[4 Ways] How to Export Outlook Contacts to iCloud

How to export Outlook contacts into iCloud

Hi, I have been trying to save my contacts from Outlook as a CSV file to import them to my iCloud account, but when I try to import the files, iCloud says that the file has “invalid data”. What are the proper steps to do this so that I can transfer my contacts correctly?-description

- Question from Microsoft Community

Microsoft Outlook enables you to manage calendars, send and receive emails, save contacts, and track your tasks. Now, when you intend to transfer all Outlook contacts to iPhone and backup them to iCloud, will you spend much time inputting all Outlook contacts one after another on iPhone? Here comes the passage, providing you with 4 easy ways to export Outlook contacts to iCloud on Windows PC or iPhone.

You can look through them one after another and pick the most suitable one to export outlook contacts to iCloud.
For a backup purpose only, you can import Outlook contacts to iCloud with Method 1.
Want to preview and export some of the outlook contacts to iCloud, you may need Method 2. 
The Outlook for Mobile app in Method 3 and the website of Outlook in Method 4 help you sync Outlook contacts to iCloud on iPhone without computer.

Export Outlook contacts to iCloud on Windows PC

To export Outlook contacts to iCloud on Windows PC, you may need two steps to make it. First, you’ll need to export contacts from Outlook. Then, try either methods below to import the files to iCloud.

How to export contacts from Outlook
Step 1. Go to Outlook on your Windows PC > Choose File > Tap Open & Export > Import/Export.

Step 2. Choose Export to a file and click Next to continue > Select Comma Separated Values (CSV).

Step 3. Select a Contacts folder in the Export to a File window if needed > Click Next to continue.

Step 4. Choose a storage path to save the file as you like, then click Next > Click Finish to start exporting your Outlook contacts.

Notes: Since Outlook contacts are exported as CSV. format, but iPhone just support VCF. You can try converter tools like CSV To VCF Converter to do the conversion online.

Now, the Outlook contacts have been saved on your computer, you can try two methods below to export Outlook contacts to iCloud. You can browse both methods first, then choose one to meet your demands better.

Method 1. Export Outlook contacts to iCloud via iCloud.com

If you plan to transfer Outlook contacts to iCloud just for a backup purposes, you can rely on the iCloud website. Instead, if you want to get access to the contacts on your iPhone as soon as possible, it’s more suggested to try the next method.

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com and log in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 2. Click the Contacts icon > Click the Gear icon in the lower-left corner > Choose Import vCard... to select the contacts you just exported from Outlook.

Method 2. Transfer Outlook contacts to iCloud via FoneTool

It’s more suggested to export Outlook contacts to iCloud with FoneTool, which offers you a direct and simple way to upload contacts to iCloud without complicated preparation and steps.

Besides, compared with its iCloud website counterpart, FoneTool can offer you a more stable and seamless way to backup outlook contacts to iCloud. Free download FoneTool to your computer by clicking the icon below. Then, follow the steps below to transfer contacts to iCloud via FoneTool.

Step 1. Launch FoneTool on your computer, and click My iCloud on its homepage. Sign in with your iCloud account. You will be asked to enter the verification code to confirm your operation.

Step 2. Click Manage iCloud, and choose Contacts on the next page. Tap the Upload icon to get access to Outlook contacts you saved to computer.

Step 3. Finally, choose Outlook contacts you'd like to backup to iCloud, and click Open to begin the task.

Transfer Outlook contacts to iCloud on iPhone

Optionally, you can also transfer Outlook contacts to iCloud on iPhone. With the two ways below, the Outlook contacts will be saved to the iPhone locally. Then, you can sync them to your iCloud account with the steps mentioned above.

Method 3. Sync contacts with Outlook for Mobile app

Besides the desktop version, Outlook also released apps for iOS users. If you have installed Outlook for Mobile app on your iPhone, follow the step to sync Outlook contacts to iPhone.

Step 1. Open the app and tap your profile photo in the upper-left corner > Tap the Gear icon.

Step 2. Choose Office 365 under Account > Switch on the toggle next to Sync contacts.

Some users reported that it is slow to finish syncing process, you may need to be patient and refresh your Contacts app from time to time. Besides, this will only sync your personal contacts, not the contents of the Global Address List.

Method 4. Import Outlook contacts to iCloud using Outlook.com

You can rely on the syncing function on iPhone to import Outlook contacts to iCloud using Outlook.com.

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to the Settings app > Locate and choose Accounts & Passwords > Add Account > Select the Outlook.com option to sign in with your account and password.

Step 2. Swipe the Contacts option on > Tap Save to get started.

Wait for the contacts in Outlook to save to your iPhone. If you have enabled iCloud backup before, then the contacts will be automatically backed up to your iCloud account. 

What if your free storage space in iCloud runs out, and you don't want to pay for more? You can try backup iPhone contacts to computer with the powerful tool - FoneTool.

Conclusion

That’s all for four ways to export Outlook contacts to iCloud on Windows or iPhone. Compared with each method above, Method 2 is much more reliable and faster to transfer Outlook contacts to iPhone because you can browse them on iPhone immediately. For any other queries, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave your comment below.