How to Transfer All Contacts from iPad to iPhone [Update]

Want to transfer contacts from iPad to iPhone but do not know how? This guide will show you how to sync contacts from iPad to iPhone with or without iCloud.

Lena

By Lena / Updated on September 13, 2024

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How to transfer contacts from iPad to iPhone

I lost all my contacts on iPhone but I have contacts backup on my iPad. So I want to know what's the easiest way to transfer contacts from iPad to iPhone?

- Question from Apple Community

Contacts let you send messages, make phone call or FaceTime call. For anyone who uses both iPhone and iPad for communication, it’s necessary to sync contacts across devices to keep important information up to date.

Since both iPhone and iPad are Apple devices, it is easy to sync contacts between them with the help of iCloud. But iCloud will only let you sync all contacts instead of selected ones. Besides, the iPhone contacts not syncing problem occurs now and then.

Transfer iPhone to New iPad

Next, I’ll not only detail the iCloud way but also introduce other two ways to transfer contacts from iPad to iPhone. No matter what situation you are in: want to transfer contacts to new iPhone, want to transfer selected contacts, want to transfer contacts with different Apple ID, etc., you can find a suitable method to complete the transfer. Here we go.

The methods described in this article works for all iPhone/iPad models including iPad Pro/Air/mini & iPhone.

Part 1. How to Transfer Contacts from iPad to iPhone Without iCloud

For anyone who wants to transfer contacts from iPad to iPhone with different Apple IDs, below are two methods you can apply. Way 1 lets you transfer all or selected contacts at once. Way 2 lets you transfer one contact each time.

Way 1. Transfer All Contacts from iPad to iPhone via AOMEI FoneBackup

AOMEI FoneBackup is one easy-to-use iOS transfer and backup tool that can help users transfer contents between iPhone/iPad and computer. You can selectively transfer the contacts or transfer all contacts to your iPhone. Not only contacts, you can also send photos, videos, music, and other data at a super high speed. Most of all, there is no need to reset your iPhone and it will not erase any existing data.

Two steps to complete the transfer:
① Transfer contacts from iPad to computer
② Transfer contacts from computer to iPhone

Click the download button to get the tool and let it help you transfer contacts.

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

Steps 1. Transfer Contacts from iPad to Computer

• Download, install and launch AOMEI FoneBackup > Connect the source iPad to computer via the USB cable.

• Click Phone Transfer > Select iPhone to PC option and click Start Transfer.

Transfer to Computer

•  Click Contacts icon to view and select the contacts you want to transfer > Click Start Transfer > Decide the storage path and the format (If you want to view contacts via Excel, you can choose to export iPhone contacts to CSV.) > Click Transfer.

Transfer

Step 2. Transfer Contacts from Computer to Target iPhone

• Unplug the source iPad and then connect the target iPhone to computer.

• Click PC to iPhone option from Phone Transfer.

Transfer to iPhone

• Click Contacts > Choose the contacts you exported before > Finally, click Start Transfer.

Transfer Contacts to iPhone

★Tip:
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later series now support eSIM. If you want to convert SIM card to eSIM, you can backup iPhone contacts with AOMEI FoneBackup in advance. Just in case unexpected errors happen during the conversion.

If you do not have a computer at hand, you can install the mobile app of AOMEI FoneBackup and let it help you transfer contacts from iPad to iPhone wirelessly.

1. Scan the QR code or go to App Store to get AOMEI FoneBackup.

QR Code

2. Go to Connect Device to establish a connection.

Connect Device

3. Go to File Transfer to transfer contacts.

Send Contacts

Way 2. Share A Contact from iPad to iPhone via AirDrop

If you just want to transfer one or two contact, then AirDrop is the way to go. It’s a wireless way to share contacts from iPad to iPhone and you do not have to install any app on the device.

1. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on iPad, iPhone.

2. Turn on AirDrop on both devices: Open Control Center > Press and hold on the wireless control box > Tap AirDrop and choose Contacts Only, or Everyone.

3. On iPad: Go to Contacts app > Select the contact you want to transfer > Tap Share Contact > Tap AirDrop > Choose iPhone name.

Airdrop Contacts

4. On iPhone: Tap Accept to receive the contact and save it to Contacts app.

Part 2. How to Export Contacts from iPad to iPhone with iCloud

iCloud is a worth trying method if you want to transfer all contacts from iPad to iPhone. But please make sure that there is enough storage to sync the contacts.

★Tip:
If you have created a new Apple ID for your new iPhone, you may want to know the way to transfer contacts from one Apple ID to another.

Steps to Sync Contacts from iPad to iPhone with iCloud

1. Preparation: Log in to the same Apple ID on iPad and iPhone > Connect to iPad/iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.

2. On iPad: Go to Settings > Tap [your name] > iCloud > Turn on Contacts > When you're asked if you want to Merge or Cancel, tap Merge.

Enable Contacts Sync

3. On iPhone: Do the save above to turn on the contacts sync and wait for the syncing.

Conclusion

That’s all for how to transfer contacts from iPad to iPhone, including the latest one.

  • If you want to transfer selected contacts, AOMEI FoneBackup is a good choice;

  • If you only need to transfer one or two contacts, you can AirDrop the contacts;

  • If you’d like to sync all contacts, then you can let AOMEI FoneBackup or iCloud help you make it.

Which way would you choose? If you have any questions or meet any problems, please free feel to leave a comment and we will reply ASAP.

Lena
Lena · Editor
Lena is an editor of Aomei, with years of experience in the field of mobile data backup and transfer, possessing rich expertise in solving iOS-related issues. She loves traveling, eating, reading and so on. She takes most of her time with her family when she is not working.