How to import a CSV of contacts to an iPhone
iPhones can't import CSV files directly. Convert the CSV to a vCard (.vcf) file first — it takes about a minute in your browser — then open the .vcf on the iPhone and tap Add All Contacts.
Open the free converterWhy the iPhone can't read CSV
Apple's Contacts app only imports vCard (.vcf) files. If you have a spreadsheet of names and numbers — from a CRM export, an event sign-up sheet, or an old phone — it must be converted to vCard format first.
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Convert and import in four steps
- Open the CSV to iPhone converter and drop in your CSV or Excel file.
- Check the column mapping — name, phone, email and company are matched automatically; fix anything by tapping the dropdowns.
- Preview a few contact cards, then tap Download and choose iPhone.
- Get the .vcf onto your iPhone: AirDrop it, email it to yourself, or open this page in Safari on the iPhone and download it there. Tap the file, then tap Add All X Contacts.
Add a label so you can find (or delete) this batch later
Before converting, use the prefix or suffix option to tag the contacts — for example a suffix like "· Expo2026" on every name. If you ever need to remove the batch, search for that tag in Contacts.
If names import in the wrong order
That happens when a single "Full Name" column isn't split. Turn on the "Split full names into first and last" option in the mapping step and the converter separates them correctly — including middle names.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need iTunes or iCloud?
No. The .vcf file opens directly in the Contacts app. AirDrop, Mail, Messages and Files all work for getting it onto the phone.
Will it overwrite my existing contacts?
No. Importing a vCard adds new contacts; it doesn't replace existing ones. Duplicates may be created — the converter can merge duplicates in your file before you import.
How many contacts can I import at once?
Hundreds comfortably. A few hundred contacts per file is the sweet spot for the iPhone's Add All prompt.
Can I include company, job title and address?
Yes. Map those columns in the mapping step and they appear on the contact card in the right fields.