Transferring iPhone Contacts

This article will cover the different methods for transferring contacts from one iPhone to another. 

Method Determination:

To know which method to use, you'll first need to find out where your contacts are stored in the old iPhone. To do this, open your contacts app on the old iPhone.

In the top left, click on 'Lists.' Note the names of the lists displayed. If it displays Gmail or your ACV Auctions email address, please use the Gmail method below. If it shows iCloud, please follow the iCloud steps below. If it says 'On Your Phone,' please use the iOS 16 Export Contacts List method

Gmail:

You can sync data with your Gmail account by signing into Okta within the iPhone's Settings. This method can transfer contacts if your contacts are already saved to your Gmail account. 

1. On the NEW phone, open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Google.
3. Sign in with your ACV Auctions email. You will be redirected to verify with Okta. 
4. Once signed in, toggle on Contacts, then select 'Save.' It is recommended to also toggle on Calendars and Mail.

iCloud:

You can sync data between Apple devices using iCloud. This requires creating and managing an Apple ID/iCloud account. Keep in mind that this is a personal Apple ID/iCloud account. If you forget the password or need any help with your Apple account, you will need to reach out to Apple directly, as Helpdesk does not manage or have access to these accounts. 

1. Open the Settings app on the NEW iPhone.
2. Select the Sign In option at the top of the app.
   • Here is the Apple Support Article for signing into iCloud and syncing apps and features: https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/set-up-icloud-on-your-devices-mmfc0f1e2a/icloud 
3. As the account signs in, you may be asked to 'Merge Contacts' with the account. Select 'Merge.'
4. To verify the Contacts are set to sync once you've signed in, navigate to iCloud > Show All > Contacts. Please ensure Contacts is toggled on.
5. You may also toggle on Photos and other apps on both phones to sync the data between them.
   • Note: Some apps may require more storage than is provided for free with the Apple ID, such as Messages and Photos. If you wish to sync more than 5GB of data, you will need to purchase an iCloud Storage plan at your expense. 
      

If the new iPhone is already signed into iCloud, you can skip steps 1-3.

iOS 16 Export Contacts List:

If your contacts on the old iPhone are not saved to iCloud or Gmail, you can still export your contacts list and AirDrop them. For this method, both iPhones must be on iOS 16 or newer. To check what iOS version is installed, you can go to Settings > General > About > iOS Version. 

Here is the Apple Support article to update iOS if you are not up to date: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/update-ios-iph3e504502/16.0/ios/16.0 

Once the iPhone is up to date, you'll need to enable AirDrop on both iPhones.

Here is the Apple Support Article for enabling AirDrop and changing AirDrop settings: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204144 

1. To export your contacts list, open up the Contacts app on the OLD iPhone.
2. Select 'Lists' in the top left corner.
   • You will see a group name with your total number of contacts.
3. Tap and hold that group until you see the option for 'Export.'
4. Select 'Export,' then choose 'AirDrop.'
5. Make sure the new iPhone is nearby and unlocked with AirDrop enabled.
6. Select the new iPhone on the AirDrop list that appears on the old iPhone.
7. You may need to select 'Accept' on the replacement iPhone before the transfer will begin. Once accepted, the contacts will be wirelessly sent to the replacement iPhone.

If you have any questions or run into any issues, please get in touch with the Helpdesk Team.