This guide walks you through importing contacts from a SIM card or memory card (vCard file) into your Android phone. Consolidating your contacts keeps your address book secure and ready to use on your new device in just a few minutes.
Why this task is important
- Keeps all your contacts in one place instead of scattered across devices.
- Saves time when switching phones or SIM cards.
- Reduces the risk of losing important phone numbers.
Materials needed
- An Android phone
- A SIM card or micro‑SD card / vCard file containing your contacts.
- Internet connection only if you intend to save to a Google account.
Step 1 – Open the Contacts app
Launch the built‑in Contacts application.
Step 2 – Tap the ≡ menu icon
The side menu appears.
Step 3 – Select Manage contacts
A management screen opens with several tools.
Step 4 – Choose Import/Export contacts
Here you can both import and export contacts.
Step 5 – Tap Import
You’ll be asked to choose a source.
Step 6 – Choose SIM card or vCard file / SD card
- Tick the contacts you want to import (see Image 5) and tap Done.
Step 7 – Select a destination
- Phone – stores contacts on internal memory.
- Google – syncs to your Google account (recommended).
- Samsung account – syncs to your Samsung account.
Tap Import to confirm. A completion message appears when finished.
Summary
- Contacts → Menu → Manage contacts → Import/Export → Import
- Choose source (SIM/SD) → Select contacts → Choose destination → Import.
Next steps
- Verify that all contacts imported by opening Contacts and searching for the new names.
- Consider enabling Google sync so your contacts back up automatically.