Contacts VCF Files

First things first, VCF is a file type recognized by desktop and mobile devices. Otherwise known as a Virtual Contact File, these files store personal and/or business details, including name, phone number, address, email address, and other contact details. Although contacts VCF are used primarily to store phone numbers, they can also support custom media, including images.

In short, VCF files are used for importing and exporting contacts. The beauty of this file type is that they can be sent, received and opened in a variety of ways. In the remainder of this guide, we’ll talk you through the VCF import process, VCF to Excel options and more. However, before we go through the app options, let’s talk about how to open VCF files.

If you receive a contacts VCF file, the main issue you’ll face as a novice is opening it. Because vCards are plain text files, you can use them to view contact details in situ. However, the main reason we use VCF is to import contacts directly to your mobile’s address book. In terms of opening these files, the method will depend on the device you’re using. In the steps below, we’ll show the easiest way to view the contents of VCF files on your PC:

1. Email a VCF file to your Gmail account.

2. Open the email and download the file to your desktop.

3. Log in to Gmail and click on the “more” heading.

4. In the dropdown menu, select “import”.

5. Select “choose file” and find the contacts VCF file on your computer.

6. Hit “open” and then “import” to automatically add the contacts to your Gmail address book.

If you want to send contacts VCF files from your mobile to another mobile or desktop, the process is slightly different from the above. In fact, things are actually easier thanks to the advent of contact backup apps. By taking care of the export/import and conversion processes, these apps allow you to backup and store contact details with a few taps.

Scouring the leading app stores, Easy Backup stands out as one of the most efficient products. Developed by YT Development Ltd, this contacts backup assistant allows you to import, export and save VCF files via your iOS and Android devices. In the sections below, we’ll walk through the send/receive process.

When you need to export VCF contacts, you’ll need to make the following moves:

1. Navigate to the Apple store and download the Easy Backup iOS app. Use Google Play for the Easy Backup Android app.

2. Create an account with Easy Backup using your Facebook account credentials, Google account credentials or your email address.

3. Allow the app to access your contacts.

4. Backup your contacts before starting the export process. This isn’t necessary but it’s recommended.

5. Hit the “export” button and Easy Backup will send your backed-up files to one of the following destinations: Dropbox, Google Drive or email.

Once you’ve exported VCF files from your iPhone or Android using the Easy Backup app, importing is simple. During our tests, we found that the easiest way for iPhone users to complete the VCF import process is to use Easy Backup’s email export option. For Android users, go for the Google Drive option.

iPhone VCF Import

1. Open your emails via the native iPhone app.

2. Find the email containing the VCF file sent from Easy Backup.

3. Open the email and tap the attachment to view the file.

4. Choose whether you want to import all contacts or select the names/numbers you want to save.

Android VCF Import

1. Open the Gmail app on your Android device.

2. Once inside your inbox, open the email containing the VCF file.

3. Tap on the file name (e.g. 00001.vcf) to open the file.

4. The contacts will automatically be imported to your Android address book.

Another benefit of your VCF is that it can be easily converted to other file types, including Excel. Why would you want to store contacts on Excel? As well as offering another secure place to save important contact details, Excel allows you to create charts, invoices and more. Therefore, if you’re running a business, there may be times to VCF to Excel may be necessary.

Unsurprisingly, there are multiple ways to do this. For those using iPhone and Android devices, apps have saved the day. For example, if you download Contacts 2 XLS for iOS, the process requires just a few touches. By handling all the fiddly bits, this app allows you to save, convert VCF to Excel and then send files as attachments with ease.

Once you’ve synced your contacts with the app, backup the data and then upgrade your account. After upgrading your account, you’ll be able to view and export your saved contacts via Excel. When you’ve converted VCF to Excel, email them to yourself and download the attachment via your desktop. Simple!