How to Export Android Contacts to VCF Files ?
One of our common sources for a one-stop shop is our Phone. In this digital world of technology, everything, including key vital information,n is in the mobile. Therefore, the electronic phonebook or the contacts connect to friends, family, coworkers, clients, etc. However, it becomes a matter of concern when one needs to get rid of the old ones or switch to another phone, as the latter is the common requirement, or any other scenario. This can be done by exporting Contacts to VCF files. The VCF or vCard files are the solution for this issue.
The guide is an information article with step-by-step methods to transfer the Android Contacts to the VCF files. Besides explaining the why, we will also discuss different ways to accomplish it. You might get other writers with single solutions, but here we have accumulated all the possible ways to handle the contact data like a professional.
Why Export Android Contacts to VCF? Know the Benefits
First, we need to find “how”, let’s understand the compelling reasons why exporting the Android contacts to VCF is the best.
- Effortless Device Migration: Switching to a new Android Phone or even a new OST will be much easier if you have the contacts saved as a VCF file. Instead of entering each name and contact repeatedly, we can transfer the VCF file to a new phone. This way saves time and effort.
- Best Way for Data Backup: Accidents are inevitable. Anything can happen: the phone can be stolen, damaged, or have software problems. Exporting Android Contacts to VCF files works as a secure way to save and preserve the contacts.
- Direct Effortless Sharing: If you want to share more than thousands of contacts, sending them individually is a bit of a hassle. Therefore, a VCF file is the solution. Either send the file via email to share it with various message apps. This way recipient can import all the contacts into the address book directly without manual work. Check out: How to import vCard to Outlook with multiple contacts?
- Platform compatibility: VCF format is a globally accepted standard for saving and sharing contact details. This implies that the VCF file created on an Android device can be easily shared and accessed elsewhere. The compatibility can be in Gmail, Outlook, or a desktop addressbook like Macos Contacts, etc.
- Office Access and Management: If you create a VCF file for Android Contacts, it allows you to refer to and manage them without having an internet connection. Moreover, you can store the file on your computer, an external drive or cloud, which makes it easier for the file management.
Methods to Create VCF File Format Contacts from Android Phone
The first method is the straightforward method that utilises the native Android Contacts Application, which can be done within the Phone itself. This can be used to export the entire contact list or a selection of contacts into a single VCF file. A second effective method is the synchronisation of the Google Account. By using the Google Contacts app, we can select multiple Contacts and export them to VCF. Check out the details steps of the techniques.
Using Contacts App(Built-in Solution)
This is the simplest and most direct method, utilising the native Contacts app on the Android device. The steps might slightly depend on the phone’s type and Android version, but the steps include these:
- Locate and open the Contacts app on the Android Phone.
- Look for the three-dot menu icon, tap on the more or settings option.
- Find the Import/Export option in the settings menu.
- Choose the Export button.
- Select the preferred location if asked.
- In some cases, you want to choose a specific account to export.
- Tap on the Export button.
Soon, the process to export Android Contacts to a VCF file starts. Once the process is complete, the VCF file will be located in the location selected.
Use the Google Account to Export Android Contacts to VCF
If your Android Contacts are synced with the Google account, you can easily export them to a VCF file using the Google Contacts:
- Open the web browser and go to https://contacts.google.com/.
- Log in to the Google account synced with the Android Phone’s Contacts.
- Now, open the Google Contacts page, and all the contacts will be displayed here. Select single or multiple contacts with the check box.
- Tap on the Export button in the top left corner.
- Choose the desired format, such as vCard or VCF file.
- Click the Export button.
Thus, the contacts will be saved in a VCF file.
Note: Use the vCard Viewer to verify the files after exporting. It is a crucial step to allow you to ensure that all the contact information, such as name, phone number, email address and all the other associate data.
What are the Tips for the Smooth Export of Android Contacts to vCard?
- Check for Duplicate: It is a best practice to regularly review the contacts and remove duplicates to ensure a clear and efficient VCF file after exporting. If you find unlimited duplicates the follow the instructions in the article: How to Delete Duplicate Contacts in Android?
- Ensure Contacts are Synced: When performing the above methods with Google Contacts, make sure all the desired contacts are synced. Check before starting the export from the account.
- Update Software Regularly: Ensure the Android OS and Contact app are updated to the latest version. As these can improve the export process efficiency.
In Conclusion
Exporting the contacts from Android contacts to a VCF file is a fundamental skill for anyone who wants to maintain control over the contact information. As the reasons to export the valuable data can be personal, the solutions for this are, in a way, similar for most of the Android Phones. Whether you are upgrading the phone, want to backup the information, or share contacts with others, the VCF files provide the universal solution. Here we have discussed the acute methods to create a VCF file of Contacts from Android.