How to Sync Contacts from iPhone to iPad - 5 Quick Ways

To sync contacts from iPhone to iPad easily, this detailed guide offers 5 ways to: with FoneTool, FoneTool for iOS, iCloud, iTunes, and AirDrop. Read and learn how to get iPhone contacts on iPad.

By @Clara Last Updated December 6, 2024

Sync contacts from iPhone to iPad is a common operation for users who frequently change devices. Whether you want to update your address book, organize personal or business contacts, or just need a backup, storing contacts on both devices helps to achieve seamless communication sharing.

This guide will show you several ways to sync contacts from iPhone to iPad. From powerful tools like FoneTool to wireless and cloud-based solutions, find the method that suits you and transfer your contact list efficiently.

How to Sync Any/All Contacts from iPhone to iPad with Ease

FoneTool provides an easy and fast solution to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPad. With the user-friendly interface, you can transfer all contacts in one click, or transfer a specified contact list.

FoneTool - iPhone/iPad Data Transfer Tool
  • Supports selectively or fully transferring data from iPhone to iPad
  • Offers superfast speed, you can transfer more than 2000 contacts in 20 seconds
  • Supports exporting iPhone contacts to PC in vCard and .csv formats
  • No existing files saved on iPhone will be lost during the transfer process
  • Transfer contacts from iPhone to new iPad without Internet
  • Transfer data from iPhone to new iPad without backup and restore

Simple Steps to Put Contacts on iPad from iPhone

There are two parts to using FoneTool to sync contacts from iPhone to iPad: Transfer contacts from iPhone to PC, and then import files from PC to iPad. Download FoneTool and follow the guide to learn how to import contacts from iPhone to iPad.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer via USB cable > Open FoneTool > Go to Phone Transfer > Choose iPhone to PC > Tap Start Transfer.

Step 2. Click the add button > Choose the Contacts option > Preview and select the contacts you want to sync, or you can check Select All to transfer all contacts > Click OK.

Step 3. Check the files you selected, tap Transfer Setting to decide a destination and choose the formats (CSV/VCF) > Click Transfer > Then tap Start Transfer.

Step 5. Unplug the source iPhone and connect your iPad to the computer > Click Phone Transfer > Select the PC to iPhone option.

Step 6. Tap Contacts and choose the contacts saved before > Click Start Transfer to add iPhone contacts to iPad.

By the way, with FoneTool, you can add contacts to iCloud from your computer directly. Just go to My iCloud on the home page > Sign in and choose Manage iCloud > Contacts > Upload.

How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to iPad Wirelessly

If you prefer using transfer contacts between iPhone and iPad without computer/USB, you can use FoneTool for iOS to put contacts on iPad from iPhone wirelessly. This handy tool doesn't require an internet connection or cellular data to transfer files.

Guide to Import Contacts from iPhone to iPad with FoneTool for iOS

You can download and install FoneTool for iOS from App Store, or use the iPhone/iPad to scan the QR code. Then check the guide to learn how to add contacts from iPhone to iPad.

Step 1. Open FoneTool for iOS on iPhone and iPad > Allow FoneTool for iOS to use WLAN (Just enable the Wi-Fi option without any Wi-Fi connection).

Step 2. Go to Connect Device > Click the device name on either device to create a connection.

Step 3. Then tap File Transfer > Choose Contacts on the source iPhone > Select files you plan to move to iPad, you can select all at once if needed > Click Send to begin.

How to Get iPhone Contacts on iPad with iCloud

iCloud is a built-in option for syncing contacts between iPhone and iPad. If you want to use this method, make sure both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID and have a stable internet connection.

Steps to Send Contacts from iPhone to iPad Using iCloud

Before you sync iPhone/iPad to iCloud, you need to know that iCloud requires sufficient storage space for syncing. It provides 5 GB free storage space only. If you have enough space, follow the steps.

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Enable Contacts Syncing.

Step 2 Repeat the process on your iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Turn on Contacts syncing option.

Step 3 Wait for a while, all contacts will be synced automatically.

★Tips:
If you have different iCloud accounts and want to combine them in one, you can read this related article: [3 Easy Ways] How to Merge Two iCloud Accounts on One iPhone

How to Add Contacts from iPhone to iPad via iTunes

iTunes offers another option for syncing iPhone contacts with iPad. This method requires the use of a computer, but it offers an effective backup and transfer solution. 

 Note:

  • iTunes doesn't allow you to preview contacts, or selectively transfer specific contacts before the transfer process begins.
  • When restoring from an iTunes backup, all data is restored together, but individual items (such as contacts) cannot be restored separately.
  • While syncing or restoring files, iTunes erases all data on your new iPad before importing contacts.

Detailed Guide to Sync iPhone Contacts to iPad with iTunes

The steps to use iTunes is a bit complicated, please follow the step-by-step instructions patiently.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable > Run iTunes on your PC.

Step 2. Locate and tap the Device tab > Go to Info from left panel > Select the Sync Contacts option > Tap Apply to sync your iPhone contacts.

Step 3. Plug out your iPhone and then plug in the iPad to the computer.

Step 4. Tap the Device icon > Choose Info > Check the Sync Contacts option.

Step 5. Navigate the Advanced menu > Click Contacts under Replace information on this iPhone > Then tap Apply to sync iPhone contacts to iPad.

How to Share iPhone Contacts to iPad by AirDrop

AirDrop lets you share contacts quickly and wirelessly between Apple devices. Bulk transfers are time-consuming and can fail, so they're best suited for transferring small numbers of contacts.

Steps AirDrop Contacts from iPhone to iPad One-by-One

If you want to use AirDrop to transfer a few contacts, repeat the following steps:

Step 1. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both iPhone and iPad.

Step 2. Move to Settings > General > Enable AirDrop(Everyone).

Step 3. Then open Contacts app on the iPhone > Select the contacts you want to AirDrop > Tap the Shared Contacts option > Select AirDrop > Select the name of the iPad.

Step 4. On the iPad, tap Accept to receive contacts from iPhone.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to sync contacts from iPhone to iPad. The article provides a variety of methods, including using FoneTool, FoneTool for iOS, iCloud, iTunes or AirDrop to easily sync contacts from iPhone to iPad. Among them, FoneTool is the most ideal choice for users with its speed, reliability and versatility. If you need to transfer data wirelessly, FoneTool for iOS will provide you with the best experience!