How to Back Up Android Contacts to Your Google Account
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You can save Android contacts to your Google Account and sync them across devices. This is often called “backing up contacts to Gmail”, but the address book is managed through Google Contacts.
What you need
A Google Account signed in on the phone and an internet connection. Menu names vary between Android versions and manufacturers.
Steps
- Open Settings and search for Google Contacts sync.
- In the Google services settings, look for the option to sync or back up device and SIM contacts automatically.
- Turn it on and choose the Google Account where the contacts should be saved.
- Check that Contacts sync is enabled for that account and allow it to finish.
- Open Google Contacts in a browser, sign in to the same account and check several important entries.
Google’s current instructions place the device/SIM option under Google services, then All services and Backup and restore on supported devices. If your phone has different menus, follow the official help linked below or the manufacturer’s guidance.
Important checks
Contacts stored in another service, such as a work account, may need a separate transfer. Automatic device and SIM backup is not supported identically on every phone.
Sync also copies changes, including deletions. For an additional copy, use the export option available in Google Contacts and store the file privately.
Tip: Verify that the contacts appear in the correct Google Account before resetting or replacing your old phone. Turning on sync alone does not prove every locally stored contact was transferred.
