Overview

Transferring contacts is essential when switching phones. This guide covers the fastest methods for same-platform and cross-platform transfers.

Method 1: iPhone to iPhone Transfer

The easiest method using iCloud or Quick Start.

1

Using iCloud Sync (Recommended)

On old iPhone:

Settings → Your Name → iCloud
Enable Contacts toggle
Wait for sync to complete (Wi-Fi required)

On new iPhone:

Sign in with same Apple ID during setup
Enable Contacts in iCloud settings
Contacts sync automatically within minutes

2

Using Quick Start

Place old and new iPhones next to each other
Turn on new iPhone
Quick Start prompt appears on old iPhone
Tap Continue and follow on-screen steps
Choose "Transfer from iPhone" option
All data including contacts transfers wirelessly

Pro Tip: Quick Start transfers everything (apps, photos, settings) in one go. Keep both phones plugged in and close together during transfer.

Method 2: Android to Android Transfer

1

Using Google Account Sync

On old Android phone:

Settings → Accounts → Google
Select your Google account
Enable Contacts sync
Tap Account sync → Sync now

On new Android phone:

Sign in with same Google account during setup
Enable Contacts sync
Contacts appear in Contacts app automatically

2

Using Manufacturer Transfer Tools

Samsung Smart Switch: Cable or wireless transfer between Samsung devices
Google Backup: During setup, restore from Google backup
OnePlus Clone Phone: Transfer data between OnePlus devices
Xiaomi Mi Mover: Wireless transfer for Xiaomi phones

3

Export/Import VCF File

On old phone:

Open Contacts app → Menu → Export
Save as .vcf file to storage or email to yourself

On new phone:

Open Contacts app → Menu → Import
Select .vcf file location
Tap Import and wait for completion

Method 3: Cross-Platform Transfer

Moving contacts between iPhone and Android.

1

Android to iPhone

Using Move to iOS app:

Download "Move to iOS" app on Android phone
During iPhone setup, select "Move Data from Android"
Enter code shown on iPhone into Android app
Select Contacts and other data to transfer
Wait for wireless transfer to complete

Timing: Move to iOS only works during initial iPhone setup. If you've already set up your iPhone, you'll need to use the Google/iCloud method below.

2

iPhone to Android

Via Google Account:

On iPhone: Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add Account → Google
Sign in with your Google account
Enable Contacts sync
Contacts upload to Google servers
On Android: Sign in with same Google account
Contacts sync automatically

3

Universal Method: VCF Export/Import

Works for any combination:

Export contacts as .vcf file from old phone
Email .vcf file to yourself or save to cloud storage
Download on new phone
Open .vcf file, select Import to Contacts

Method 4: Using SIM Card

Old-school method that still works for basic contact transfer.

1

Copy to SIM Card

On old phone:

Open Contacts app
Settings or Menu → Import/Export
Select "Export to SIM card"
Choose contacts to copy (or select all)
Wait for copy to complete

Limitations: SIM cards can only store 250-500 contacts and only basic info (name and one phone number). No email addresses, photos, or multiple numbers.

2

Import from SIM Card