There might be many ways on how to copy contacts from iPhone. But today we’re going to show you a few simple methods that will certainly make the entire process more convenient. Most procedures tend to appear a bit complex when it comes down to syncing content to and from iDevices. But if you were to ask us, it is a simple task and really easy to carry out; that’s if you follow each step precisely. Each of our methods should barely consume a few minutes of your time. And if for some reason, things don’t play out as expected, we’ve even compiled a few alternative techniques.
Requirements:
Before we begin, make sure you have the basic requirements in your possession. These include the Apple USB cable and the iTunes software installed on your computer. Based on where you want your contacts to be backed up, the appropriate software must be installed. At present, you can sync your address book entries to Microsoft Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2010 as well as the Windows Address Book that is re-branded as Windows Contacts for 7, on Windows XP, Vista or 7 versions of the OS. For Mac-powered computer owners wanting to copy contacts from iPhone, the desired content can be reproduced in the pre-loaded Address Book on the OS X platform and applications such as Microsoft Entourage 2004, Entourage 2008 or Outlook 2011.
Procedure:
Now assuming that you have all the aforementioned necessities installed and ready, the entire process of copying files from iPhone shouldn’t take up more than five minutes of your time. Before we begin, we recommend that you make a backup of all you content, just to be on the safe side.
1. To begin, connect your iPhone to a Windows or Mac-powered computer via the handset’s USB cable. The iTunes software should launch automatically on detecting the device. If not, you can manually run it from the Start Menu or through a shortcut from your desktop.
2. With the application open, your device will show up on the left panel, just below the iTunes Store tab. Now select your iPhone and head to the Info tab from the upper panel. The ‘Sync Contacts with’ options should be visible. To enable it, click the check box on the right and further select the application you want all details to be copied to. Available options include MS Outlook, Google Contacts, Windows Address Book and Yahoo! Address Book on Microsoft’s desktop OS.
3. For our procedure, we’re going to stick with the Windows Address Book tool as it allows you to export contacts in CSV and VCF formats that are supported by a number of devices and platforms. So once you have selected it, hit the Apply button on the lower-right corner of the app’s interface.
4. On doing so, iTunes will start the synchronization process and copy contacts from your handset in a matter of minutes. You can also configure it to sync selected groups of entries from the same tab. Once the transfer is complete, you can disconnect the handset as we aren’t going need it for the remainder of this procedure.
5. The next step is to access the Windows Address Book. You can simply initiate the process by entering the initials ‘WAB’ into the text field provided by the Run program. The next step will vary based on the version of Windows you have installed. For XP users, the Address Book app should display your iPhone contacts in a single list view, whilst those on Windows 7 will have a tile view of all the contacts.
6. The extracting process is simple as well. All you have to do is opt for the contacts you want and select the Export option from the file menu or a similar drop-down menu on Windows 7 that can be identified by two side-facing arrows. Then follow the on-screen instructions for selecting the file format and save the location to complete the process. The extracted file can be stored as a backup in case you lose your data, or even transferred to other devices.
App alternatives:
If the aforesaid process to copy contacts from iPhone didn’t work as planned or you’d prefer a simpler workaround, then we’ve also listed out 3 apps that can get the job done in a breeze.
1. Bump –
The Bump application for iPhone is an intuitive tool that allows you to share content with other phones by a simple process called ‘bump.’ This software automatically syncs contact information and photos between devices when you gently bump them together. Now doesn’t this sound like fun? And since the tool is free, it’s surely worth a try.
2. Save Contacts Email –
As awkward as it might sound, this application holds the capability to aid you when you want to copy contacts from your iPhone. What the app basically does is, it makes a backup of your address book and allows you to forward all contacts via mail. It also embeds information like first name, second name, phone number and email ID so that you don’t lose out on any important information. The Save Contacts Email price on the App Store reads $0.99.
Similar to Save Contacts Email, the My Contacts Backup Pro application also backs up all your contacts via email. By compiling all contact details into a single VCF file, this app allows you to conveniently transfer content between various devices. And when the need to restore data arises, you simply have to execute the VCard file from the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad mail client. You can also set a weekly or monthly reminder for backing up information. The My Contacts Backup Pro price amounts to $1.99 on iTunes.
Now that you know how to copy contacts from iPhone, you should never find yourself in a fix, especially while purchasing a new phone or upon losing all your address book content. So do give these aforementioned methods a try and let us know if things worked out well for you.