How to Transfer CSV Contacts from a PC to a Smartphone

Many mail providers like Microsoft Outlook and Yahoo Mail allow you to export your contacts to comma-separated values so that you can copy the contents of your address book to another location. The CSV format is almost universally compatible with Windows-based email software and online mail services, but to transfer your address book to your iPhone, Android device or Windows Phone, you may need to first convert the data to another format or use a third-party application to sync the contacts.

Press "Windows-E" to open File Explorer and then click inside the address bar. Type "%userprofile%\Contacts" and then press "Enter."

Click "Import" on the toolbar and then choose "CSV (Comma Separated Values)" from the options.

Click "Import" and then click "Browse." Select the CSV file containing your contacts and click "Next."

Select the data fields you want to import and click "Finish." Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.

Press the Sleep/Wake button on your iPhone and then enter your four-digit pass code, if applicable.

Select your device from the left pane in iTunes and check "Sync Contacts With" on the Info tab.

Choose "Windows Contacts" from the associated drop-down menu and then click "Apply."

Press "Windows-E" to open File Explorer and then click inside the address bar. Type "%userprofile%\Contacts" and then press "Enter."

Select "Import" from the toolbar and then choose "CSV (Comma Separated Values)" from the options.

Click "Import" and then click "Browse." Select the CSV file containing your contacts and then click "Next."

Select the data fields you want to import and then click "Finish." Click "Export" on the toolbar and then choose "vCards (Folder of .vcf Files)" from the options.

Connect your Android device to your computer and click "Cancel" if a dialog box appears.

Click "Export," expand the "Computer" folder and then select your Android device.

Click "OK" and then "Close." Disconnect your smartphone from your computer and open the People app from the Home or Apps screen.

Press the "Menu" key or touch the "Menu" button in the top right and then press "Manage Contacts."

Touch "Import/Export Contacts" and then touch "Import From Phone Storage." Choose an account to create the contacts under and then touch "Import All vCard Files."

Press "OK" to automatically import each vCard contact to your Android device.

Create a Windows Live ID at Live.com if you don't already have one, and sign in to your mailbox.

Click the "More Services" button in the top left and then click the "People" icon.

Choose "Import From File" from the menu and select "Microsoft Outlook (Using CSV)" from the options.

Click "Choose File" and select the CSV file containing the contacts you want to import.

Click "Import Contacts" to copy the data to your account. Open Settings from the App list on your Windows Phone.

Touch "Email + Accounts" and then touch "Add an Account." Choose "Windows Live" as the mailbox to add and then touch "Next."

Enter your email address and password into the fields provided, and then touch "Sign In."

Open the People app from your App list to import your contacts to your phone.