When you’re moving from Android or Apple devices to our privacy phone, you may be interested in transferring your contacts. This guide will walk you through the steps for both.

Basically to transfer contacts we first export all the contacts as a .vcf file, then we transfer this file to the new device using any method, then on the new device we will import this file within the contacts app;

From Android:

  1. Export Contacts as vCard:

    • Open the Contacts app on your old Android device.
    • Navigate to the Menu (usually represented by three dots or lines).
    • Tap Settings or Manage Contacts > Export or Export Contacts.
    • Save the .vcf file (vCard file) to your device.
  2. Transfer and Import vCard:

    • Transfer the .vcf file to your device using USB, USB-C drive or other methods such as localsend.
    • Open the Contacts app on your privacy phone.
    • Go to Menu > Settings or Import/Export > Import from .vcf file.
    • Navigate to the .vcf file and select it. The contacts will be imported.

From Apple (iOS):

Method 1: Using iCloud

  1. Backup Contacts to iCloud:

    • On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
    • Turn ON the toggle for “Contacts”.
    • Ensure your contacts are backed up by visiting iCloud.com on a computer.
  2. Export Contacts as vCard from iCloud:

    • On a computer, visit iCloud.com and log in.
    • Click on “Contacts”.
    • Select all contacts (you can use the gear icon at the bottom left or CTRL/CMD + A).
    • Click on the gear icon at the bottom and select Export vCard.
  3. Transfer and Import vCard:

    • Transfer the .vcf file to your device.
    • Follow the vCard import steps mentioned in the Android section.

Method 2: Using an App

  1. Use a Contact Transfer App: There are many apps available on the Apple App Store that allow you to export your contacts as a vCard file. Download one that you trust.

  2. Export Contacts: Using the app, export your contacts and save the .vcf file.

  3. Transfer and Import vCard:

      • Transfer the .vcf file to your device, by using a USB cable, a USB-c Drive or by using Localsend.
      • Follow the vCard import steps mentioned in the Android section.

In summary, regardless of your previous device, the key is exporting your contacts in a universally recognized format (like vCard) and then importing them into your new CalyxOS device.