How to Backup Contacts on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to back up your Android's contacts to a Google account, SD card, or a folder in your Google Drive.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Backing Up to a Google Account

  1. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 1
    1
    Open your Android's Settings
    Android 7 Settings App
    .     You'll usually find it in the app drawer or in the notification tray.
    • This method will help you back up all of your Android's data, including your contacts, to your Google account.
  2. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 2
    2
    Scroll down and tap Backup & reset.
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  3. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 3
    3
    Make sure “Back up my data” is selected. You may have to slide a switch to the
    Android 7 Switch On
    position or select On from a menu.
  4. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 4
    4
    Tap the back button. This returns you to the Settings menu.
  5. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 5
    5
    Tap Accounts. It's usually under the “Personal” header.
  6. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 6
    6
    Tap Google.
  7. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 7
    7
    Tap your Google account. If you have more than one, tap the one you want to back up your contacts to.
  8. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 8
    8
    Slide the “Contacts” switch to
    Android 7 Switch On
    .     Your Android's contacts are now configured to back up to your Google account automatically.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Exporting to an SD Card or Drive

  1. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 9
    1
    Open the Contacts app. If you're using the default Contacts app on most Androids, look for a blue and white icon with an address book or peoples' heads.
  2. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 10
    2
    Tap ☰. It's at the top-left corner of the screen of the default Contacts app.
    • Different versions of Android have different Contacts apps. The steps may vary by phone or tablet.
  3. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 11
    3
    Tap Settings.
  4. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 12
    4
    Scroll down and tap Export. A list of accounts will appear.
  5. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 13
    5
    Tap the account with the contacts you want to back up. A check mark will appear next to the account.
    • Some Androids may also give you the option to export to an SD card. If you want to do that, select that option.
  6. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 14
    6
    Tap EXPORT to .VCF File. If it's your first time using this feature, you may have to tap ALLOW to continue.
  7. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 15
    7
    Navigate to your desired backup location. You can export to an SD card (if you have one), a folder on your Android, or to your Google Drive.
    • To find a location, tap ☰ at the top-left corner of the screen, navigate to a location, then tap the folder where you want to save the backups.
    • Be sure to select a folder you'll remember later. This will be helpful if you need to restore your contacts from the backup.
  8. Image titled Backup Contacts on Android Step 16
    8
    Tap SAVE. It's at the bottom of the screen. The contacts are now saved to the selected location as a .VCF file.
    • To restore your contacts from this backup in the future, return to the Settings area of the Contacts app, tap Import (instead of Export), then select the .VCF file.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 73,923 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: September 6, 2019
Views: 73,923
Categories: Android
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