The simplest way to transfer contacts from an iPhone to a computer is to export them as a vCard file. In the Contacts app, tap Lists, touch and hold All Contacts, tap Export, and save or send the .vcf file to your computer. If your contacts sync with iCloud, you can also export them from iCloud.com on any Mac or PC.
A vCard file opens in Outlook, the Mac Contacts app, Google Contacts, and most email programs.
Quick Answer
Contacts > Lists > touch and hold All Contacts > Export > save the .vcf file and move it to your computer.
Method 1: Export All Contacts From the iPhone
- Open the Contacts app (or the Contacts tab in the Phone app).
- Tap Lists in the top-left corner.
- Touch and hold All Contacts (or another list).
- Tap Export, choose which fields to include, and tap Done.
- Choose how to send the file: Save to Files, AirDrop to a Mac, or email it to yourself.
- On the computer, open or import the .vcf file.
This option requires a recent iOS version. On older iPhones, use iCloud.com instead.
Method 2: Export From iCloud.com
- On the iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and make sure Contacts is syncing.
- On the computer, sign in at iCloud.com and open Contacts.
- Select the contacts (press Ctrl + A or Command + A for all).
- Click the More or share button and choose Export vCard.
Method 3: Sync to a Mac
- With iCloud: Sign in to the same Apple Account on the Mac and turn on Contacts in System Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Contacts appear in the Contacts app and stay in sync.
- With a cable: Connect the iPhone, select it in the Finder sidebar, open the Info tab, check Sync contacts, and click Apply. This option isn’t available while iCloud Contacts is on.
Method 4: Get Contacts Into a Windows PC
| Where you want them | How |
|---|---|
| Outlook | Import the .vcf file, or install iCloud for Windows and turn on Contacts to sync with Outlook |
| Google Contacts (Gmail) | contacts.google.com > Import > select the .vcf file |
| Excel spreadsheet | Import the .vcf into Google Contacts or Outlook, then export as CSV |
| Just a backup copy | Keep the .vcf file in a safe folder or cloud drive |
Moving photos and videos too? See how to transfer videos from iPhone to a Windows PC.
Troubleshooting
- Export isn’t shown: Update iOS, or use iCloud.com.
- Some contacts are missing: They may be stored in a Gmail, Outlook, or other account rather than iCloud. Check Settings > Contacts > Accounts, and export from that service too.
- Outlook imports only one contact: Older Outlook versions read only the first card in a multi-contact vCard. Import through Google Contacts and export a CSV instead.
- Phone numbers came across wrong: Fix them on the iPhone first; see how to update a contact’s phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to PC without iCloud?
Yes. Use the Export option in the Contacts app and email or save the .vcf file.
Can I export contacts to Excel?
Not directly from the iPhone. Import the vCard into Google Contacts or Outlook and export it as a CSV file, which opens in Excel.
Will exporting delete contacts from my iPhone?
No. Exporting only makes a copy.
Summary
- Open Contacts and tap Lists.
- Touch and hold All Contacts and tap Export.
- Send the .vcf file to your computer.
- Import it into Outlook, Contacts, or Google Contacts.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.