contacts from Excel to iPhone with AOMEI FoneBackup

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AOMEI FoneBackup on a computer. Connect iPhone to computer via USB cable. Enter the passcode on the iPhone if asked.

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Step 2. On the home interface, choose the Phone Transfer option. Move the cursor from PC to iPhone. Click Start Transfer.

Step 3. Click the Contacts icon. Then click the file icon below to choose the CSV file.

Step 4. Finally, click Start Transfer to import CSV to iPhone contacts.

★Tips:
When the transfer is completed, you can go to the Contacts app to check the transferred contacts.
If you want to export iPhone contacts to Excel, then just choose the iPhone to PC option.

AOMEI FoneBackup has one mobile app that can help you transfer data from one iPhone to another iPhone/iPad wirelessly. This app is recommended if you want to share multiple contacts on iPhone. You can get it from App Store.

Way 2. How to Import CSV to iPhone Contacts via iTunes

iTunes can help you sync Google contacts and Outlook contacts to iPhone. We can first import excel to Outlook or Google and then sync contacts to iPhone. Here we take Outlook as an example to show you how to import contacts from Excel to iPhone.

Step 1. Import CSV Contacts to Outlook

  • Open Outlook on PC > Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export. 
  • Choose Import from another program or file and click Next.
  • Choose Comma Separated Values and click Next.
  • Click Browse > Select the CSV file > Cick Open > Next.
  • Choose Contacts as the destination and click Next.
  • Map custom fields if you want to.
  • Click Finish and the CSV contacts will be imported to Outlook Contacts.

Step 2. Transfer Contacts to iPhone

  • Download and install the latest version of iTunes on PC.
  • You will be asked to trust the computer.
  • Click the Device tab > Click Info.
  • Tick Sync Contacts with > Choose Outlook > Click Apply to sync contacts to iPhone.

Please note that it will erase the existing contacts on your iPhone.

Way 3. How to Import CSV to iPhone Contacts via iCloud

You can let iCloud help you wirelessly import contacts from Excel to iPhone. As mentioned before, Apple does not support CSV files, so first you need to convert your contacts into VCF format, which we can do with the help of Google Contacts.

Step 1. Convert CSV to VCF Contacts

  • Open a browser and go to https://contacts.google.com/.
  • Choose Import on the left.
  • Choose Select file and upload your CSV file.
  • Then click Export on the left.
  • Choose vCard (for iOS Contacts) option and click Export.

Step 2. Add VCF File to iCloud

  • Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID and passcode.
  • Choose Contacts.
  • Click the Settings icon and choose Import vCard.

  • Choose your VCF file and it will add contacts to your iCloud account.

Step 3. Turn on iCloud Contacts on iPhone

  • Connect iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi.
  • Go to Settings > your account > iCloud to turn on Contacts sync.

It won't tell you if the sync is complete, you can go to the Contacts app, pull down from the top of the screen, refresh your contacts, and check.

Final Words

That’s all about how to import CSV to iPhone contacts. At present, the Contacts app of iPhone only supports VCF format. If you want to transfer contacts via iTunes or iCloud, you should first convert CSV to VCF format. To make things simple, you can try AOMEI FoneBackup to transfer contacts from excel to iPhone directly.