how to move contacts from outlook to gmail

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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11-01-2025

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Moving your contacts from Outlook to Gmail can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of your valuable contact information. Whether you're switching email providers or simply want to consolidate your contacts, we've got you covered. This guide explains how to move Outlook contacts to Gmail.

Choosing the Best Method for You

The best method for moving your Outlook contacts to Gmail depends on your technical comfort level and the number of contacts you have. We'll cover three primary methods:

• Exporting as a CSV file: This is a widely compatible method suitable for most users.
• Using Google Takeout: This is a convenient option for transferring a wide array of Google data, including contacts.
• Manually copying and pasting (for smaller contact lists): This is the simplest method, best for those with only a few contacts.

Method 1: Exporting from Outlook as a CSV File and Importing into Gmail

This is generally the most reliable method, especially for large contact lists.

Step 1: Exporting from Outlook

1. Open Outlook: Launch your Microsoft Outlook application.
2. Navigate to Contacts: Locate and open your Contacts folder.
3. Select Contacts: Select all the contacts you want to transfer by using Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on a Mac).
4. Export: Go to "File" > "Open & Export" > "Import/Export."
5. Choose Export to a File: Select this option and click "Next."
6. Select Comma Separated Values: Choose "Comma Separated Values (Windows)" and click "Next."
7. Choose Folder: Select the Contacts folder (or the specific subfolder containing your contacts) and click "Next."
8. Browse and Save: Browse to a location on your computer where you want to save the .csv file. Give it a descriptive name (like "OutlookContacts"). Click "Next" and then "Finish."

Step 2: Importing into Gmail

1. Open Gmail: Log in to your Gmail account.
2. Open Google Contacts: Click on the nine-dot grid (Google apps) and select "Contacts."
3. Import Contacts: Click on the "Import" button, usually located beneath the search bar. You might see an option to "Import" under "More".
4. Select CSV File: Browse to the .csv file you saved earlier. Select it and click "Open."
5. Confirm and Review: Gmail will process the import. It might take some time depending on the size of your file. Once completed, review your contacts to ensure everything transferred correctly.

Method 2: Using Google Takeout

Google Takeout allows you to download a copy of your data from various Google services. While it doesn't directly import from Outlook, it can be helpful if you're already using other Google services and want a streamlined approach. This method is not directly focused on moving Outlook contacts to Gmail.

1. Go to Google Takeout: Access Google Takeout at https://takeout.google.com/.
2. Select Data: Choose "Contacts" from the list of available data.
3. Choose File Type: Select the file type (like .csv or .vcf) for your contacts.
4. Create Export: Click on "Create export". Google will prepare a download link.
5. Download and Import: Once ready, download the file and then use the Gmail import method outlined in Step 2 of Method 1 to import your contacts. This approach requires an extra step.

Method 3: Manually Copying and Pasting (Small Contact Lists Only)

For very small contact lists, manually copying and pasting might be feasible. This is not recommended for more than a dozen contacts.

1. Open Outlook Contacts: Open Outlook and navigate to your Contacts.
2. Copy and Paste: Select each contact individually, copy their details (name, email, phone number, etc.), and paste them into the corresponding fields in your Gmail contacts.

Troubleshooting Tips

• File Encoding Issues: If you encounter problems importing your .csv file, ensure it's encoded correctly (usually UTF-8).
• Duplicate Contacts: After importing, check for and remove any duplicate contacts. Gmail offers tools to find and merge duplicates.
• Large Files: For extremely large contact lists, consider breaking them into smaller batches for import. This could speed the process and avoid potential errors.

Conclusion

Moving your contacts from Outlook to Gmail doesn't need to be a complicated process. By following one of these methods, you can efficiently transfer your contacts and keep your information organized. Remember to choose the method best suited to your needs and technical skills. Now you know how to move Outlook contacts to Gmail.