To transfer contacts from one phone to another, especially between Android devices, you have several effective methods:
1. Using Google Account Sync (Recommended for Android)
- On your old Android phone, go to Settings > Accounts > Google account > Sync.
- Enable syncing for Contacts.
- On your new Android phone, sign in with the same Google account.
- Your contacts will automatically sync and appear in the Contacts app.
This method is seamless and keeps contacts backed up in the cloud
2. Share Contacts via VCF File (Manual Export/Import)
- On the old phone, open the Contacts app , tap the menu, and choose Export to save contacts as a VCF file.
- Transfer the VCF file to the new phone via USB, email, or cloud storage.
- On the new phone, open the Contacts app, go to menu > Import , and select the VCF file.
This is a straightforward offline method suitable for all devices
3. Use Nearby Share or Quick Share (Wireless Nearby Transfer)
- On the old phone, open Contacts, select contacts to share.
- Tap Share > Nearby Share (or Quick Share).
- Select the new phone from the device list and accept the transfer on the new phone.
This is fast for nearby devices without needing internet
4. Use Third-Party Apps (e.g., SHAREit, MobileTrans, Contact Transfer)
- Install the app on both phones.
- Follow the app’s instructions to connect devices and transfer contacts wirelessly or via PC.
These apps offer additional features and ease for bulk transfers without cloud syncing
5. Transfer via SIM Card (Limited Capacity)
- Export contacts to SIM on the old phone.
- Insert SIM into the new phone.
- Import contacts from SIM via Contacts app settings.
This method is simple but limited by SIM storage capacity
Summary Table
Method| Pros| Cons
---|---|---
Google Account Sync| Automatic, cloud backup| Requires Google account
VCF File Export/Import| Works offline, universal| Manual steps, can be time-
consuming
Nearby Share / Quick Share| Fast, no cables, no internet| Devices must be
close
Third-Party Apps| Feature-rich, easy bulk transfer| Requires app installation
SIM Card Transfer| Simple, no internet needed| Limited contact capacity
Choose the method that best fits your devices and preferences. For most Android users, syncing contacts via Google account is the easiest and most reliable way to transfer contacts seamlessly to a new phone
