How to import Contacts from a CSV file into Outlook

Outlook 365
Outlook proposes easy and fast way to import contacts from the CSV file to your Outlook. It can be prepared in Excel or saved in another Outlook instance (see How to export Outlook Contacts to a CSV file).

   1.   On the File tab, click Open & Export, then click the Import/Export button:

Import/Export in Outlook 2016

   2.   In the Import and Export Wizard dialog box, choose the Import from another program or file option, and then click Next >:

Import and Export Wizard in Outlook 2016

   3.   In the Import to a File dialog box:

   3.1.   Choose the Comma Separated Values option, and then click Next >:

Select file type to import from in Outlook 2016

   3.2.   Click the Browse... button:

File to import in Outlook 2016
  • In the Browse dialog box, choose the CSV file that contains the contacts that you want to import.
  • Choose one of the options:
    • Replace duplicates with items imported – select this option only if you are sure that imported data is more recent or more complete.
    • Allow duplicates to be created – select this option to keep all duplicates.
    • Do not import duplicate items – select this option to add just new data from the imported file.
  • Click Next >.

   3.3.   Select the Outlook folder into which you want to import the Contacts. It can be the Сontacts folder in the current account, or a Contacts folder in any of other folders.

Select destination folder in Outlook 2016

Click Next >.

   3.4.   If it is necessary, click the Map Custom Fields... button:

Map Custom Fields in Outlook 2016

In the Map Custom Fields dialog box, map all columns from the CSV file to the fields of the Outlook address book. Outlook automatically maps some fields; change these if they are not mapped correctly.

To map a field, drag the Value to the desired Field:

Map Custom Fields in Outlook 2016

After mapping, click OK, and then in the Import a File dialog box, click the Finish button to begin the import process.

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