How to Add a Contact to Your Phone or Computer

The basic steps differ by device, but the process is similar everywhere

Adding a contact means storing someone's phone number, email address, or other information so you can reach them later without looking it up each time. On a smartphone, you open the Contacts or Phone app, tap a button to create a new contact, type in the person's name and number, and save it. On a computer, you use an email program like Outlook or Gmail, or a dedicated contacts app, and follow the same pattern. The exact buttons and menu names change depending on what device and software you use, but the idea stays the same: find the new contact button, fill in the information, and save.

Most contact apps let you store more than just a name and phone number. You can add email addresses, physical addresses, birthdays, job titles, company names, or notes. Once a contact is saved, you can call, text, or email the person directly from the contact list without typing their information again.

Key Takeaways

On iPhones, open the Contacts app, tap the plus sign, enter the name and phone number, and tap Save.
On Android phones, open the Contacts app, tap the plus sign or "Create contact," enter the details, and tap Save.
On Windows computers, open Outlook or the Contacts app, click New Contact, fill in the name and email, and save.
On Mac computers, open Contacts, click the plus sign, enter the name and information, and press Enter to save.
You can add multiple phone numbers, email addresses, or physical addresses to a single contact.

Adding a contact on an iPhone

Open the Contacts app (the green icon with white silhouettes). Tap the plus sign in the top right corner. Type the person's first name in the First Name field and their last name in the Last Name field. Tap the phone number field and enter their number, including the area code.

If you want to add more information, tap "add phone" to add a second number, or scroll down to find fields for email, address, or notes. When you are finished, tap Save in the top right corner. The contact now appears in your list and you can call or text them by opening Contacts and tapping their name.

Adding a contact on an Android phone

Open the Contacts app (the icon that looks like a person's head and shoulders). Tap the plus sign or the button labeled "Create contact." Enter the person's name in the Name field. Tap the phone number field and type their number with the area code.

To add more details, tap "Add another field" or scroll down to see options for email, address, or notes. When you finish, tap Save. Some Android phones save contacts to your Google account automatically, which means they sync across devices if you sign in with the same account on another phone or computer.

Adding a contact on a Windows computer

If you use Outlook, open it and click the People icon at the bottom left. Click "New Contact" or the plus sign. Type the person's name in the Name field. Click the email field and enter their email address. You can also add a phone number by clicking "Add phone number" and choosing the type (mobile, work, home).

If you do not use Outlook, open the Contacts app (search for "Contacts" in the Windows search bar). Click the plus sign, enter the name and email address, and click Save. Contacts saved in the Contacts app sync with your Microsoft account if you are signed in.

Adding a contact on a Mac computer

Open the Contacts app (look for it in the Applications folder or search for it using Spotlight). Click the plus sign at the bottom left of the window. Type the person's first name and last name in the fields that appear. Click the email field and enter their email address.

To add a phone number, click "add phone" or look for a phone field. You can add multiple numbers by clicking the plus sign next to the phone field. When you finish entering information, press Enter or click outside the contact card to save. The contact appears in your list on the left side of the window.

Adding contacts in Gmail or web-based email

Open Gmail and click the Google Apps menu (the grid of nine dots in the top right corner). Click Contacts. Click "Create contact" or the plus sign. Type the person's name, email address, and phone number in the fields provided. You can add multiple email addresses or phone numbers by clicking "Add another email" or "Add another phone."

When you finish, click Save. The contact appears in your Gmail contacts list and you can use it when composing emails or messages. If you use a different email service like Outlook.com or Yahoo Mail, look for a Contacts or People section in the menu, then follow the same pattern: click New Contact, fill in the name and email, and save.

Adding information beyond name and number

Most contact apps let you store more than just a phone number or email. You can add a physical address, birthday, website, job title, company name, or notes about the person. On a phone, open the contact, tap Edit, and scroll down to see all available fields. On a computer, click the contact and look for an Edit button or option to add more fields.

Adding a birthday means the phone or computer can remind you on that date. Adding a company name or job title helps you remember who the person is if you have not talked to them in a while. Notes are useful for storing information like "prefers email" or "allergic to peanuts" so you remember details the next time you contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a contact without a phone number?

Yes. You can save a contact with just a name and email address, or just a name and physical address. Most apps require at least a name, but the other fields are optional. This is useful for people you email but do not call, or for businesses where you only have a mailing address.

What happens if I add the same person twice by accident?

On most phones and computers, you can merge duplicate contacts. On iPhone, open Contacts, tap Edit, select the duplicate, and look for a Merge option. On Android, open Contacts, tap the contact, tap the menu (three dots), and look for Merge. On computers, right-click the duplicate contact and select Merge if the option appears.

Do contacts sync across my devices?

If you sign in with the same account on multiple devices, contacts usually sync automatically. On iPhone, contacts sync through iCloud if you are signed in with your Apple ID. On Android, contacts sync through your Google account. On Windows and Mac, contacts sync through your Microsoft or Apple account. Check your account settings to make sure syncing is turned on.

Can I import contacts from another phone or computer?

Yes, but the method depends on what devices you are moving from and to. Most phones let you export contacts as a file and then import that file on a new phone. On computers, you can usually export contacts as a CSV file and import them into another program. Check the settings or help section of your contacts app for export and import options.

What if I want to add a contact but do not know their full name?

You can save a contact with just a first name, a nickname, or a business name. Type whatever you use to identify the person. You can edit the contact later if you learn their full name. This is helpful for people you know casually or businesses where you only know the company name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.