Import PST Contacts to iPhone Using Free & Pro Methods
Fact-checked and reviewed in accordance with our Editorial Policy
Summary: If you are switching from a Windows PC to an iPhone, or your colleague sent you a PST file with the contacts you need on your iPhone, there’s a free way to do it. Simply use Outlook to save each PST contact as a vCard and send it to the iPhone-configured email account as an attachment. Later, open the attachment with the Contacts app and click Save Contacts to successfully transfer PST contacts to iPhone.
This free method, however, is a one-to-one approach, does not offer bulk import, and is a little tricky for non-techy users. So, as a bulk and easy-to-implement method, one can use the expert utility to import PST contacts to iPhone. This step-by-step guide covers all the detailed working steps of both the free and pro methods.
Why Do Users Import Contacts from PST to iPhone?
- Sometimes home and business professionals purchase a new iPhone and want to import PST contacts to iPhone. After that, they can stay connected with their respective clients.
- Digital contacts store information about any person or business with all associated information. So, after getting PST contacts on iPhone, users can easily send emails or make phone calls when needed.
- Multiple times, users receive some contacts in the PST extension, but they don’t have MS Outlook installed. Then they prefer to transfer contacts from PST files to iPhone to access them.
- Business professionals want to create a single communication platform for all contacts on iPhone because it is suitable for sending messages, emails, and making phone calls.
Quick Steps to Import PST Contacts to iPhone for Free
Phase 1: Import PST contacts to Outlook Classic.
Phase 2: Export contacts from Outlook Classic.
Phase 3: Attach the exported contacts to an email and send it to an email account configured on your iPhone.
Phase 4: Open the attachment on your iPhone using the Contacts app and tap Save Contact.
Important Note: These are the short and direct steps to transfer PST contacts to iPhone. If you need detailed working steps, kindly follow the detailed working sub-steps for each quick step.
Read Next: Verified Ways to Migrate Outlook to Windows Live Mail
How to Transfer Contacts from PST File to iPhone Manually?
First, there is no direct option available to import contacts from PST to iPhone. However, we have tried to complete this task manually in BitRecover Lab and succeeded. Now anyone can transfer contacts from PST file to iPhone by following 4 different phases. Let’s have a look at them:
Pre-Requirements: MS Outlook Classic desktop-based version should be installed on your computer. Thereafter, you can perform the steps mentioned below:
1st Phase: Import PST Contacts to Outlook Desktop
- Start Outlook and choose File >> Open & Export.
- Select Import/Export and open Import Export Wizard.
- Choose Import from another program or file and Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
- Browse PST from your computer and press Next.
- Select contacts folders to import in Outlook.
- Click the Finish button to start importing the PST.
2nd Phase: Export Contacts from Outlook Classic
- Open Outlook Classic, go to the Contacts tab and select the contact card.
- Next, click the File option and click the Save As option.
- After that, name the exported contact file and select a destination.
- Finally, click Save to export the PST contact.
3rd Phase: Add Contact as Attachment & Send to Email Account on iPhone
- Now, open any email account on your PC and compose new email.
- Next, click on the attach file option to attach the contact.
- After that, fill in the email address of the email account on iPhone.
- Then, click on the Send button to send the attached contact.
4th Phase: Open Attachment with iPhone Contacts App and Click Save Contact
- Open the email account on the iPhone and go to the inbox.
- Now, open the received email with the contact attachment.
- Click on the attachment and swipe up to choose the Contacts app.
- Finally, click on the Save Contact button to complete the PST contact to iPhone import process.
What are the Drawbacks of the Manual Method?
- As you have seen above, we have imported contacts from PST to iPhone. However, this was a very lengthy process that required 4 stages to complete this task.
- Even the manual method requires Outlook Classic for transferring contacts from PST file to iPhone.
- Non-technical users may face problems while implementing the manual method to import PST contacts to iPhones, as it requires technical knowledge of multiple phases.
- Due to the multiple import-export phases, it may lose some crucial contact attributes associated with respective contacts. There is no guarantee of successful completion.
- The manual method allows you to import PST contacts into iPhone one by one. So, if you have 10 PST contact files, then you will need to repeat all steps 10 times.
Pro Software to Import Contacts from PST to iPhone
Users can accomplish this task by using an automated solution. While using Outlook PST Converter, this process can be effectively Consumed by all the users. Both professional as well as home users can make use of this application without any problems. This tool protects sensitive data from various threat exposure as well as from data breaches.
This powerful application can easily solve the user’s issue as to how to import PST contacts to iPhone. It provides high speed, easy handling, and a smooth user experience so that users can complete the task without compromising on any sort of security or quality. This application will not only import the data but will also make sure that there is no data loss. There is no need for any technical expertise to operate the application.
How to Import PST Contacts to iPhone via Software?
- Start the recommended software and add the PST file in the software window.
- Check the Contact folder in the software panel and click the Next button.
- Now, select vCard as a file-saving option from the list of saving options.
- Then, choose the desired destination path to store the resultant file.
- Click Convert to begin converting PST contacts to iPhone-supported format.
- Transfer contacts from PST file to iPhone-supported format completed successfully.
- The tool automatically opens the destination path so now get the resultant vCard file.
- Lastly, import the resultant vCard contacts into iPhone and finish this task.
Note: Within a few seconds iCloud+ will sync the user’s contacts. Please make sure iCloud sync for contacts is enabled in settings.
Final Verdict
Here, in this blog, we have discussed importing PST Contacts to iPhone. With the help of the above-mentioned methods, one can easily transfer contacts from PST file to iPhone. We have described mainly two ways one is manual and the second one is an automated solution. But users have to be aware of one thing i.e., the manual approach has some drawbacks. So, it is better to go with a software solution. This can import PST contacts to iPhone in bulk without any data loss. Thus, it depends on the user. Users can choose any one of them as per their needs.
If still user is still facing any kind of issues, then they can test the application by using the trial version. After having satisfaction user can then purchase the licensed version for more benefits and features.
Similar Article: Convert PST to OLM without Outlook
Addressing Common Queries
Q 1: How to transfer contacts from PST file to iPhone?
Above we have discussed two excellent techniques to import PST contacts to iPhone. Choose any method as both are tried and tested ways.
Q 2: Does your software batch import contacts from PST to iPhone?
Yes, you can utilize this software to import PST contacts to iPhone in bulk.
Q 3: Can I use above explained methods to import contacts in iPhone 15?
Yes, above explained methods are suitable for all iPhones, so don’t worry.











