How to Export Contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail: Updated 2026 Methods
Wondering how to export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail? Then this is the right place where you landed, as today I walk you through all the possible methods to save contacts in EML format, which can be imported into Gmail. You can do the same when you download emails from Outlook.com for export reasons. So let’s begin!
Why I Needed to Move Contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail
While working on Gmail, I noticed that contacts are important for productivity. In my Outlook.com account, I had years of saved contacts of colleagues and clients. Saving them again manually is not a good decision. Especially when users are considering delete Outlook.com account in the future. After that, I researched how to export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail in the same way.
Another reason that convinced me was synchronisation. Gmail contacts work smoothly with Android devices, Google Meet, etc. Many users also consider to import Outlook to Thunderbird. In order to get all the benefits from this ecosystem, I needed to save Outlook.com contacts to Gmail so I get every benefit and boost my workflow.
Understanding Contact File Formats Before Export
It is important to understand the file formatting of Outlook.com and Gmail, as both rely on standard file formats, primarily CSV (Comma-Separated Values) and vCard (.vcf). Outlook.com only allows exporting contacts in CSV format, which is supported by Gmail for import. Similarly, users export Outlook.com calendar for continuity.
Once you understand this, the process of how to export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail becomes much easier. The chances of data loss will be reduced if the file format is compatible. Most of the time, users ignore this step, but it is the most important part if you want to save Outlook.com contacts to Gmail accurately. Now, let’s check the methods of this process.
How to Export from Outlook.com to Gmail
Here are the solutions that I found recently when I needed to back up Outlook.com contacts, such as when users decide to change Hotmail.com to Outlook.com and organize their again.
Method 1: Export Contacts from Outlook.com
Follow the exact same steps:
- Log in to your Outlook.com account with your credentials
- Open the People tab (Contacts)
- Select Manage then Export contacts
- Select all contacts.
- Lastly, export them as a CSV file.
CSV files contain all the contact details, such as names, email addresses, etc. This is the first step of how to export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail manually. I personally backed up the contacts to my local storage, and I recommend the same. It gave me confidence to save Outlook.com contacts to Gmail without risking my data.
Method 2: Import Contacts into Gmail
After getting the CSV file, I moved the contacts to Gmail:
- First, log in to your Gmail account
- Open the Google Contacts
- Click on import and upload the CSV file
After a few minutes, the Outlook.com contacts will appear in Gmail, which can be an asset for users who like to manage contacts across platforms and who also like to export Outlook Contacts to iCloud for Apple devices.
Common Challenges I Faced During Manual Backup
I faced some issues when following the manual methods, like:
- Contacts duplication
- Incorrect field mapping
- Missing contact details
- Formatting misaligned
These are some issues that made me think that the manual method is simple, but it is not reliable. If you have hundreds of contacts, then you need the best solution to save Outlook.com contacts to Gmail because following the manual method can be time-consuming and risk your data. This is the point where I came across an automated solution for how to export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail.
Method 3. Cutting-edge Solution
As per my research, I found multiple online solutions, but among them, I give SysTools Outlook.com Backup Tool 10/10 because of its advanced features and self-explanatory UI.
It helps me to export my Outlook.com contacts in VCF and PST format in one go. You can try this for free.
Why do I consider this?
- It exports Outlook.com data in multiple formats, such as PST, EML, PDF, etc.
- Allows exporting specific data via the Date filter option
- Option to save only recently arrived data through delta backup
- Provide secure login authentication without storing the credentials
- Maintain complete contact details during the backup procedure
- Options to back up other mailbox items
Here are the steps you need to follow in the Tool.
Step 1. Open the solution on any Windows or Mac desktop
Step 2. Select Outlook.com and then choose your preferred file format, such as PST. PDF, EML, or MBOX
Step 3. Sign in with your Hotmail/Outlook credentials
Step 4. Select the destination location by clicking on the Browse Folder path option
Step 5. Click on the Start button
Step 6. Check the backup status on the screen
To avoid first exporting the CSV files, then importing on Gmail, I can manage everything seamlessly. This tool made the process of how to export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail smoother.
Manual vs Automated: What I Recommend
From my point of view:
- Manual Method is the best option if you are exporting a small contact list, and for personal use
- Automated tools are best for large-scale contact export, time-consuming, and are best suited for enterprises.
If data protection is important for you, then choosing the right approach matters. According to you and your organisation’s requirements, it is always crucial to go with the right method, but the end goal needs to be the same to save Outlook.com contacts to Gmail safely.
Best Practices to Avoid Data Loss
Personally, I followed and recommend these steps:
- Creating a local backup before exporting is vital
- It is important to verify CSV field mapping before import
- Removal of duplicates is important after migration
- Match the contact details in Gmail
By following these steps, I am always a step ahead of losing my data and make sure that I know how to export contacts Outlook.com to Gmail. Everyone should take these precautions if you want to save Outlook.com contacts to Gmail with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I feel that migrating contacts should be a hassle-free process, but sometimes users hesitate because there is confusion in their mind that, Is Hotmail.com and Outlook.com the same. It is important to understand the process because it can play a crucial role in how to export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail. It is up to you whether you choose a manual or professional solution that we discussed above, as per your requirements.
If you want a hassle-free, quick method, then I recommend going with the professional solution that will help you to save Outlook.com contacts to Gmail. Taking the right method can make a huge difference in making the transition smooth.
FAQs
Q. Is it possible to import a contact list into Gmail?
Yes, you can import your contacts into Google Contacts from other sources.
Q. Can I export an address book from Outlook?
When you export your contacts from the new Outlook, a copy of your contacts is saved to a CSV file.
Q. Can I export contacts from Outlook.com to Gmail for free?
Yes, you can use Outlook.com CSV export and import it into Gmail at no cost.