Import vCard to Google Contacts Hassle-free [Step-by-Step]

Importing a vCard (VCF file) into Google Contacts is the easiest way to move contacts from iPhone, Outlook, or other apps into your Gmail account. In 2025, Google updated the steps to import vCard to Google Contacts and added clear limits: 3,000 contacts per import and 25,000 total per account. 

In this guide, I’ll show you the updated process to import VCF to Google Contacts on desktop, Android, and iPhone with zero data loss. 

But do you know exactly what vCard/VCF files are? If not, then first understand that.

What is a vCard (VCF File)?

A vCard (Virtual Contact File) is a standard format for storing contacts. It has a .vcf extension and can include:

• Names and phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Company details
• Addresses
• Even profile photos

When exporting contacts from iCloud, Outlook, or mobile phones, most users prefer importing them into Google Contacts so they sync across all their devices automatically. Not only this, but there are more reasons to import VCF to Google Contacts, which we’ll discuss next.

Why Import vCard to Google Contacts?

There are several reasons to access contacts from Google, i.e.

• Moving contacts from iPhone/iCloud to Gmail.
• Migrate Outlook, Thunderbird, or export Zoho contacts to Google.
• Consolidating contacts from multiple accounts.
• Importing WhatsApp-exported contacts.
• Keeping a backup in Google Contacts.

Now, we know what a vCard is and the reasons to import. This is the correct time to learn about the updated limits to import data.

Updated Limits to Import VCF to Google Contacts by Google (2025)

Google now clearly states:

• 3,000 contacts per import max.
• 25,000 total contacts per Google account.
• Imports larger than 3,000 must be split into multiple files.

So, if your contacts are more than 3000+, split them first, and then move to the next section, in which I’ll explain how to import multiple VCF files to Google Contacts simultaneously. 

How to Import vCard to Google Contacts? – Updated Methods

Importing VCF to Google Contacts will be done using 3 approaches, which I personally use. Below are the details of all:

#Solution 1. Import VCF to Google Contacts Via Desktop

This is a free and straightforward solution for those who are using a desktop for this procedure. Here’s how:

1. Open Google Contacts and sign in.
2. On the left sidebar, click Import.
3. Select your .vcf (vCard) file.
4. Click Import again to confirm.

Google labels the imported group as “Imported on [date]”, so you can review new entries easily. Additionally, you can import CSV files too.

#Solution 2. Import vCard to Google Contacts Using Android (2025 UI)

The Android Contacts app UI changed recently. Now you have to follow this path:

1. Open the Google Contacts app.
2. Tap Organise > Import from file.
3. Choose the Google account destination.
4. Select the .vcf file from storage.
   

If you want to import contacts from a SIM card, use:

• Organise > Manage SIM.
• Hit the Import option instead to import VCF to Google Contacts.

Related article: How to Recover Deleted Contact in Outlook 365?

#Solution 3. iPhone

Android and iOS both come with different operating systems, so the steps to import a vCard are also different on iPhone:

1. Go to iCloud Contacts in a browser.
2. Select contacts > click the gear icon > choose Export vCard.
3. Import that .vcf file into Google Contacts on desktop (using the steps above).

This is the only way I found to access contacts data on an iPhone.

#Solution 4. Using Google People API Instead of Manual Imports

If you want to bypass the limit of 3000 contacts to import vCard to Google Contacts, then use the Google People API, if you’re familiar with technicalities:

1. Enable the Google People API in Google Cloud Console.
2. Set up OAuth 2.0 credentials to authenticate for personal or domain accounts.
3. Use API endpoints to push contacts directly into Google Contacts.
4. Handle deduplication and labels/groups programmatically.

#Solution 5. Cutting-edge Solution for Automatic Import VCF to Google Contacts

I know not everyone wants to write scripts or manage OAuth credentials. Therefore, I recommend using a dedicated tool like SysTools vCard Importer. I’ve tried this tool for bulk contact transfers, and it simplifies the process without requiring coding skills.

Things I like the most:

• Import multiple VCF files to Google Contacts without splitting them.
• Import Outlook Contacts to Office 365, G Suite, Exchange Server, and Office 365 Archive in one go.
• It maintains all fields from the vCard, including names, numbers, email IDs, addresses, photos, and custom fields.
• The interface maps fields automatically.
• Supports importing contacts into more than one Gmail/Google Workspace account.

Working Steps to Import vCard to Google Contacts

Here are the quick instructions for this advanced utility:

• Step 1. Run the software, and select the source and destination (G Suite). 
• Step 2. Choose the Contact (vCard) option to import. 
• Step 3. Browse your files via the Import Folder Path option. 
• Step 4. Now, come to the target window, provide Admin credentials, and validate them.
• Step 5. Map the source users via Fetch Users, Import Users, and Download Template.
• Step 6. Hit the Start Import button to import VCF to Google Contacts.

This is the easiest and quickest way I have found to import vCard to Google Contacts simultaneously. 

Troubleshooting & Fixes

As a Google Workspace admin, I know where users lack, and here are the solutions for them:

• After import, use Merge & fix in Google Contacts to clean up.
• If a VCF won’t import, open it in a text editor or convert it to UTF-8 format.
• Split files into chunks of under 3,000 contacts.
• If phone numbers/emails landed in the wrong location/folder, use Google’s official CSV template. 
• Always choose the Google account destination during Android imports; otherwise, they save only to the device.

By following these, I guarantee you won’t face any issues before or after the import.

Author’s Verdict

Importing a vCard to Google Contacts in 2025 is smoother than ever, with proper knowledge of the limits and updated steps. If you’ve got a .vcf file from Outlook, iCloud, or your phone, following the steps above will help you import vCard to Google Contacts hassle-free.