3 Ways to Back Up Android Contacts to Google/Gmail [with 10 FAQs]

Synchronization has many benefits, such as automatic updates and easy backup. So for easily keeping contacts safe, a lot of people select to sync their Android contacts to Gmail/Google for backup. There are many methods one can use to backup Android contacts to Google but you have to be careful to pick one that's most suitable for your specific needs. So now, let's see the benefits of Android contacts to Gmail sync and how to perform it!

See Also:

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Part 1. Advantages of the Android Contacts to Gmail/Google Sync

Why most are users recommended to sync Android contacts to Gmail? The reasons are numerous, for example:

- High compatibility: Gmail is compatible with all platforms ranging from cell phones to computers. It can also be used with all operating systems ranging from Android to Windows. This makes it a great choice to a wide range of people.

- Convenience: After the sync, you can access and manage your contacts anywhere in the world. It allows you to edit, restore or delete your contact list without geographical restrictions.

- Delete duplicated info: Gmail deletes any replicated contacts. This is a great help since it eliminates chances of misused storage space and keeps your contact list fresh.

Part 2. Back Up Android Contacts to Google via the Built-in Contacts App

Contacts App and Google App are some of the frequently-used applications on a wide range of phones. Different phone brands and versions are always compatible with these two applications, which makes them some of the most popular.

Their ease of use as well as the easy accessibility are some of the qualities that make them great. With the help of these two Apps, you are capable of backing up your contacts on Android or managing Google contacts without hassle.

Simple steps to back up contacts on Android to Google:

Step 1. Open the Contacts App on your phone and press the "menu" icon on the contact list. Be careful not confuse this with the Dialer App that shows your call lists.

Step 2. Tap "Import/Export". This will give you a list of options that you can choose to do whatever you want with your contacts. In some cases, this option may appear as "Move contacts to", depending on the type of phone you have.

Step 3. Select "Google" then press "OK". This will automatically send your contacts to your Gmail account.

To confirm if the backup is successful, please log in to your Gmail account on PC and then click "Contacts" which is located near the profile picture.

You Might Also Enjoy: 5 Options to Recover Deleted Contacts on Android with or without Backup

Part 3. Sync Android Phone Contacts with Gmail

Synchronizing Android contacts with Gmail makes it easier for new contacts to be copied automatically. This eliminates the stress of having to add every new contact manually.

See how to sync Android contacts to Gmail:

Step 1. Open "Settings" on your Android phone.

Step 2. Continue choosing "Accounts" which is based on the personal section of the Settings.

Step 3. Next, tap on "Google" and choose your account. In case you don't have a Google account, you'll have to create a new one and then add it to your Android device.

Step 4. Click "Sync" to begin the syncing process.

Part 4. Transfer Contacts from Android to Gmail on Computer

No only on the Android phone, this syncing process can proceed on the computer as well. If you don't want to download and install the Google/Gmail App on your device or there is no enough space on your device, you can try this way.

Tutorial on transferring Android contacts to Gmail on computer:

Step 1. Go to the Contacts App on your phone and look for "Import/Export" from the menu.

Step 2. Select the destination of the contacts as the SD card by clicking "Export to SD card". If you don't insert a SD card in your device, you can select "Export to USB storage" alternatively. After that, the exported contacts will be saved as VCF files.

Step 3. Connect your Android to computer using a USB cable and then enable USB debugging on your cell phone if required.

Step 4. Once the connection has been established, open the SD card and export the contacts you copied. It should appear in the VCF form.

Step 5. Log into Google Contacts by using your Google account on computer and then navigate to "More" > "Import..." to move the VCF files to Gmail.

Part 5. How to Access & Use the Synced Contacts in Gmail/Google?

Then how to access and use the synced contacts in Gmail or Google after completing the transfer? It is very easy!

Here is how to view and use the contacts in Google or Gmail:

Step 1. Login to your Gmail account.

Step 2. Open "Contacts" from the menu located near the profile picture icon.

Step 3. Click "Contacts" again to access all your stored names and numbers.

After finding the contacts, you can then start managing your contacts. You can view a list of frequently contacted people, create new groups, add new contacts from other service provider backup, etc., in Gmail.

Part 6. Q&A about Backing Up Android Contacts to Google

Q1. Is Google Contacts backup free?

Yes, Google provides contact backup and synchronization services for free with every Google account. You do not need to pay extra or subscribe to any premium plan.

Q2. How often are contacts synced to Google?

Contacts are usually synced automatically in real time whenever you add, edit, or delete them. If your phone is offline, the changes will sync once the internet is restored.

Q3. Where can I view my backed-up contacts?

You can view and manage your backed-up contacts by visiting contacts.google.com and signing in with your Google account. From there, you can edit, export, or organize your contacts.

Q4. Will SIM card contacts be backed up to Google?

No, contacts stored on the SIM card are not synced automatically. You need to import them to your phone's internal storage first before they can be backed up to Google.

Q5. Can I back up multiple Android phones to one Google account?

Yes, you can sync contacts from multiple Android devices to the same Google account. All synced contacts will be combined and accessible in one place.

Q6. How do I restore contacts from Google to a new phone?

During the setup process, sign in with your Google account and enable contact sync. Your backed-up contacts will then download automatically to your new device.

Q7. What should I do if contacts are not syncing?

Check your internet connection, make sure contact sync is enabled, and verify that your Google account is working properly. You may also try restarting your phone or re-adding the account.

Q8. Will deleted contacts be removed from Google backup?

Yes, when you delete a contact, it is usually removed from Google as well. However, Google keeps deleted contacts for about 30 days, allowing you to restore them if needed.

Q9. Is my contact data secure on Google?

Google protects your contact data using encryption and advanced security systems. You can also enhance security by enabling two-factor authentication on your account.

Q10. Can I back up contacts to Google without a Google account?

No, Google/Gmail backup requires a Google account to function. If you do not want to use Google, you can choose third-party backup tools or local storage options instead.

Expanded Knowledge: How to Back Up Android Contacts without Google?

It is undeniable that Gmail/Google is a way to backup Android contacts, but this is not the only way. So if you don't have a Google account or wish to get a more effective way, you can select to backup your Android contacts without Gmail. And in this case, moving contacts from Android to computer can be your another choice.

Then how can you effectively transfer contacts from Android to computer? MobiKin Assistant for Android can help you! This professional Android data manager program allows you to backup your Android contacts to computer with one simple click.

And meanwhile, you can also add new contacts, edit the existing files, remove unwanted info and import contacts to Android with it. Other file types like text messages, call logs, photos, videos, music, etc., are supported as well.

You can download its free trial and have a try.

Video Guide:

Calling It a Wrap

That's all for backing up contacts to Google or Gmail. Now you can choose the way you like and go with the steps above to backup your Android contacts. If you have any problem with the methods or have any new idea, please leave your comments below to let us know.

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