Android: How Do I Backup my Contacts?

For many people, the phone numbers and addresses contained within their contacts are extremely valuable. Backing up this information is essential in case the android device is stolen or destroyed.

Eventually when everything is stored in the cloud, backing up contacts will not be as important. However, for now, it is an essential part of life. Many of us have worked years to collect our contacts. They can be priceless.

Here is how to backup your phone numbers, addresses, and other contact information on your android device.

1. Go to your Contacts
2. Press the physical Menu button
3. Press the virtual More button in the lower right corner

4. Select Back up contacts

5. Select SIM card or Memory card

I frequently backup to a separate memory card on a routine basis and store it in my office. Then if my phone ever dies or is stolen, I can repeat the process and import from my memory card.

About David Kirk

David Kirk is one of the original founders of tech-recipes and is currently serving as editor-in-chief. Not only has he been crafting tutorials for over ten years, but in his other life he also enjoys taking care of critically ill patients as an ICU physician.
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The Conversation

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8 Responses to “Android: How Do I Backup my Contacts?”

September 05, 2010 at 5:07 pm, Jordangsu said:
contacts.google.com they are already backed up in the cloud, if your phone is wiped or replaced they will automatically be pulled down to the phone once you login
Reply
- September 07, 2010 at 1:05 pm, David Kirk - Founder/Editor said:
  Yeah, I love that about Android devices. The question is not if you are paranoid, but if you are paranoid enough!
  I agree that backing up is not as essential with Android devices… but it is certainly still a common request.
  Reply
June 09, 2011 at 1:09 am, Moo said:
I actually find some of mine don’t get into Google that easily. Worst case is though, you Export to SD, then Import from SD, but target the location to your Google account…
Bam, forced update.
Reply
October 09, 2011 at 2:25 pm, Rachael said:
The real problem lies if/when Google disables your gmail account that is linked to your phone and apps. No backing up contacts, and you’ve got to wipe your phone. They can blame you for a TOS violation and not reply when you ask for proof. No justice.
Reply
November 16, 2011 at 9:10 am, gyco said:
I want to synch my PHONE CONTACTS only, I dont want them mixed up with google mail and skype and everything else. What do I need to do?
Reply
February 26, 2012 at 8:11 pm, brant said:
A program called VeryAndroid Contacts Backup will copy and transfer all contacts from Android to computer directly for backup. Works well for my sentation.
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February 27, 2012 at 8:57 pm, JIm said:
This does not work. I have no “backup” option. Only “export.”
What say you?
Thanks
Reply
May 21, 2012 at 9:05 pm, Jack Otley said:
I don’t get the menu options you talk about. I have Verizon Droid Incredible but run on the PagePlusCellular system. The phone will create a copy of contacts on Verizon’s Backup Manager but, as I have no Verizon account, I can’t access it.
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