How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac with/without USB

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Peter Aaron
Last updated: Nov 16, 2023

Curious about syncing Contacts from iPhone to Mac? Look no further. In this blog post, we'll show you how to do it, with or without USB.

When dealing with crucial data on the iPhone, Contacts are a vital aspect. Transferring either your important or all contacts from your iPhone to your Mac's address book is a wise decision. This way, you can keep them readily accessible, mitigate the risk of losing them, and recover accidentally deleted contacts.

If you're unsure about how to sync contacts from iPhone to Mac, explore this blog where you'll discover 5 easy methods. Without further ado, let's get started.

How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac with/without USB

How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac without USB

Method 1: How to Export Contacts from iPhone to Mac with AirDrop

The easiest way to sync a person's contact information to your Mac is using AirDrop. Here's how:

  1. Make sure your iPhone and Mac are connected to a stable network and Wi-Fi is turned on.

  2. Do the following to make sure AirDrop is turned on correctly on both your iPhone and Mac.

    • On your iPhone: Scroll down to open Control Center, tap the Wi-Fi icon, then set your AirDrop to allow Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes.
      Set AirDrop Settings on iPhone
    • On your Mac: Open Finder > AirDrop, then set Allow me to be discovered by to Everyone.
      Set AirDrop Settings on Mac
  3. Select the contact you want to transfer and tap Share Contact.

  4. Tap AirDrop > your Mac name to send a copy of that contact to your Mac.

    Import Contacts from iPhone to Mac via AirDrop
  5. After the transfer is complete, open the received .vcf file with Contacts on your Mac.

    Open .vcf File in Contacts on Mac

Method 2: How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac with iCloud

AirDrop is suitable for transferring a small number of contacts. If you want to transfer all of your contacts from iPhone to Mac, iCloud is of help.

Here's what you need to do:

  1. Make sure your iPhone and Mac are signed into the same Apple ID account.
  2. On your iPhone: Go to the Settings app, and tap your Apple ID name > iCloud. Under the APPS USING ICLOUD panel, select Show All, then turn on the switch next to Contacts.
    Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac via iCloud
  3. On your Mac: Choose the Apple menu, select System Settings > your Apple ID name > iCloud, turn on the switch next to Contacts, and you will be able to see all your contacts in the Contacts app.
    Transfer Contacts from iPhone to Mac with iCloud
Tip
If your Mac isn't syncing with your iPhone Contacts, check to see if your iCloud storage is full and your Mac is signed into the same Apple ID account as your iPhone.

Method 3: How to Send Contacts from iPhone to Mac with Mail

Another way to import Contacts from iPhone to Mac is using Mail. You can choose to transfer one contact or all contacts to Mac.

Here's how:

  1. Select the contact on your iPhone that you want to transfer to your Mac.
  2. Tap Share Contact > Mail, select the mail you want to use, enter the email you want to send to and tap the Send icon.
    Transfer Contacts from iPhone to Mac via Mail
  3. On your Mac, log in to the email you use to receive contacts, then drag the .vcf file you received to the Contacts app.

How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac with USB

If you prefer transferring your contacts from iPhone to Mac using a USB cable, here are some methods.

Method 1: How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to Mac with Finder/iTunes

If you can't get your contacts from your iPhone via iCloud, use Finder or iTunes to sync your contacts.

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac via a USB cable.

  2. If you're using macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. If you're using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes.

  3. Unlock your iPhone to help Finder and iTunes read it, then click its icon in Finder and iTunes.

  4. Click Info, check the box next to Sync Contacts to This X, and click the Apply button.

    Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac Using Finder

Method 2: How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac with a Data Transfer Tool

If you don't like to use the above methods, try a third-party data transfer tool. It may not be as easy as you think, but it can transfer a lot of data, such as photos, messages, notes, etc.

There are tons of such tools on the internet. What you need to do is choose the one you like and follow the on-screen guide to sync or export your Contacts from iPhone to Mac.

Conclusion

Now that you have 5 ways to import Contacts from iPhone to Mac, which method would you like to try first? As you can see, using AirDrop and iCloud to do that is simple and easy. But if you can't use them, use one of the other 3 ways you prefer.

Peter Aaron

Living in New Jersey, Peter Aaron is an Apple technician focused on iPhone and iOS repairs. Meanwhile, he's also a senior writer at Dr.Buho, with a simple mission to help fix Apple things that are with software or hardware glitches.