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 vCard file contains contact information that can be saved directly to your phone's contacts app.

Here's how to open vCard files on iPhone and Android.

What is a .vcf File?

A .vcf file (Virtual Contact File) is the standard format for sharing contact information digitally. It contains details like name, phone number, email, address, and sometimes a photo.

When you open a .vcf file, your phone recognizes it as a contact and offers to save it. For more background, see our guide on What is a vCard?

How to Open a vCard on iPhone

From Email

1. Open the email with the .vcf attachment
2. Tap the attachment to preview it
3. Tap "Create New Contact" or "Add to Existing Contact"
4. Tap "Done"

The contact is now saved and syncs to iCloud.

From Text Message

1. Tap the .vcf file in the message
2. Your iPhone shows a preview of the contact
3. Tap "Create New Contact"
4. Tap "Done"

From AirDrop

1. Accept the AirDrop transfer
2. The contact preview opens automatically
3. Tap "Create New Contact"
4. Tap "Done"

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"

From Safari Download

If you downloaded a .vcf file from a website:

1. Tap the download icon in Safari (top right)
2. Tap the .vcf file
3. Tap "Create New Contact"
4. Tap "Done"

How to Open a vCard on Android

From Email (Gmail)

1. Open the email with the .vcf attachment
2. Tap the attachment
3. Select "Contacts" when asked which app to use
4. Choose which account to save to (Google, device, etc.)
5. Tap "Save"

From Text Message

1. Tap the .vcf file in the message
2. Select "Contacts" or "Google Contacts"
3. Tap "Save"

From Downloads

If you downloaded a .vcf file:

1. Open your Files or Downloads app
2. Find and tap the .vcf file
3. Select "Contacts" when prompted
4. Choose which account to save to
5. Tap "Save"

From Google Contacts App

If tapping the file doesn't work:

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

Troubleshooting

File Won't Open

Check the extension. Make sure the file ends in .vcf. Some email apps rename attachments or strip extensions.

Try a different app. If tapping the file doesn't work, try opening it through your Contacts app's import feature.

Contact Info is Missing

Older vCard version. Some older vCard formats don't support all fields. The sender may have used an outdated tool.

Encoding issues. Special characters in names or addresses can sometimes cause problems.

Photo Not Showing

Not all import methods preserve photos. If the contact photo is important, ask the sender to share their digital business card link instead—photos display properly on the web page.

The Easier Way

Instead of dealing with .vcf files, ask contacts to share their digital business card link or QR code. You visit their page, tap "Save Contact," and you're done—no file management required.

Want to make it easy for others to save your info? Create your free digital business card with vCard Garden. Share a link or QR code, and people save your contact in one tap.