How to Export Contacts from iPhone to Google Contacts: 4 Easy Methods

Daisy Raines

Feb 21, 2025 • Filed to: Data Transfer Solutions • Proven solutions

export contacts iphone to gmail

Do you wish to transfer your contacts from an old phone? Just got that shiny new phone, but your address book looks like a ghost town. Don't worry, we've all been there. Moving your contacts, especially from iPhone to Google Contacts, can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics. Fear not! This guide equips you with 4 easy methods to export your contacts from iPhone to Gmail. Whether you're a seasoned iPhone user or a curious Android convert, this guide will have you conquering your contact transfer like a boss! Read on to learn more.

Part 1. How to Export iPhone Contacts to Gmail
Part 2. [BONUS] How to Export iPhone Contacts to Gmail with Dr.Fone
Part 3. How to Export Contacts from Gmail to iPhone

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Part 1. How to Export iPhone Contacts to Gmail

No more staring at a blank address book on your new device! Exporting your iPhone contacts to Gmail might seem complex, but it is not! Here are several ways to migrate your iPhone contacts, depending on your preference:

Method 1: Directly on Your iPhone (Quick & Easy)

This method is ideal for those who want a swift and effortless solution. No need to connect any wires or fire up your computer! Just follow these simple steps, and your contacts will be magically whisked away to Gmail:

Step 1: Head to Settings > Contacts.

Step 2: Tap Accounts and select Add Account.

click add account

Step 3: Choose Google and enter your Gmail login details.

add gmail account

Step 4: Toggle on Contacts to enable syncing. Your iPhone and Gmail will keep your contacts in sync, so you'll never have to worry about duplicated entries or outdated information.

toggle on contacts

Method 2: Exporting via iCloud (For Those Who Like Cloud Solutions)

This method is perfect for those who already embrace the power of cloud storage. If you're an iCloud pro, you can use it to transfer your contacts to Gmail:

Step 1: Ensure iCloud Contacts is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > iCloud > Contacts).

Step 2: On your computer, visit iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID.

Step 3: Click Contacts and select all or desired contacts. Choose the specific people you want to join your Gmail party.

Step 4: Click the gear icon and choose Export vCard. This creates a special file containing your chosen contacts, ready to be imported into Gmail.

Step 5: Go to Google Contacts and sign in with your Gmail account.

Step 6: Click Import and choose the vCard file you exported. You can now import your saved contacts into your Gmail account.

import your contacts

Method 3: Exporting via iTunes (For Older iPhones)

This method caters to users with older iPhones or those comfortable using iTunes. While newer iTunes versions might not support this method, it's still a valuable option for some:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. This method requires iTunes to be installed on your computer.

Step 2: Select your iPhone and click on Info.

Step 3: Click on Sync Contacts and choose your Google account.

Step 4: Click Apply to initiate syncing. iTunes will take over and transfer your contacts to your Google account. (Note: This method might be unavailable for newer iTunes versions.)

click apply once done

Method 4: Exporting via Google Drive (Multi-Step But Flexible)

This method offers more flexibility but involves a few extra steps. It's ideal for those who like a bit more control over the process:

Step 1: First, you'll need the Google Drive app on your iPhone. Download and install it from the App Store if you haven't already.

Step 2: Once Google Drive is installed, launch the app. Look for the "Menu" option – it might be a hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the corner. Tap on it to access the app's settings.

Step 3: Within the menu, navigate to "Settings." Then, find the "Backup" section. This is where you'll tell Google Drive what information to save from your iPhone.

Step 4: Once in the "Backup" section, look for the option to "Start Backup." Tapping on this will initiate backing up your iPhone's data, including your precious contacts, to Google Drive.

Step 5: You can access your iPhone contacts through Google Contacts after the backup. Google Contacts is a web-based address book with your Google account, allowing you to manage your contacts from any device with an internet connection.

click start backup

With these four methods, transferring your iPhone contacts to Gmail should be a breeze. Choose the method best suits your comfort level and tech expertise, and say goodbye to the blank address book blues!

Part 2. [BONUS] How to Export iPhone Contacts to Gmail with Dr.Fone

While the methods above provide solid options, Dr.Fone by Wondershare offers a comprehensive solution for advanced users seeking more control over their data transfer. Dr.Fone streamlines the process and ensures a secure, reliable transfer of your iPhone contacts to your Gmail account, often in just a few clicks!

