Managing contacts is an essential task for keeping your connections organized. If you’re using a smartphone and want to ensure your contacts are securely backed up or moved across devices, using the People app for importing and exporting contacts is a great way to do so. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to back up all your contacts, import them, and retrieve them when needed
Importing Contacts to People App
The import option allows you to read a CSV file of your contacts and save each record as a separate contact within the People app. This process is handy when you’ve transferred contacts from a different device or application and need to organize them in your contacts list.
How to Import Contacts:
- Prepare a CSV File: Ensure your contacts are saved in CSV format. This file can be created using applications like Outlook or other contact management systems.
- Import the CSV to People App:
- Open the People app.
- Go to Settings and select Import Contacts.
- Select your CSV file and let the app import the contacts. Each contact from the file will now appear separately in your contact list.
Viewing Imported Contacts:
Once you’ve successfully imported your contacts, you can view them in the People app.
- Navigate to People → Settings → Filter Contact List.
- Select ContactBackup under the option Show contacts from to view the newly imported contacts.
Exporting Contacts from Outlook
The export option lets you retrieve all your Outlook contacts into a CSV file for backup. This method is perfect for users who want to keep a copy of their contacts before switching devices or migrating to a different platform.
How to Export Contacts from Outlook:
- Open Outlook: Go to the contacts section.
- Export Contacts: Find the option to Export contacts to a CSV file.
- Save the File: Choose the location where you’d like to save the file (make sure to store it in a safe location).
Once exported, this CSV file can be shared via email, stored on your computer, or used for importing contacts into other applications like the People app.
Backing Up Contacts:
When you use the export option in Outlook, the backup file is automatically stored on your phone. It is saved in the following directory:
Restore Your Contacts Anytime
Whether you’re switching phones or need a fresh copy of your contact list, the backup and export options ensure your contacts are safely stored. You can easily retrieve them from the saved CSV files and re-import them whenever needed.
By following these simple steps for importing and exporting contacts, you can easily keep your contacts safe and organized in the People app. Whether you’re backing up for security or simply migrating to a new device, you now have full control over your contact management.
