Time: 7 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Version: All Android Versions

Trying to transfer contacts to Android is a common question users have when getting an Android phone. Also since many consumers purchase new phones every year or two, I thought covering how to import contacts to Android would be relevant.

The answer to this question will actually be different based on whether you are going from Android to Android or switching from a different phone platform. Therefore, I have included a method for each type of situation you might be in when wanting to transfer contacts to Android.

Methods for Transferring Contacts

• If you had a phone with a SIM card

  You can transfer the contacts from your GSM phone to the SIM card. Then you should be able to insert the SIM card in your new GSM phone and import all your contacts. On your Android phone you can do this simply navigating to the path below:

  Contacts -> Menu -> Import/Export -> Import from SIM card

  

  Import Contacts from SIM Card

• If you had an Android phone

  You should be able to login to the same previous Google account on your new Android phone. Then all you need to do is enable auto-sync and your contacts should automatically be copied over to Android. To enable auto-sync on your device, simply follow below:

  Menu -> Settings -> Accounts & sync -> Check Auto-sync

  

  Turning on Auto-sync

• If you had a phone without Android

  Follow this guide to learn how to create a CSV file of your contacts. Next, you should be able to easily take your CSV file with contacts in it and import them into Gmail. Finally, all you need to do is to setup your Google/Gmail account on Android. You can add a new Google account by navigating to to the path below:

  Menu -> Settings -> Accounts & sync -> Add account

  

  Add a new Android Account

Once you have completed importing your contacts, you should change the way Android displays your contacts. By default, your contacts list will display all contacts even if they have only an email address and no phone number. This can easily be fixed by following the below instructions:

Contacts -> Menu -> Display options -> Select “Only contacts with phones”

Display Only Contacts with Phones