Key Features

Universal Compatibility:Fone works with all iPhone models, including the latest iOS versions. No matter what iPhone you have, Dr.Fone has you covered.
3 Powerful Recovery Modes:Fone empowers you to recover contacts from various sources. You can recover them directly from your iPhone, extract them from encrypted iTunes backups, or access them from your iCloud storage—the choice is yours!
Preview Before You Transfer:Unlike some methods, Dr.Fone lets you preview your contacts before transferring them. This ensures you only transfer the information you need and avoids any unwanted duplicates.
Flexible Export Formats:Fone offers a variety of export formats for your recovered contacts. Choose from CSV, HTML, vCard, or VCF – the format that best suits your needs.
Data Security First:Fone prioritizes data security. Your contacts are transferred securely, ensuring your information remains protected.
Multi-Purpose Functionality:Fone goes beyond just contacts. It can recover and transfer a wide range of data types, including call history, messages, photos, videos, and more – a one-stop shop for all your data management needs.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Open Dr.Fone on your computer and navigate to the "Toolbox" section. Select the "Data Recovery" option within the toolbox to initiate the process.

click data recovery

Step 2: You'll be presented with various data recovery options on the next screen. Choose "Recover Data from iOS Device" to work directly with your iPhone.

click recover data from ios

Step 3: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Dr.Fone will automatically detect your device, ensuring a smooth connection.

Step 4: Once your iPhone is detected, you'll see a list of recoverable data types. Since you're focusing on contacts, select "Contacts" from the list. You can choose to deselect other data types only to export contacts. Once you've selected, click "Start Scan" to begin the process.

click contacts

Step 5: Dr.Fone will scan your iPhone and display all recoverable data, including contacts. You can preview individual contacts to ensure you're selecting the right ones. Use the tabs at the top to view all existing or deleted data for filtering options. Choose the contacts you want to export and click the "Recover" button.

Step 6: A window will pop up asking where you want to export the selected contacts. You have two options:

choose where to save

Export to Device:If you want to keep the contacts on your iPhone, choose your iPhone from the list and click "Continue."
Export to Computer:For exporting to your computer for further use (like importing to Gmail), select the desired location on your computer and click "Recover."

Step 7: (Follow additional steps if exporting to the device)

Disable Find My Service (if applicable):In some cases, you might need to disable the "Find My" service on your iPhone to restore data to the device. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to disable it.
Confirmation and Restore:Once "Find My" is disabled (if needed), click "OK" to proceed with restoring the contacts to your iPhone.

Step 8: (Follow these steps if exporting to a computer)

Choose a Save Location:A window will appear asking you to specify a location on your computer to save the exported contacts file. Choose the desired location and click "Recover" to initiate the export process.

Part 3. How to Export Contacts from Gmail to iPhone

Congratulations! You've mastered the art of transferring contacts from iPhone to Gmail. But what if you switch back to your iPhone or need your Gmail contacts accessible on your iPhone too? Fear not, tech adventurer! This guide wouldn't be complete without exploring how to export your contacts from Gmail to your iPhone. There are two simple methods that you can do:

Method 1: Syncing with Google Account

This method leverages the syncing capabilities of your iPhone and Google account. Here's how to seamlessly keep your contacts in sync:

Step 1: On your iPhone, go to Settings, then Contacts.

Step 2: Tap "Accounts" and select "Add Account." Here's where you can connect your iPhone to various services, including your Gmail account.

Step 3: Choose "Google" and enter your Gmail login details. This allows your iPhone to communicate with your Google account and exchange information.

Step 4: Toggle on "Contacts" to enable syncing. Your iPhone and Gmail will automatically update your contacts across both devices. Any changes you make in Gmail will be reflected on your iPhone and vice versa.

Method 2: Exporting as vCard (For One-Time Transfer)

This method is useful if you only need to transfer your contacts once or if you prefer a manual approach:

Step 1: Go to Google Contacts. This is the online portal where you manage your Gmail contacts.

Step 2: Select all or desired contacts. Choose the specific contacts you want to transfer to your iPhone.

Step 3: Click the "More actions" icon (three dots) and select "Export." This allows you to export your chosen contacts as a downloadable file.

click export button

Step 4: Choose "vCard" as the export format. vCard is a universal format compatible with most contact management applications, including iPhone's Contacts app.

click vcard then export

Step 5: Save the downloaded vCard file to a location you can easily access.

Step 6: On your computer, email the vCard file to yourself. This is a convenient way to transfer the file to your iPhone.

Step 7: Open the email containing the vCard file on your iPhone.

Step 8: Tap on the vCard file. Your iPhone will recognize it as a contact file.

Step 9: Choose "Add all Contacts" or select specific contacts to import. This will import the chosen contacts from the vCard file into your iPhone's Contacts app.

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Conclusion

With these methods, you can effortlessly transfer your iPhone contacts to Google Contacts, ensuring your valuable information stays organized and readily accessible across all your devices. For a smooth and secure experience, consider exploring Dr.Fone by Wondershare - your iPhone's ultimate data management toolkit! Visit the official website to learn more and download a free trial today!

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