6 Best Methods to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac/MacBook

There are many benefits to syncing your iPhone contacts with your Mac. Maybe you got a new phone and want to keep your contact list safe, or maybe you just need to access your iPhone contacts while using your Mac. It might sound like a hassle, but syncing contacts is actually very simple.

One of the great things about using Apple products is that they work together smoothly. Your iPhone and Mac can easily share data, including your contacts. In this guide, we'll walk you through 6 easy ways to transfer contacts from iPhone to Mac. Let's get started!

Method 1: How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to Mac with Assistant for iOS

For a secure and error-free transfer of contacts from iPhone to Mac, opt for MobiKin Assistant for iOS (Mac and Windows). This software caters to both macOS and Windows users, providing access, backup, and restoration of selected iPhone data, including contacts. Beyond that, it offers hassle-free phone management, resembling an enhanced version of iTunes.

A brief introduction to MobiKin Assistant for iOS:

• Sync contacts from iPhone to Mac flexibly without iTunes.
• Import contacts from Mac/PC to iPhone directly.
• Back up and restore iPhone/iPad with one click.
• Work for contacts, text messages, photos, music, videos, calendars, notes, bookmarks, books, voice memos, and more.
• Best iPhone manager to manage iOS devices on a computer.
• Function well on all generations of iOS devices, such as iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6, iPod touch, iPad, etc.
• Always secure your privacy.

How to share contacts between iPhone and Mac with MobiKin Assistant for iOS?

Step 1. Link your iPhone and run the software

Download, install, and open the program on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the system using a USB cable. Next, click "Trust" on your iPhone to allow recognition by your Mac.

Step 2. Check the contact info

After that, please navigate to "Contacts" in the left panel. Soon, you can preview all detailed contact info from the main screen of the program.

Step 3. Sync contacts from iPhone to Mac

Select the contacts you want to back up and click the "Export" button in the top menu. Afterward, choose an output format as per your preference. Finally, your selected contacts will be synced to Mac promptly.

Video Guide:

Method 2: How to Sync iPhone Contacts to Mac Using iCloud

iCloud acts as a decent service to transfer files between iPhone and Mac. It ensures accuracy and continuous updates, whether you add, edit, or make changes on either device. To start with, ensure your iPhone and Mac meet these requirements:

• Update both devices to the latest iOS and macOS versions.
• Sign in to iCloud on both using the same Apple ID.
• Ensure both devices are working with a reliable Wi-Fi network.

Next, adhere to the instructions to get contacts from iPhone to Mac with iCloud:

• Access "Settings" on your iPhone.
• Select your name, followed by "iCloud".
• In the "Apps using iCloud" section, tap "Show All" and toggle "Contacts" to "ON".
• You might be asked to merge existing contacts with those in iCloud; proceed by tapping "Merge".



• Open "System Preferences" on your Mac.
• Click "iCloud" (or "Apple ID," then "iCloud" on macOS Catalina and newer).



• Check the box next to "Contacts" in your list.

Method 3: How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to Mac via iTunes

iTunes evolved into a multifaceted multimedia content manager, synchronization manager, and e-commerce platform. Note that iTunes only syncs phone numbers, excluding photos, emails, and addresses. After following the steps, check the "Contacts" app on your Mac to verify the synced content.

How to import contacts from iPhone to Mac without iCloud via iTunes?

• Establish a connection between both your devices through a USB cable.
• Open the most recent version of iTunes and locate your iPhone on the left side.
• Head to the "Info" section and pick the checkbox next to "Sync contacts with ...".
• Within the "Sync" section, opt for either "All contacts" or "Selected groups".
• Complete the process by clicking the "Sync" button at the lower-right corner.

Extended Reading:

• How to Troubleshoot Contacts Not Showing Up on iPhone? [Must-read]

Method 4: How to Sync iPhone Contacts with Mac via Finder

For macOS 10.15 and newer, utilize the Finder app other than iTunes. Once set up, future syncs won't require a USB cable. Here are the steps for contacts sync:

• Attach your iPhone to your computer via USB.
• Open "Finder" and choose your iPhone from the "Locations" in the sidebar.
• Locate the "Info" button on the menu bar.
• Enable "Sync contacts onto..." and choose "All groups".



• Click "Apply" to synchronize all your contacts.

Method 5: How to Sync Contacts to Mac with Google

For users primarily relying on Google accounts for contacts, syncing with Contacts ensures accessibility across Apple devices. To proceed, you have to sync iPhone contacts to Gmail and export them from Google Contacts to a Mac. Here are the steps:

• Open your iPhone's "Settings" > "Passwords & Accounts".
• Tap "Add Account" and choose "Google".
• Enter Gmail account details and click "Next".



• After successful verification, click "Save".
• Enable "Contacts" to sync with Gmail, then choose "Save".
• Access Google Contacts and sign in.
• Pick contacts, click "Export", and check "Selected contacts".
• Set the export format and click "Export" to transfer iPhone contacts to Mac.

Method 6: How to Add Contacts from iPhone to Mac by AirDrop

For a selective sync of a few contacts to your Mac, consider using AirDrop. While efficient for a handful of contacts, it's recommended for limited sharing due to the need to repeat the process for each contact. Now, follow the drill below to learn how to sync my contacts to my MacBook by AirDrop:

• Make sure the distance between your iPhone and Mac is within 30 feet.
• Ensure both your iPhone and Mac are connected to the Wi-Fi network.
• On iPhone, go to "Settings" > "Bluetooth" and enable it.



• On your Mac, navigate to "Apple Menu" > "System Preferences" > "Bluetooth" and turn it on.
• Open your iPhone's "Control Center" > tap "Network settings card" > select "Contacts only" or "Everyone".
• Go to your Mac's "Finder" > "Go" > "Airdrop".
• Choose "Allow me to be discovered by" and select either "Contacts only" or "Everyone".
• On your iPhone, open "Contacts" and select a contact.
• Press "Share Contact" to AirDrop iPhone to Mac.

Extra: Why Can't iPhone Contact Syncing to Mac

• Out of iCloud Storage: If you're low on iCloud storage, including contacts won't be possible. Free up space on it for a quick cleanup.
• Offline Devices: Contacts won't sync if either device is offline. Ensure both devices are linked to the Internet.
• Contact Syncing Disabled: Check if contact syncing is turned off on any device. Verify and enable contact syncing using the steps mentioned earlier.
• Different iCloud Accounts: Contacts won't sync if your iPhone and Mac are logged into different iCloud accounts. So, ensure both devices are using the same Apple ID.

Summing Up

That's all about how to sync contacts from iPhone to Mac differently. Below, we will provide a brief summary of the methods above:

• Whether it's iCloud, iTunes, Finder, or Google, performing the initial backup may be a pleasant process, but it may be inconvenient to perform reverse sync, such as overwriting content, incomplete data sync, etc.
• AirDrop, generally, operates on a one-to-one basis, meaning you have to send each contact individually. This can be time-consuming if you have a large contact list.
• Designed to make the backup seamlessly integrate with your workflow, MobiKin Assistant for iOS always sets it apart as a reliable solution for ensuring that your contacts remain secure, even in extreme circumstances.

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