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How to Import Outlook Contacts from a PST File and Sync to Mobile
Question details
The user needs to restore missing contacts by importing a PST backup file into Outlook desktop and synchronizing them with the Outlook mobile application.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Desktop and Mobile
- Scenario
- Restoring contacts from a backup after migrating to a new mobile phone.
- Observed behavior
- Contacts disappeared from the mobile app after a phone migration, but they remain safely stored in a local PST backup file.
Ensure that your Outlook desktop client is open and logged into the exact same Microsoft account or Exchange server you are using on your new mobile device.
Import Contacts from PST and Enable Mobile Sync
This method uses the Outlook Import/Export wizard to restore your contacts to the desktop app, which then pushes them to your mobile device via account synchronization.
By importing your local PST backup directly into your active email profile on your desktop, Microsoft's server sync will automatically transfer the data to your connected mobile app.
Launch Outlook on your desktop. Go to the 'File' tab in the top left corner, click on 'Open & Export', and then select the 'Import/Export' button.
In the wizard window, choose 'Import from another program or file' and click 'Next'. Then select 'Outlook Data File (.pst)' and proceed.
Click 'Browse' to locate your saved PST backup file. Choose the option to import items into your current 'Contacts' folder and click 'Finish' to complete the local import.
Once the import finishes, open the Outlook mobile app on your new phone. Go to 'Settings', tap on your specific email account, and toggle on 'Sync Contacts' to display them on your device.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my Outlook PST backup file located on my computer?
By default, modern versions of Outlook save PST files in the 'Documents\Outlook Files' folder. If you are using an older version of Windows or Outlook, they might be located in the 'AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook' directory.
Can I import a PST file directly into the Outlook mobile app?
No, PST files are designed exclusively for the Outlook desktop application. You must import the file on your computer first, and then allow the contacts to sync to your mobile device via your connected email account.
Why are my imported contacts not syncing to my new phone?
If contacts aren't syncing, verify that your Outlook mobile app is signed in with the exact same Exchange or Outlook.com account you imported the PST into. Additionally, ensure the 'Sync Contacts' toggle is enabled within your mobile app's account settings.
