Sync classic Outlook and Apple iPhone or iPod touch contacts

Applies To
Outlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2024 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016

You can export your classic Outlook contacts so you can sync them with your Apple iPhone or iPod touch. For information on how to sync your classic Outlook contacts with your Apple iPhone or iPod touch, go to Transfer files between your iPhone and other devices.

Note

As a best practice, make sure that software on your computer and your Apple device are current. Also, be sure to back up both your Outlook account and your Apple device before you begin.

Export your classic Outlook data

  1. On the File tab, choose Open & Export > Import/Export.
    Choose Open & Export, and then choose Import/Export.

  2. In the Import and Export Wizard, choose Export to a file > Next.
    Choose Export to a file.

  3. Under Create a file of type, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) > Next.

  4. Under Select the folder to export from, choose the folder to export and only information in that folder is exported.
    Export Personal Folders dialog with Jakob Solstad selected and Include subfolders checked.

  5. Select the Include subfolders check box to make sure everything—Calendar, Contacts, and Inbox—in the account will be exported, and then choose Next.

  6. Under Save exported file as, select Browse to select where to save the Outlook Data File (.pst), type a file name, and then select OK to continue.

    Note

    If you’ve used export before, the previous folder location and file name appear. Type a different file name, and then select OK.

  7. If you are exporting to an existing Outlook Data File (.pst), under Options, specify what to do when exporting items that already exist in the file.

  8. Select Finish.

Outlook begins the export immediately unless a new Outlook Data File (.pst) is created or a password-protected file is used.

  • If you’re creating an Outlook Data File (.pst), an optional password can help protect the file. When the Create Outlook Data File dialog box appears, type the password in the Password and Verify Password boxes, and then select OK. In the Outlook Data File Password dialog box, type the password, and then select OK.
  • If you’re exporting to an existing Outlook Data File (.pst) that is password protected, in the Outlook Data File Password dialog box, type the password, and then select OK.

Now that your Outlook data is in a .pst file, it's portable. You can save the .pst file to OneDrive or to a USB storage device, for example, and then download it to another computer or another device of your choice. Go to import your email, contacts, and calendar to Outlook to learn more.

Transfer or sync your Outlook Data File (.pst) with your iOS device

For information on how to transfer or sync your contacts across devices, go to:

Set up email in Outlook for iOS mobile app