How to Import a vCard into Gmail, Outlook, iPhone & Android

Someone sent you a .vcf file and you're not sure what to do with it? Or maybe you downloaded a vCard from a digital business card and need to add it to your contacts?

This guide covers how to import vCard files into every major platform—iPhone, Android, Gmail, Outlook, Mac, and Windows.

What is a vCard (.vcf) File?

A vCard is a standard file format for contact information. The file extension is .vcf (Virtual Contact File). When you import a .vcf file, all the contact details—name, phone, email, address, photo—get added to your contacts app.

For more background, see our guide on What is a vCard?

How to Import a vCard on iPhone

Method 1: Tap to Open (Easiest)

If someone sent you a .vcf file via text, email, or AirDrop:

1. Tap the .vcf file attachment
2. Your iPhone opens a preview of the contact
3. Tap "Create New Contact" or "Add to Existing Contact"
4. Tap "Done"

That's it. The contact is now in your iPhone Contacts app and syncs to iCloud.

Method 2: From Files App

If the .vcf file is saved in your Files app:

1. Open the Files app
2. Navigate to the .vcf file
3. Tap the file
4. Tap "Create New Contact"
5. Tap "Done"

Method 3: From iCloud.com

If you prefer using a computer:

1. Go to icloud.com/contacts
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Click the gear icon (bottom left)
4. Select "Import vCard"
5. Choose your .vcf file
6. The contact syncs to your iPhone automatically

How to Import a vCard on Android

Method 1: Tap to Open

If you received a .vcf file via email, text, or download:

1. Tap the .vcf file
2. Select "Contacts" or "Google Contacts" when prompted
3. Choose which account to save to (Google, device, etc.)
4. Tap "Save" or "Import"

Method 2: From Google Contacts App

1. Open the Google Contacts app
2. Tap "Fix & manage" at the bottom
3. Tap "Import from file"
4. Select your Google account
5. Navigate to and select the .vcf file

Method 3: From Google Contacts Web

1. Go to contacts.google.com
2. Click "Import" in the left sidebar
3. Click "Select file"
4. Choose your .vcf file
5. Click "Import"
6. The contact syncs to your Android automatically

How to Import a vCard into Gmail

Gmail uses Google Contacts for address book management:

1. Go to contacts.google.com
2. Click "Import" in the left sidebar
3. Click "Select file"
4. Choose your .vcf file
5. Click "Import"

The contact now appears when you compose emails in Gmail.

How to Import a vCard into Outlook

Outlook Desktop (Windows)

1. Open Outlook
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export
3. Select "Import a vCard file (.vcf)"
4. Click "Next"
5. Browse to and select your .vcf file
6. Click "Open"

Outlook Web (outlook.com)

1. Go to outlook.com/people
2. Click "Manage" in the toolbar
3. Select "Import contacts"
4. Click "Browse" and select your .vcf file
5. Click "Import"

Outlook for Mac

1. Double-click the .vcf file
2. It opens in Contacts app
3. Click "Save"
4. If Outlook is synced with your Mac contacts, it appears there too

How to Import a vCard on Mac

1. Double-click the .vcf file
2. The Contacts app opens with a preview
3. Click "Add"

Or drag and drop the .vcf file directly into the Contacts app.

How to Import a vCard on Windows

1. Double-click the .vcf file
2. Windows opens it in the Contacts or People app
3. Click "Save"

If double-clicking doesn't work, right-click the file and select "Open with" > "Windows Contacts".

Importing Multiple vCards

If you have multiple .vcf files or one file with multiple contacts:

• Google Contacts: Handles multiple contacts in one .vcf file automatically
• iCloud: Can import multiple contacts at once
• Outlook: May need to import one at a time for .vcf files

Troubleshooting

File won't open? Make sure it has the .vcf extension. Some email apps rename attachments.

Contact info missing? Some vCard versions don't support all fields. The contact may have been created with an older format.

Photo not showing? Not all import methods preserve photos. Try a different import method.

The Easier Way: Digital Business Cards

Instead of emailing .vcf files back and forth, consider using a digital business card. Share a link or QR code, and recipients save your contact with one tap—no file management required.

Create your free digital business card with vCard Garden.