How to Save Your Google Contacts to a USB Flash Drive

Information

If you're retiring or switching accounts, it’s important to save your contacts. This guide will help you export your Google Contacts to a USB flash drive for future use.

Environment

To follow these instructions, you will need:

• A USB flash drive (8GB is plenty).
• A computer with internet access.
• Your GRCC account login (username and password).

Process

For Windows Users

1. Plug in Your USB Flash Drive
   • Plug your USB drive into a USB port on your computer.
   • Open File Explorer (yellow folder icon).
   • Find your USB drive on the left side menu (may be labeled USB Drive or Removable Disk).
2. Export Google Contacts
   • Go to contacts.google.com.
   • Sign in to your Google account.
   • Select the contacts you want to export by checking the boxes next to their names.
   • Click Export on the left side menu.
   • Choose Google CSV (best for Google Contacts).
   • Click Export. The file will save to your Downloads folder.
3. Move Contacts to USB Drive
   • In File Explorer, go to your Downloads folder.
   • Click and drag the exported contacts file to your USB Drive in the sidebar.
4. Eject the USB Flash Drive
   • Right-click your USB drive in File Explorer.
   • Select Eject.
   • Wait for the "Safe to Remove Hardware" confirmation before unplugging.

For Mac Users

1. Plug in Your USB Flash Drive
   • Plug your USB drive into a USB port on your Mac.
   • Open Finder (blue smiley face icon).
   • Look for your USB drive under Locations in the sidebar (may be labeled Untitled or USB Drive).
2. Export Google Contacts
   • Go to contacts.google.com.
   • Sign in to your Google account.
   • Select the contacts you want to export by checking the boxes next to their names.
   • Click Export on the left side menu.
   • Choose vCard (best for Apple Contacts).
   • Click Export. The file will save to your Downloads folder.
3. Move Contacts to USB Drive
   • In Finder, open your Downloads folder.
   • Click and drag the exported contacts file to your USB Drive in the sidebar.
4. Eject the USB Flash Drive
   • Drag the USB drive icon to the Trash, or right-click and select Eject.
   • Wait for the icon to disappear before unplugging.

Optional: Upload Your Contacts to a Personal Google Account

If you would like to import your contacts into your personal Gmail account:

1. Go to contacts.google.com and sign in with your personal Gmail account.
2. On the left-hand side menu, click Import.
3. Click Select file.
4. Locate and select the contact file you exported earlier.
5. Click Import.

Your contacts will now appear in your personal Google Contacts list.