How to Export Contacts from Google (Android & Web)

Whether you are switching to a new device or simply want to back up your address book, exporting your Google Contacts is a straightforward process. You can export a CSV file directly from your web browser, or export a VCF file locally from your Android smartphone. Here is exactly how to do both.

How to Export Contacts from Google Contacts on the Web

If you need to download a copy of your contacts to a computer, using the Google Contacts web interface is the fastest method. This will allow you to export your contacts into a Google CSV or Outlook CSV format.

1. Navigate to contacts.google.com in your desktop web browser and sign in to your Google Account.
2. To export specific contacts, tick the checkboxes next to their names. To export your entire address book, simply ensure no individual contacts are selected.
3. Click the Export button located in the left-hand navigation menu.
4. In the pop-up window, choose your preferred format. Select Google CSV if you plan to import them into another Google account, or Outlook CSV for other email clients.
5. Click the Export button to download the file directly to your computer.

How to Export Contacts on an Android Phone

If you prefer to work directly from your smartphone, you can export your contacts to your phone’s internal storage as a VCF file, which can then be emailed or backed up.

1. Open the default Contacts app on your Android smartphone.
2. Tap the Menu icon (often represented by three lines or your profile picture) or navigate to the Organize tab.
3. Select Settings, and then tap on Export.
4. Choose the specific account or list of contacts you wish to export.
5. Tap Export to .VCF file. You will be prompted to choose a location on your phone’s internal storage to save the file.

Note: If your primary goal is to ensure your contacts are safely backed up, the easiest method is to enable automatic cloud syncing. Go to Settings > Google > All services > Backup & restore > Google Contacts sync, and toggle on Sync device and SIM contacts automatically. This guarantees you will never lose your contacts even if you lose your phone.