This article teaches you how to sync your contacts from iPhone to Mac, looking at three different ways to do so.If you're having trouble, we'll also look at why your contacts aren't syncing.
The quickest way to keep your contacts synced across the iPhone and Mac is to use iCloud.The cloud storage service is baked into all Apple products making it simple to transfer data between devices.Here's how to get this set up:
On your iPhone, tapSettings.
Tap your profile name at the top of the list.
Take a moment to make sure the iCloud account you're using on your phone is the same one you use on your Mac.
TapiCloud.
ToggleContacts on.
If you don't see this toggle, tapShow All.
TapMerge(if you see the prompt).
On your Mac, click theAppleicon in the top-left corner.
SelectSystem SettingsorSystem Preferences.
SelectApple Account(In some versions of macOS], this option is called "Apple ID.")
Go toiCloud>Show More Apps, switch theContactstoggle on, and thenselectDone. Your devices will now sync contacts between them.
On some versions of macOS, you just need to tick the box next toContactson the Apple Account screen.
Another way to access your iPhone contacts on your Mac is to share specific entries over AirDrop. Here's how that works:
This method is useful only if you're transferring just a few contacts.
Open theContactsapp on your iPhone.
Find the contact you wish to share and tap it.
SelectShare Contact.
TapAirDropand then pick your Mac from the list.
If you prefer, your contacts can be synced between your iPhone and Mac over a USB cable. It's fairly simple, especially if you've used your iPhone with your Mac before. Here's what to do:
You can only use this method if you don't already use iCloud to sync contacts.
Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
You may need to pressTruston both devices after plugging in the iPhone.
On the Mac, openFinder, select your phone from theLocationssection on the left, and then pressInfo.
Make sureSync contacts onto iPhoneis selected.
SelectReplace Contacts, and then Sync, to sync the contacts to your Mac. The contacts will now be automatically updated every time you connect your iPhone to your Mac.
If your iPhone contacts won't sync with your Mac, there are a few key reasons why.
If your contacts don't seem to be syncing automatically even though it's set up correctly, open Contacts on your iPhone and then swipe down from the top of the screen to force a refresh. Alternatively, restart your phone.
How to Turn Off NameDrop (Contact Sharing) on iPhone FAQTo sync iMessages to your Mac, open Messages on Mac and selectMessages>Settings>iMessage >Sync Now. Make sure you're logged in with the right Apple Account and check all available phone numbers and email addresses on theiMessagescreen. Set theStart new conversations fromdrop-down to the same phone number on your iPhone and Mac.
On your iPhone, go toSettings>your name>iCloudand enablePhotos. Then, on your Mac, go toSystem Settings>Apple ID/Apple Account>iCloud > Photosand ensureSync this Macis toggled on.
Connect your devices, open the Music app on your Mac, choose your iPhone in the sidebar, and then selectSync Settings.