How to Copy iPhone Contacts to a Computer

by Adrian Grahams
Synchronize the iPhone with Apple iTunes software on a computer to copy contacts information.

Synchronize the iPhone with Apple iTunes software on a computer to copy contacts information.

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If you've spent time updating contacts on the Apple iPhone, you don't want to have to do it all again when you next log on to your personal computer. Synchronizing the contacts database in the Apple iPhone with the address book on a computer is quick. You need the latest version of the free Apple iTunes software running on the computer. Plug the iPhone into the PC with the supplied connection cable. Apple iTunes automatically copies and synchronizes the contacts from the iPhone with the address book on the computer. Microsoft Outlook users might need to tweak this program to get synchronization working properly.

Step 1

Double-click the Apple iTunes icon on the computer desktop screen to launch the program. Download and install the latest version of iTunes if you get this prompt, because this contains software bug fixes and improvements.

Step 2

Launch Microsoft Outlook by double-clicking its icon on the computer desktop screen or clicking "Start" and selecting it under "All Programs."

Step 3

Click the "File" tab and then "Options."

Step 4

Select "Add-Ins" and click "COM Add-Ins."

Step 5

Click the "Go" button to open the dialog box. Deselect each third-party add-in by clicking the check-box. This prevents conflicts with the iPhone and iTune synchronization. Click "OK" to save the changes. Exit Microsoft Outlook.

Step 6

Plug the Apple iPhone into the computer with the supplied USB connection cable. This will automatically prompt Apple iTunes to synchronize the iPhone with the computer. Synchronizing ensures data, including contact and calendar information, is the same on both the iPhone and the computer.

Step 7

Wait for the synchronization to complete. An "OK to Disconnect" message appears on the iTunes status window on completion. Unplug the cable from the iPhone and computer.

Tip

  • Disable third-party COM Add-Ins from older versions of Microsoft Outlook from either the "Tools" and "Option Menu," or the "Tools" and "Trust Center" menu.
  • Configure synchronization options in Apple iTunes by clicking on the iPhone icon under the "Devices" heading in the left-side window and clicking the relevant option tab.

About the Author

Adrian Grahams began writing professionally in 1989, after training as a reporter. His work has been published in various newspapers, including "The Cornish Times" and "The Sunday Independent." Grahams specializes in communications, technology, business, media and entertainment. He holds a diploma in journalism, a diploma in website design and a Bachelor of Science.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images