# How to Import Contacts to Devices?

The **Import Contacts** remote action enables IT administrators to push contact information to Android devices using vCard (.vcf) files. This ensures unified communication directories across corporate-managed devices without manual user entry.

**Technical Overview of VCF Files**
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A **VCF (Virtual Contact File)** is a standard file format for storing contact information. Hexnode UEM utilizes these files to remotely populate device address books.

### **Supported Data Fields**

- Full names and job titles.
- Multiple telephone numbers and email addresses.
- Physical addresses and URLs.
- Logos and photographs.

### **Prerequisites**

- **Target OS:** Android.
- **Source File:** A valid .vcf file generated via Google Contacts, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, or Mac Contacts.
- **Portal Access:** Hexnode UEM Administrator credentials.

**Phase 1: Generating a VCF File**
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Before importing, you must create a source file. While multiple tools exist, exporting via Google Contacts is a standard method.

### **Steps to Export from Google Contacts**

1. Sign in to **Google Contacts** on a computer.
2. Select the specific contacts intended for export.
3. Click **Export** on the left-hand menu.
4. Choose the format **Export as vCard**.
5. Click the **Export** button to save the file locally.

**Phase 2: Importing Contacts via Hexnode UEM**
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Follow these steps to deploy the contact list to target Android devices.

### **Execution Steps**

1. Log in to the **Hexnode UEM** portal.
2. Navigate to **Manage > Devices**.
3. Select the target device(s) from the list.
4. Click **Actions > Others > Import contacts to device**.
5. Upload the generated **VCF file**.
6. (Optional) Enable **Delete existing contacts** if you wish to wipe the current device contacts before the import.
7. Click **Import**.

[![export google contacts(vcf files) to import it to Android devices from MDM console](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/import-contacts-vcf-to-Android-devices-using-Hexnode-MDM.png "import contacts (vcf) to Android devices using Hexnode UEM")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/import-contacts-vcf-to-Android-devices-using-Hexnode-MDM.png)

**Phase 3: Updating and Managing Contacts**
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Administrators can modify contact lists by re-triggering the action with updated parameters.

### **Management Scenarios**

ScenarioAction MethodConfiguration Detail**Add New Contacts**Import contacts to device Upload VCF; do **not** check “Delete existing contacts”.**Replace All Contacts**Import contacts to device Upload VCF; **enable** “Delete existing contacts”.**Edit Details**Import contacts to device Upload updated VCF; duplicates are handled by the OS.**Troubleshooting Guides**
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ProblemResolution**Contacts not appearing on the device.** Verify the device has an active internet connection. Ensure the file is a valid .vcf format and not a generic .csv or .xlsx.**Duplicate contacts appearing.** If “Delete existing contacts” was not selected during a re-import, the device may show duplicates. Re-run the action with the **Delete existing contacts** option enabled.**File upload fails in portal.** Ensure the VCF file size is within acceptable limits and that the file is not corrupted. Try re-exporting the file from the source.**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
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#### **Can the contacts be imported to iOS devices using this method?**

No. Based on current capabilities, the **Import Contacts** via VCF upload feature is supported exclusively for **Android** devices.

#### **What happens to existing contacts if “Delete” is not selected?**

The new contacts will be merged with the existing ones. If a contact with identical details exists, behavior depends on the device’s native contact app (usually resulting in a merge or a duplicate).

#### **Does this action require the Hexnode app to be open?**

No. The action is executed in the background by the Hexnode MDM agent, provided the device is online.