How to Import a CSV into Google Contacts
The import itself is three clicks — the usual failure is column layout. Here are the steps, the format Google expects, and the fast way to get it from any .vcf file.
Importing a CSV into Google Contacts
- Open contacts.google.com and sign in.
- In the left sidebar choose Fix & manage → Import.
- Click Select file, pick your .csv and press Import. Google adds an “Imported” label so you can review or undo the batch.
Getting the CSV columns right
Google Contacts expects its own column layout (First Name, Last Name, Phone 1 - Value and so on). A spreadsheet with arbitrary headers imports poorly — phones and emails end up in Notes. If your contacts are in a .vcf file, skip the manual column juggling: the VCF to CSV converter has a Google Contacts import preset that outputs exactly the columns Google expects. Runs in the browser, nothing is uploaded.
Have a .vcf instead of a CSV?
Google Contacts imports vCard files directly too — choose the .vcf on the same Import screen. Use the CSV route when you want to review or clean the data in a spreadsheet first, or when an export from another service produced vCard 2.1 that Google refuses: the converter reads vCard 2.1/3.0/4.0, including old quoted-printable encodings.
FAQ
Why did my CSV import with phones in the Notes field?
The column headers didn't match Google's layout. Convert your source .vcf with the Google Contacts preset — it produces the exact columns.
Does Google Contacts import vCard files?
Yes, the same Import screen accepts .vcf. Use CSV when you want to review or edit the data in a spreadsheet first.
How do I avoid duplicates after importing?
After the import, open Fix & manage → Merge & fix: Google finds and merges duplicates automatically.
My names show as question marks after import
The CSV wasn't UTF-8. Re-save it as CSV UTF-8, or convert the original .vcf with this converter — it always writes UTF-8 with BOM.