[4 Ways] How to Export Outlook Contacts to iCloud

To integrate all your contacts together, you may want to export Outlook contacts to iCloud. This passage will show you 4 easy ways to transfer Outlook contacts to iCloud on Windows PC or iPhone.

Demi

By Demi / Updated on June 6, 2023

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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.

Export From Outlook To iCloud

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.

Outlook Import Or Export

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

Outlook Select CSV

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

Export Contacts From Outlook

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 purpose, 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.

Import Vcard

Method 2. Transfer Outlook contacts to iPhone via FoneTool

It’s more suggested to export Outlook contacts to the default Contacts app on iPhone first with FoneTool, then sync them to iCloud in your spare time so that you can get the contacts as soon as the task finishes.

What you can benefit from FoneTool
★ Fast transfer speed. It just takes you a few seconds to finish transferring contacts from computer to iPhone.
★ Powerful transfer function. FoneTool supports you to transfer data among iOS devices and Windows PCs. You can also rely on it to sync iPhone contacts to Outlook.
★ Simple design and operation. It’s pretty user-friendly. The transfer task will be completed with a few clicks.

Free download FoneTool to your computer by clicking the icon below. Then, follow the two steps to transfer contacts to iPhone via FoneTool.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer with USB > Launch FoneTool > Click Phone Transfer on its homepage. Location the PC to iPhone. Click Start Transfer.

Transfer To iPhone

Step 2. Click the + icon to browse and select the contacts you exported from Outlook > Click Open > Click Start Transfer to begin.

Click Transfer

When the transfer is completed, you can unplug your iPhone, then backup iPhone contacts by going to Settings on your iPhone > [your name] > iCloud > Toggle on the Contacts option.

Enable Contacts Sync

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.

Outlook App Settings

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

Outlook App 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.

Outlook

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

Outlook Turn On Contacts Sync

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.

Demi
Demi · Editor
Doris is an editor of AOMEI Technology as well as a good advisor in the area of iOS-related issues. She does well in finding solutions to people's problems. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and watching movies. She spends most of her free time with her pet and family.