How to Transfer Contacts from One Android to Another Android Device

This wikiHow explains how to back up and transfer your contacts from one Android device to another.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Using a Google Backup

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    1
    Open your Android's settings. This is the gear-shaped icon that will be on one of your home screens or in the App Drawer.
  2. Image titled Transfer Contacts from One Android to Another Android Device Step 2
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    Tap the Personal tab.
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    Scroll down and tap Backup & Reset. This is in the orange section of options.
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    Slide the Back up my data switch right to the "On" position. Doing this will make sure your contacts are backed up to your Google account.[1]
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    Unlock your other Android device.
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    Open your other Android's settings.
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    Tap the Personal tab.
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    Scroll down and tap Accounts. This is directly above Backup & reset in the orange section of options.[2]
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    Tap Add account.
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    Select Google.
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    Type in your email address.
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    Tap Next.
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    Type in your email's password.
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    Tap Next.
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    Tap Accept.
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    Check the Automatically back up device data box.
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    Tap Next. Your other Android should now be retrieving data from your Google account--including your contact information.[3]

Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Using Your SIM Card

  1. Image titled Transfer Contacts from One Android to Another Android Device Step 18
    1
    Open your Android's Dialer app. This is the phone-shaped app that should be on one of your home screens.
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    Tap ⋮. This should be in the top right corner of your screen.
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    Select Import/Export.
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    Select Export to .vcf file. This may also say Export to SIM.[4]
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    Tap Allow when prompted.
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    Select SD Card.
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    Tap Save.
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    Remove your SIM card and insert it into a new Android device. This process will vary depending on your device type. For this reason, you may want have a carrier store employee swap your cards for you.

Warnings

  • Don't erase your old device before confirming that your contacts have transferred.
    Thanks!
  • Some device's SIM cards won't be compatible with other devices' SIM card slots. You can, however, visit a carrier store and have an employee transfer your information from one SIM card to another.
    Thanks!

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References

  1. ↑ http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/android-6-0s-auto-backup-for-apps-perfect-data-backup-for-the-1-5/
  2. ↑ http://www.greenbot.com/article/2989988/android/how-to-get-everything-off-your-old-android-phone-and-onto-your-new-one.html
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF_UCPkt1VM
  4. ↑ http://teckfront.com/export-contacts-external-storage-android-6-0-x-marshmallow/

About This Article

JL
Written by:
Jack Lloyd
Tech Specialist
This article was written by Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 111,993 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 9
Updated: June 3, 2019
Views: 111,993
Categories: Android
Article SummaryX

1. Open your Android's Settings.
2. Tap the Personal tab.
3. Scroll to the orange section of options and tap Backup & reset.
4. Slide the Back up my data switch to the On position.
5. Switch to your other device and open Settings.
6. Tap the Personal tab.
7. Scroll down to the orange section of options and tap Accounts.
8. Tap Add account.
9. Tap Google.
10. Enter your Google account information.

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