The fastest way depends on what device you're using

Adding a contact takes different steps on a phone versus a computer, and the steps vary slightly between iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. The core idea is the same everywhere: you open your contacts app, create a new entry, type in a name and phone number or email, and save it. Most devices let you add a contact in under a minute once you know where to look.

This guide walks through the most common devices. If you're using something else — a tablet, a work phone, or an older model — the steps are usually similar enough that you can follow along and adapt as needed.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, open Contacts, tap the plus sign, fill in the name and number, and tap Save.
  • On Android, open Contacts, tap the plus sign or Create Contact button, enter the information, and tap Save.
  • On Windows, open People, click the plus sign, type the name and contact details, and click Save.
  • You can add a contact from a text message, email, or phone call without opening the contacts app separately.
  • Most devices let you add a photo, multiple phone numbers, and email addresses to a single contact.

Adding a contact on iPhone

Open the Contacts app — it's usually on your home screen or in the Utilities folder. Tap the plus sign in the top right corner. A blank contact form will appear.

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. If you want to add an email address, scroll down and tap Add Email, then type it in. When you're done, tap Save in the top right corner.

If you want to add a photo, tap Add Photo before you save. You can take a new photo or choose one from your camera roll. You can also add multiple phone numbers — tap Add Phone Number to add a second one, and label each one (like "Mobile" or "Work") by tapping the label field.

Adding a contact on Android

Open the Contacts app. Look for a plus sign or a button labeled Create Contact — the exact location depends on your phone's manufacturer, but it's usually at the bottom of the screen or in the top right corner. Tap it.

A new contact form will open. Type the person's name in the Name field. Tap the phone number field and enter their number. If you want to add an email, scroll down and tap Add Email. When you're finished, tap Save.

Like iPhone, you can add a photo by tapping Add Photo, and you can add multiple phone numbers or email addresses by tapping Add Phone Number or Add Email again. You can also label each number — tap the label field next to the phone number to choose options like Mobile, Work, or Home.

Adding a contact on Windows

Open the People app — search for it in the Start menu if you don't see it on your taskbar. Click the plus sign in the top left corner. A new contact form will appear.

Type the person's name in the Name field. Click the phone number field and enter their number. If you want to add an email address, click Add Email and type it in. When you're done, click Save.

You can add a photo by clicking Add Photo, and you can add multiple phone numbers or email addresses by clicking Add Phone Number or Add Email. Windows will also let you add a home address, birthday, and notes if you want to store more information.

Adding a contact on Mac

Open the Contacts app — it's usually in your Applications folder or Dock. Click File in the menu bar and select New Contact, or press Command+N. A blank contact card will appear.

Type the person's first name in the First Name field and their last name in the Last Name field. Click the phone number field and enter their number. To add an email, click Add Email and type it in. When you're finished, close the contact card — your Mac will save it automatically.

You can add a photo by clicking the photo placeholder at the top of the card. You can also add multiple phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, and other details by clicking the plus sign next to each field.

Adding a contact from a text, email, or call

You don't always have to open your contacts app. On most phones, if someone texts you or calls you, you can add them to your contacts right from that conversation. On iPhone, open the message or call log, tap the person's number, and tap Create New Contact. On Android, open the message, tap the person's name or number at the top, and tap Add to Contacts.

On a computer, if someone emails you, you can usually right-click their email address and select Add to Contacts or a similar option. The exact wording depends on your email provider and operating system.

What to do if you can't find the contacts app

On iPhone, Contacts is usually on your home screen. If you've deleted it, you can download it again from the App Store — search for Contacts and look for the app with the gray icon and a person's silhouette.

On Android, the app might be called Contacts, People, or Phonebook depending on your phone's manufacturer. Search for it in your app drawer or use the search function on your home screen. If it's not there, you may need to download it from the Google Play Store.

On Windows, search for "People" in the Start menu. On Mac, Contacts is in the Applications folder — open Finder, click Applications in the sidebar, and look for Contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a contact without a phone number?

Yes. You can add just a name and email address, or just a name and home address. Most devices will save the contact even if you only fill in the name field, though it's more useful if you include at least one way to reach them.

How do I edit a contact after I've saved it?

Open your contacts app, find the person's name, and tap or click on it. Look for an Edit button or pencil icon. Make your changes and save. On Mac, you can usually just click on a contact and start typing to edit it directly.

Can I add the same person with multiple phone numbers?

Yes. Add them as one contact and tap or click Add Phone Number multiple times. Label each number so you remember which is which — for example, "Mobile" and "Work".

What happens if I add a contact on my phone — will it show up on my computer?

Only if your phone and computer are synced to the same account. On iPhone, contacts sync through iCloud if you're signed in with the same Apple ID. On Android, they sync through your Google account. On Windows and Mac, they sync if you're using the same Microsoft or Apple account.

Can I import contacts from another phone or service?

Yes, but the steps vary. Most phones let you import contacts from a SIM card, a backup file, or another account. Look in your contacts app settings for an Import option, or search your device's help documentation for "import contacts" along with your phone model.