Switching between email platforms has become a common practice for every user who needs the simplicity of accessing their contacts across various devices. MS Outlook is an email platform that stores contacts in different formats. In contrast, Google Contacts works efficiently with Gmail and other devices, and this helps users export Outlook contacts to Google Contacts easily.
However, many users don’t know how to securely transfer Outlook contacts to Google Contacts. In this guide, we’ll explain the different solutions for better contact management by moving contacts to a Gmail account. Now, let’s start with further discussion.
Effective Reasons to Transfer Contacts from Outlook to Google
Many users want to migrate their Outlook contacts to Google Contacts for multiple reasons that are mentioned below:
- Google Contacts are more compatible and sync all contacts automatically with other devices easily.
- If you transfer Outlook contacts to Google, then users can smoothly access their important contact data from anywhere and anytime.
- A Google account is secure and also provides a backup facility that reduces the risk of losing contact data.
- Moving to Google helps users manage their contact details in one place, which streamlines the workflow.
- This helps you to maintain a better contact management system and also helps to build new connections with other professionals.
Overall, these are the essential reasons to transfer contacts from Outlook to Google smoothly. Now, in the next section, we’ll discuss the different methods to start the process of transferring contacts to Gmail. Let’s begin.
How to Transfer Outlook Contacts to Google Contacts? Overview
If we talk about the methods to transfer contacts from Outlook to Google, then here is the solution we provide you in this section by explaining two methods: manual and automated, in a detailed manner. So, without any delay, let’s explore.
How to Transfer Contacts from Outlook to Google Manually?
Several users are more suited to using a free or online approach. So, we’ll discuss in this phase the steps and limitations os using the manual approach.
Step 1: Export Outlook Contacts to CSV
- Tap to Open MS Outlook on your system.
- Hit on File > Open & Export > Import/Export option.
- Select Export to a File option and choose CSV as the file type.
- Tap on Contacts as a folder to export.
- Set the location and save the CSV file.
Step 2: Import CSV File into Google Account (Contacts)
- Sign in with your Gmail account with your credentials.
- Tap on the Import option and import the CSV file to Google Contacts.
- Now, all contacts are transferred to Google Contacts.
Shortcomings of Using the Manual Approach
- In the manual method, fields like photos, custom, labels, or notes are not transferred correctly as per requirements.
- Many times, duplicate contact details may appear while importing Outlook contacts to Google Contacts.
- Sometimes, formatting issues can occur when the CSV file is not mapped properly and the formats are incorrect.
- This method takes time for handling a large contact list or at the time of repeatedly transferring contact data.
How to Transfer Outlook Contacts to Google Contacts - Automated Method
If you are not satisfied or not getting results by using the manual approach, here is an advanced solution that easily handles large contact files and transfers contacts from Outlook to Google efficiently. The best option is to choose the SysTools Outlook Contacts Export Tool, which allows you to directly convert the Outlook contacts (PST) file into VCF, which is a file format that is supported by Google Contacts seamlessly. Now, in this section, we’ll learn the steps of using this professional tool and its features.
Steps of Using this Tool:
- Download & run the software on your system.
- Browse and upload the Outlook contacts file into the tool.
- Select the vCard format as the file type to start the process.
- Set the path and save the VCF file.
Now, it’s time to export the VCF file to the Google Account.
- Sign in to Google Account with your credentials.
- Tap on the Import button and choose a vCard file.
- Upload the file, and all contacts will be transferred to Google Contacts completely.
Features of Using the Automated Approach
- This method preserves all contact fields properly.
- Automated works even when the Outlook app is not installed.
- There is no chance of data loss or file corruption during the process.
- Easily transfer contacts from Outlook to Google in bulk, accurately, and quickly.
Tips for Easy Transfer of Contacts from Outlook to Google
- Always ensure to take a backup of Outlook Contacts before starting the transfer process.
- Try to remove duplicate entries of contacts after import, and use the Merge & Fix option.
- Verify that all contact details, like phone numbers, email, are transferred correctly.
- Always prefer a vCard file over a CSV for more compatibility and better contact management.
Summing Up
This comprehensive guide explains the 2 best and different methods to know how to transfer Outlook Contacts to Google Contacts, which ensures that your data is accessible across various devices. The manual CSV method is useful for small lists and comes with some limitations. For easy and bulk transfer, use a proficient tool that is more reliable and accurate to transfer contacts from Outlook to Google securely.
