Users can sync contacts from iPhone to Mac with and without iCloud support, and we are going to cover this part in the guide. Thousands of iPhone and iPad owners have Mac computers, which work natively macOS operating system. You can copy the contacts saved in the iPhone or iPad to a Mac computer and keep it, as a backup. There are many reasons why someone would want to create a contacts backup, and nobody wants to lose the communication line. Allow us to show you two ways to copy the contacts to the Mac machine without using third-party tools.
Sync contacts from Mac Finder
iOS is natively supported in Mac because Apple-developed software and they have been working on the ecosystem. You can access iPhone or iPad to some extent from the Finder and make good use of the inbuilt functions. However, we could not find any option that can help the readers to sync contacts in the local storage as a file. However, you can sync iCloud from the Finder, and if you have enabled contacts in the iPhone’s iCloud, and then you can synchronize it.
Allow us to show you how you can do it and follow our lead to complete the task in the first attempt.
- Tap on the Settings > iCloud account.
- Choose “iCloud” from the options.
- Tap to enable “Contacts” in iCloud.
- Connect the device to Mac via lightning cable.
- Open the Finder and choose your device.
- Click on iPhone’s or iPad’s “Info” located in the main menu.
- Tap on the “Sync”.
All contacts will be synced across all Apple machines including Mac. However, you have to log in to the same Apple ID on Mac and iPhone. If you have signed in to another account on Mac, then this won’t work, which is part of the Apple ecosystem. The Cupertino-based company is focusing on making the Apple ID ecosystem powerful as possible.
How to synchronize contacts in Mac using iTunes?
Surprisingly, iTunes is not available in older macOS by default, but Apple introduced it as a feature in macOS Catalina.
Yes, Apple dumped iTunes (macOS edition) because they introduced iTunes as an inbuilt feature in Catalina.
With that being said, you can download the iTunes suite on Mac machines and take control over your iPhone or iPad. Allow us to show you how you can synchronize your iPhone/iPad with Mac via the iTunes PC suite.
- Go to the official site and download iTunes for Mac.
- Download iTunes and click on “Allow” to continue.
- Open the installer and then click on “Install iTunes” to continue.
- The installer will warn you regarding the expired certificate. Click on “Continue”, if you downloaded it from the official Apple site.
- iTunes will be installed in a couple of moments.
- Connect the device to Mac via lightning cable.
- Open iTunes and choose your device icon to view more options.
- Click on “Info” located in the side menu.
- Click on “Sync” and you are done.
iTunes will start synchronizing the iPhone, Mac, and other Apple devices. All contacts in your iPhone will be synced across all other machines, so you no longer have to worry about missing numbers. Of course, your Mac account should have the same Apple ID as the iPhone to make this work.
How to sync Contacts via AirDrop
AirDrop is a unique feature engraved in Mac & iPhone, and you can make good use of the advanced peer-to-peer technology to transfer contacts. There is a little bit of manual work in the AirDrop method, but it’s worth it because it is secure and fast.
- Open the Phone app and choose “Contacts” from the bottom menu.
- Find the contact that you want to copy to Mac.
- Tap on the contact to open it.
- Click on the Share Contact > AirDrop > Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Choose your Mac from the list, and the contact will be saved on the Mac computer.
AirDrop utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to create a secure connection, and you can use it to copy contacts to the Mac machine. You don’t need iCloud or lighting cable to share contacts to the desktop, and that’s the beauty of wireless technology.
What about third-party solutions?
I did come across third-party solutions on the internet that promises to copy contacts to Mac machine. I don’t say that it’s not an ideal solution, but it boils down to your priorities. Many solutions are coming from Chinese software companies, and I wouldn’t put my security and privacy on the line.
You got three options on the table, and I understand that Apple wants to control everything here. If you are concerned about privacy & security, then the above methods are designed for you.
Bottom Line
Apple dumped iTunes in Catalina and later macOS editions, and you access iPhone & iPad from Finder. There are a few limitations in macOS & iOS software, but we have to accept them and accomplish the task with what is available.
