How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to iPhone: 5 Easy Ways

Quick Tips

• The easiest way to transfer contacts from one iPhone to another is through an iCloud backup.
• If you only need to transfer specific contacts, you can use AirDrop.
• You can also move your contacts to another iPhone using your Google account.

Method 1: Transfer Contacts From iPhone to iPhone With iCloud Sync

Using iCloud backup is the simplest way to keep your iPhone contacts synchronized across all your devices. All you have to do is enable sync on both devices.

Note: This method will only work if you use the same Apple ID on both iPhones.

Step 1: Open Settings on the first iPhone. Tap your name at the top and select iCloud.

Step 3: Tap Show All and then enable the toggle next to Contacts.

Step 4: Next, log in with the same Apple ID on your second iPhone or iPad and enable Contacts sync using the steps above.

Remember, here we’ve not just transferred the contact, iCloud will maintain auto-sync between the two devices. So, any changes made from one device will be reciprocated on other devices.

Method 2: Transfer Contacts From an Old iPhone to a New iPhone via iCloud Backup

If you’re moving to a new iPhone, backing up your old iPhone and restoring the backup on your new device will automatically transfer your contacts along with other data. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Step 1: To make a backup from the old iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.

Step 2: Tap iCloud Backup under Devices Backups.

Step 3: Toggle on Back Up This iPhone. If already enabled, tap Back Up Now.

Step 4: Next, when you’re setting up the new iPhone select, Restore from iCloud Backup.

Step 5: Enter your Apple ID and Password to allow iCloud access. Then, follow on-screen instructions to set up the iPhone.

If you don’t have the old device handy or an updated iCloud backup, skip the first three steps and directly start restoring your backup.

Method 3: How to Transfer iPhone Contacts via Mac or PC

If you sync your iPhone with a Mac or PC regularly, this method is for you. It will allow you to transfer the contacts saved on your desktop from the old iPhone to the new iPhone.

Step 1: Connect your new iPhone to your Mac or PC using a USB.

Step 2: Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows PC).

Step 3: Select the iPhone from the sidebar (Finder) or top bar (iTunes).

Step 4: Go to the Info tab. Then, tick the box next to Sync contacts and then click Apply.

Method 4: Share iPhone Contacts Without iCloud Using Airdrop

While it sounds rudimentary, it is a pretty neat and quick way to transfer iPhone contacts from one phone to another; especially if you want to transfer just a few contacts.

Step 1: Open the Contacts app on the first iPhone.

Step 2: Slide two fingers over the contacts to select multiple or all contacts.

Step 3: Long-press the selected contacts and select Share.

Step 4: Select the AirDrop icon and choose the iPhone to send the contacts. Tick all the checkboxes and hit Done.

Method 5: Move Contacts from iPhone to iPhone With Google Account

Though the method is perfect for when you’re moving from Android to iPhone, it even works great for iPhone to iPhone.

Exporting Contacts from Your iPhone

Step 1: In the first iPhone, go to the Contacts app.

Step 2: Tap Lists icon at the top and long-press All Contacts or any other contact lists you want to share.

Step 3: Tap Export and send it to your computer via Mail or AirDrop.

Import iPhone Contacts to Google Account

Step 1: Go to Google Contacts and log in with your Google ID.

Step 2: Click Import from the sidebar.

Step 3: Click Select file, select the file (exported earlier), and upload it.

Sync Contacts Between Two iPhones with Google

Step 1: Go to Settings > Contacts > Accounts on the second iPhone.

Step 2: Tap Add Account and log in with your Google account. Then, toggle on Contacts.