Contact Problems

How to Import Contacts from Another Email Account into Outlook

Amos Gikunda Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to transfer contacts from a previous email provider into Microsoft Outlook so that the application can suggest recipients automatically.

How to Import Contacts from Another Email Account into Outlook

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a new Outlook account or migrating from a different email provider where the address book is empty.
Observed behavior: Outlook does not suggest email recipients automatically and requires the user to manually type the complete email address for each recipient.

Before you start

Verify which version of Outlook you are currently using, such as Outlook for Microsoft 365 desktop or Outlook on the web, as the interface for importing contacts will vary slightly.

Solution 1Recommended

Export and Import Contacts Using a CSV File

Download your existing contacts from your previous email provider in a CSV format and use the Outlook Import/Export wizard to add them to your address book.

This method works for almost all major email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo, and older versions of Outlook. You must first extract the data from your old account before feeding it into your new Outlook environment.

Export contacts from the old provider

Log in to your previous email account, navigate to the Contacts or People section, and choose the option to export your contacts. Ensure you select the 'CSV (Comma Separated Values)' format.

Open the Import/Export tool in Outlook

Launch Outlook for Microsoft 365 on your desktop. Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, select 'Open & Export' from the left sidebar, and then click on 'Import/Export'.

Choose the import method

In the Import and Export Wizard, select 'Import from another program or file' and click 'Next'. Then, select 'Comma Separated Values' and proceed to the next step.

Select your CSV file

Click 'Browse' to locate the CSV file you downloaded earlier. Choose how you want Outlook to handle duplicate contacts (e.g., 'Replace duplicates with items imported') and click 'Next'.

Select destination and finish

Select the 'Contacts' folder under your target email account as the destination. Click 'Next' and then 'Finish' to allow Outlook to import your contact list.

Export and Import Contacts Using a CSV File

Using Outlook on the Web: If you are using Outlook on the web, click the 'People' icon on the left sidebar, select 'Manage contacts' at the top right, choose 'Import contacts', and upload your CSV file directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Outlook not suggesting email addresses when I type?

Outlook builds an Auto-Complete list as you send emails over time. If you have a new account or recently changed computers, this list is empty. Importing your contacts populates your address book so you don't have to remember every address.

What format should I use when exporting contacts for Outlook?

You should use the CSV (Comma Separated Values) format. It is a universal file type supported by almost all email clients, making it the most reliable choice for transferring contact information into Outlook.

Can I import contacts from Gmail into Outlook?

Yes. Log into your Google account, go to Google Contacts, select 'Export', and choose the 'Outlook CSV' option. Once downloaded, use the Import/Export wizard in Outlook desktop or the 'Manage contacts' option in Outlook on the web to import the file.

Outlook & Email Problems