PDF download Download Article
Back up your contacts easily in case of an emergency
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow guide teaches you how to back up your Android contacts to a Google account or a VCF file.

Things You Should Know

  • You can back up Android contacts to your Google account in Settings > Google > Settings for Google Apps > Google Contacts Sync.
  • You can also back up contacts to a VCF file by exporting them from the Contacts app.
  • Once you create a VCF file for exported contacts, you can save the file to an SD card, a folder on your phone, or your Google Drive.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Backing Up to a Google Account

PDF download Download Article
  1. You might need to scroll down to see this next to a "G" icon.[1]
    Advertisement
  2. Scroll down to find this option near the bottom of the "Services on this device" section.
  3. This is usually near the top of the menu.
  4. You'll be directed to a page with a toggle. If it's already on, skip this and the next step.
  5. If the switch is already colored and pointing to the right, the feature is enabled. Once it's enabled, you're done!
    • If you toggle the switch on, you can tap the "Backup account" listed to change your Google account.[2]
  6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Exporting to VCF

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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.
    • Use this method to save your contacts as a VCF file that you can access anywhere and not inside a backup.
  2. It's a tab in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen with the icon of a wrench.
  3. You'll see this tile next to an arrow pointing up.
  4. You'll see this if you have a Samsung phone, for example, and have both a Google and Samsung account added.
    • Tap one to select it.
  5. It's in the bottom right corner of your screen and will prompt you to choose where to save the .VCF.
    • Save the exported contacts file to an SD card by tapping the three-line menu and selecting the SD card from the menu. Alternatively, you can select your Google Drive or anywhere in your phone's internal storage.
    • When you're done choosing where to save the file, tap Save.[3]
  6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does export to a SIM card mean you are exporting to an SD card? Where does Export to .vcf file put the information?
    Darlene Antonelli, MA
    Darlene Antonelli, MA
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities.
    Darlene Antonelli, MA
    wikiHow Technology Writer
    Expert Answer
    By default, the file saves to your Downloads folder in Internal Storage. You can, however, choose to save the VCF on an SD card (if you have one) or in a different location on your phone, or in your Google Drive.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Add Widgets on AndroidAdd Widgets on Android
Find Your Phone Number on AndroidFind Your Phone Number on Android
Hide Apps on AndroidHide Apps on Android
Hide Your Caller ID on AndroidThe Ultimate Guide to Hiding Caller ID on Android
Add an App Back to Home ScreenHow to Add an App Back to Home Screen: Tips for Finding Apps
Increase Your Android Device’s Maximum Volume StepsIncrease Your Android Device’s Maximum Volume Steps
Unlock an Android Tablet3 Ways to Unlock an Android Tablet
Switch to Portrait or Landscape Mode on AndroidSwitch to Portrait or Landscape Mode on Android
Turn Off Your Android Phone Without the Power ButtonTurn Off Your Android Phone Without the Power Button
Add Sounds to Discord SoundboardHow to Add & Use Discord Soundboard Sounds: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Combine Photos on AndroidHow to Combine Photos on Android: 3 Ways to Create Collages and Grids
Connect Android Phone to ComputerConnect Android Phone to Computer
Open Zip Files on AndroidUnzip Files on Android for Free with Files by Google
Check the RAM on AndroidCheck the RAM on Android
Advertisement

About This Article

Darlene Antonelli, MA
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been viewed 95,011 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 3
Updated: January 20, 2024
Views: 95,011
Categories: Android
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 95,011 times.

Is this article up to date?

Advertisement