How to Open a vCard File on iPhone and Android

Someone sent you a .vcf file and you're not sure how to open it? A VCF file is a vCard—a digital contact file. Here's how to open it on any device.

On iPhone

Opening a vCard on iPhone is simple:

1. Tap the .vcf file (in email, Messages, or Files app)
2. Your iPhone automatically recognizes it as a contact
3. Tap Create New Contact to save as new
4. Or tap Add to Existing Contact to merge with someone already in your contacts

That's it. The contact saves with all the information from the vCard—name, phone numbers, email, address, and photo if included.

On Android

Android handles vCards similarly:

1. Tap the .vcf file attachment
2. Select your Contacts app when prompted
3. Review the contact information
4. Tap Save or Import

Some Android phones may ask which account to save to (Google, Samsung, etc.). Choose your preferred contacts account.

In Gmail

To import a vCard into Google Contacts:

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 will sync across all devices connected to your Google account.

In Outlook

For Outlook desktop:

1. Open the .vcf file (double-click or open from email)
2. Outlook displays the contact card
3. Click Save & Close to add to your contacts

For Outlook.com (web):

1. Go to People (contacts section)
2. Click Manage > Import contacts
3. Select the .vcf file
4. Click Import

On Mac

1. Double-click the .vcf file
2. It opens in the Contacts app
3. Click Add to save the contact

On Windows

1. Double-click the .vcf file
2. It opens in Windows Contacts or your default contacts app
3. Click Save or Add to Contacts

What if the File Won't Open?

If you're having trouble opening a vCard file:

• Check the file extension: Make sure it ends in .vcf, not .txt or something else
• Try a different app: If your default app doesn't work, try importing through Google Contacts or iCloud
• File might be corrupted: Ask the sender to resend the file
• Multiple contacts: Some .vcf files contain multiple contacts. Your device should import all of them.

A Better Way to Share Contacts

Sending .vcf files by email works, but there's an easier way. With a digital business card from vCard Garden, you share a link or QR code instead of a file. Recipients tap once to save your contact—no downloading, no importing, no file management.

Plus, if your phone number or email changes, you update it once and everyone with your link sees the new info. No need to send a new file.

Create your free digital business card