“Is it possible to use my phonebook across apple devices? How to sync contacts between iPhone and Mac?”
Calling and texting your contacts seems to be easier and more convenient now with the help of many applications. However, transferring your contacts is bloody and one might need some good technical guide on hand.
One might think that transferring contacts is the easiest thing when it comes to data migration. But, contacts transfer is the most prone to duplicates, and even data loss. In this article, you will be guided on how to sync your contacts between your iPhone and Mac using iCloud, iTunes and Finder, Airdrop, and a third-party tool.
Part 1. How to Sync Contacts Between iPhone and Mac via iCloudPart 2. How to Sync from iPhone Contacts to Mac with iTunes or FinderPart 3. How to Sync Contacts Between iPhone and Mac via AirdropPart 4. How to Sync Contacts Between iPhone and Mac via FoneDog iOS Data Backup & Restore
Part 1. How to Sync Contacts Between iPhone and Mac via iCloud
To sync contacts between iPhone and Mac, the first thing that might come into your mind is backing up contacts from iPhone, but iCloud makes it easier. In fact, iCloud is the most convenient option, but it comes with a price. You can enjoy syncing your data such as your contacts via iCloud as long as you are within the free storage limit.
Follow these steps on how you can sync your contacts between iPhone and Mac:
- On your iPhone, open iCloud from your Settings
- Scroll and find Contacts
- Slide the bar to enable the sync
Now that you have turned on the sync option on your iPhone, it’s time to do it on Mac, check these out:
- Go to System Preferences
- Sign in with your Apple ID. It should be the same account you used on the iPhone
- Find the Contacts among the list of Apps Using iCloud
- Tick the box beside to turn on the sync
To verify if your contacts are synced, open the Contacts app from your Mac, and click on All iCloud. This list will display all your contacts.
Contacts Not Syncing with iCloud?
During the syncing process, both your iPhone and Mac actually connect to iCloud. If you encounter an issue such as contacts not syncing with iCloud, then you can consider any of the following causes.
- iCloud account - Check if you are logged in with the same iCloud account. You need to have the same Apple login on the iPhone and Mac before you can start using iCloud.
- iCloud Storage full - Once you are signed in to iCloud, you will automatically get 5GB of free storage, which is upgradeable once fully consumed. You can free some space by removing old photos or moving them to an external device.
- Contacts Sync Off - Double-check if you have turned on the Contacts sync option.
Part 2. How to Sync from iPhone Contacts to Mac with iTunes or Finder
iTunes is also a great option when it comes to data synchronization. Although quite tricky and messy, iTunes is sure and safe to use.
Sync Contacts with iTunes
Another way on how to sync contacts between iPhone and Mac is by utilizing iTunes. Earlier versions of macOS (Mojave or earlier) and Windows PC allow you to sync iPhone contacts with iTunes.
- Click iTunes to open
- Connect your iPhone with a USB cable
- Go to Info and tick on the Sync Contacts box
You can also check the box beside All Contacts or you can selectively add per contact group.
Pro Tip: The Advanced section at the bottom will replace the existing contacts on your iPhone if checked. Make sure that this option is not selected if you only want to synchronize them.
Use Finder to Sync Contacts
macOS Catalina (10.5) is the 16th software release of Apple that does not have the iTunes program but rather uses Finder which works similarly. Just like iTunes, you can also use Finder to sync your contacts.
Finder automatically pops up after your Mac completes the startup. It organizes all your apps and programs such as files on your Mac, iCloud Drive, and extra storage devices in one place for easy access.
These are the steps on how to sync contacts between iPhone and Mac:
- Plugin your iPhone to Mac
- Open Finder on your Mac and click on the device icon on the left side menu. If this is the first time you connect both devices, you might receive a prompt to Trust the device on your mac screen and the iPhone.
- Go to Info Tab
- Check the box beside Sync Contacts onto (Your device name)
- If needed, select your Contacts groups or you can Sync All groups
- Click Apply
Part 3. How to Sync Contacts Between iPhone and Mac via Airdrop
You can also take advantage of Airdrop when you need to sync your contacts between the iPhone and Mac. Airdrop is ideal for syncing a handful of contacts only and not the entire phonebook.
Find out how you can sync your contacts via Airdrop:
- Open your Contacts
- Go over the contacts you want to sync
- Tap the Share icon and select Airdrop
- Find and choose your Mac
- On your Mac, click Accept
Repeat the process until you have finally sent all the contacts you need.
Part 4. How to Sync Contacts Between iPhone and Mac via FoneDog iOS Data Backup & Restore
Your Contacts are not merely numbers stored in your phonebook; they are the people close to you or you frequently communicate with. Thus, having these contacts saved anywhere accessible to you is highly important.
There is another method on how to sync contacts between iPhone and Mac and this time, without the need for iCloud or iTunes.
FoneDog iOS Data Backup & Restore offers you a valuable and flexible option to save your files in secured storage and move them to another device at any time. There are no limitations and restraints from iCloud and iTunes.
iOS Data Backup and Restore
One click to backup the whole iOS device to your computer.
Allow to preview and restore any item from the backup to a device.
Export what you want from the backup to your computer.
No data loss on devices during the restore.
iPhone Restore Won't Overwrite Your Data
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What’s more interesting about this software is its ability to create a backup for the entire phone content and have an option to selectively choose which files to restore. Sounds good? Check out how to use this program:
- First, you need to download and install FoneDog iOS Data Backup & Restore on your Mac. Follow the onscreen guide to complete the process.
- Connect your iPhone to Mac using a USB cable.
- Select iOS Data Backup & Restore on the menu.
- Choose your desired Backup Mode. Standard or Encrypted, the former is quicker while the latter provides password protection for the backup.
- Check on the files you want to copy or backup according to their categories like Media, Messages & Contacts, Memos & Others. You can also select all of the items if needed.
- Wait for the backup to finish.
- Once the backup is completed, select iOS Data Restore on the menu.
- Find the most recent backup file and click View Now.
- Check Contacts from the backup file and select Restore to PC. Save the contacts in a new or existing folder of choice.
FoneDog iOS Data Backup & Restore is also ideal for other files like your pictures, videos, messages, and more. It does more than just syncing your contacts!
People Also Read5 Ways on How to Backup iPhone Contacts to PC for FreeUltimate Guide on How to Save Contacts from iPhone
Remember that your goal towards a successful transfer is to avoid data loss and duplicates. If you miss a step in syncing your contacts via iTunes or iCloud, you might end up with data overwriting; this means, your information might be replaced. Airdrop is great for a few contacts transfer but never an option for bulk selection.
This is the most critical part, so you should highly consider using something that will give you convenience, prevent data loss and give you further protection and benefits. So how to sync contacts between iPhone and Mac? FoneDog iOS Data Backup & Restore is the perfect fit for your contacts.
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