How to Export Gmail Contacts
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Gmail contacts are managed in Google Contacts, so use Google Contacts to export them instead of looking for an export button in Gmail. Download selected contacts or your full contact list, then choose a file format for the service where you will use them.
On a computer, open Google Contacts, select the contacts, choose Export, and save the file. Google CSV works for a Google Contacts backup or transfer to another Google account; Outlook CSV is intended for Outlook; and vCard is commonly used with Apple contacts.
Export contacts from a computer #
Google’s export instructions cover selecting one contact, several contacts, or all contacts. To download them:
- Open Google Contacts and select the contacts you want. To export everyone in your contacts list, choose All contacts.
- Click More actions, then Export.
- Choose a format and click Export to download the file.
The file downloads to your computer, usually into the Downloads folder. Keep it somewhere secure if it contains personal contact details.
If you use Google Contacts for work or school, you cannot select all contacts in the Directory for export. The Directory contains contacts managed by your organization, so an export of your own contacts may not include everyone listed there.
Choose a format for the destination #
Use the format that matches the service or device where you will import the contacts.
| Format | Choose it for |
|---|---|
| Google CSV | Backing up contacts or moving them to another Google account |
| Outlook CSV | Importing into Microsoft Outlook |
| vCard (VCF) | Apple contacts and many other contact services |
Google identifies Google CSV as its backup option. A university IT guide to Google Contacts exports also describes Outlook CSV for Outlook and vCard for Apple’s Address Book. Labels and contact details may not transfer exactly between services, so check the destination’s import instructions before deleting or changing contacts.
Export contacts from Android #
On Android, open the Contacts app, tap Fix & manage, then tap Export to file. Select which accounts to export, then tap Export to.VCF file. The steps are described in this Google Contacts export walkthrough.
Free and open source
Try mailmd
mailmd is a free command-line tool that copies your email into Markdown files on your computer, one file per message. It works with any IMAP mailbox, and with Gmail and Outlook through their own APIs.
Install
$ curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/vincentsch/mailmd/main/install.sh | sh
Set it up with your coding agent
Set up mailmd so you can read my email. Use https://github.com/vincentsch/mailmd: read its AGENTS.md and follow the steps. Connect my mailbox and run the first sync. Then show me where the files are.