This guide will show you how to add a new contact to an Android phone or tablet using three easy methods.

Before you start: Ensure you have the Google Contacts app installed from the Google Play Store. If you plan to use Method 2, you will need a physical SIM card; eSIM users cannot import contacts this way.
Warning: Saving contacts directly to your device or SIM card makes them difficult to sync and recover if you lose your phone. We recommend saving contacts to your Google account for automatic backup.

How to add a new contact to an Android device

Follow these steps to create and save a new contact using the Google Contacts app.

  • Open the Contacts app. Look for the outline of a person’s head and shoulders on a blue or green background.
  • Tap the + button, usually located at the bottom right or top right of the screen.
  • Select a location to save the contact. You can choose Device, SIM card, or your Google account.
  • Enter the contact’s Name and Phone number in the labeled fields.
  • Tap the camera icon to add a photo from your gallery.
  • Tap More fields to add an email address, street address, or notes.
  • Tap Save (or the check mark) in the top right corner to finalize the new contact.

How to import contacts from a SIM card

Use these steps to transfer existing contacts stored on a physical SIM card to your Google account.

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  • Insert a physical SIM card into your Android device.
  • Open the Contacts app.
  • Tap Organize in the bottom right corner (it looks like a book with a bookmark).
  • Tap Manage SIM under the “This device” header.
  • Use the drop-down menu next to “Save to” to select the Google account where you want to save the contacts.
  • Tap to select the contacts you wish to import.
  • Tap Import to move the contacts from the SIM card to your Google Contacts.

How to add a contact from the Phone dialer

Follow these instructions to save a number immediately after looking it up or from your recent calls list.

  • Open the Phone app (the phone receiver icon).
  • Tap the dial pad icon (usually 9 small squares) to open the keypad.
  • Type the phone number you wish to save.
  • Tap Create new contact below the keypad.
  • Check your operating system or phone model:
    • If prompted: Choose where to save the contact (Device, SIM, or Google account).
    • If adding to an existing contact: Select Add to an existing contact instead and choose the person from your list.
  • Enter the Name and any other details like email or address.
  • Tap Save to finish.
  • Alternative: Open the Recents tab, tap a caller’s icon or number, and select Add to Contacts.
Pro tip: Always choose to save new contacts to your Google account rather than just the device. This ensures your contacts are backed up automatically and will sync to any new phone you log into.

Properly managing your contacts is essential for staying connected in a digital world. By saving contacts to your Google account, you ensure that your important numbers are safe even if you lose or break your phone. This method also allows for seamless syncing across all your devices.

Using the Google Contacts app provides a universal interface that works consistently across different Android manufacturers. Whether you are switching from a Samsung to a Pixel or vice versa, having your contacts in the cloud makes the transition smooth and hassle-free. Additionally, the ability to import from a SIM card is a great way to preserve old contacts when upgrading devices.