How to Move Contacts From Outlook to the iPad
By David Weedmark
If you want to move your Outlook contacts to your iPad, you have two choices that don't require adding any extra apps on your iPad. If you use iCloud on your PC, you can use that to copy your contacts to iCloud, where they will then be available on your iPad. As of May 2013, Apple gives you 5GB of free storage for iCloud when you register your iPad. Alternatively, if you use iTunes on your PC, you can sync your Outlook contacts to the iPad using iTunes.
Using iCloud
Step 1
Download and install iCloud Control Panel for Windows (see Resources for link). When prompted, use the same Apple ID and password you used to set up your iPad.
Step 2
Launch the iCloud Control Panel on your computer, select "Mail, Contacts, Calendars & Tasks With Outlook," and then click "Apply."
Step 3
Turn on the iPad, tap the "Settings" icon, select "iCloud," and then activate it if you have not yet set it up. Use the same Apple ID you used to set up your iPad.
Step 4
Tap the "Contacts" toggle and turn it on. Press the Home button to return to the Home screen.
Step 5
Launch the "Contacts" app, and then tap "Groups" to see all of your Outlook contact groups. Select or deselect any group on this screen by tapping it. Only selected groups appear in the Contacts app.
Using iTunes
Step 1
Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer. When prompted, enter the same Apple ID and password that you used for the iPad.
Step 2
Connect the iPad to your computer using the iPad's USB cable. Select the iPad in the left iTunes menu, and then click the "Info" tab.
Step 3
Click "Sync Contacts With," and then select "Outlook." You can choose to sync "All Contacts" or "Selected Groups." If you click "Selected Groups," you can click the groups you want to sync with the iPad. To select multiple groups, hold down the "Ctrl" key and click each group.
Step 4
Click "Apply," and then click "Sync" to have your Outlook contacts copied to the iPad.
References
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to iPads running iOS 6.1 and Windows PCs using Outlook 2013. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.
Writer Bio
A published author and professional speaker, David Weedmark has advised businesses and governments on technology, media and marketing for more than 20 years. He has taught computer science at Algonquin College, has started three successful businesses, and has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines throughout Canada and the United States.