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How to Import Skype Contacts to Outlook? Two Techniques

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Published By Mohit Jha
Tej Pratap Shukla
Approved By Tej Pratap Shukla
Published On November 20th, 2024
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Summary If you want to import Skype contacts to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, etc., it can be extremely daunting at first. In this blog, we will explain to you different methods to import contacts from Skype to Outlook.

Skype, an online calling application built by Microsoft, enables its registered users to communicate through calls and messages. Skype has strengthened its reputation in the virtual world, hence attracting worldwide business owners dealing with this application.

User Query

I have been using Skype contacts list for all of my business meetings. With time, my list of contacts grew to more than five hundred. Now, I need to transfer this list in MS Outlook but cannot figure out a method. How can I export bulk Skype for business contacts in Outlook with minimal time or effort?

Are you facing the same issue? If yes, then read this post thoroughly to effectively complete this job.

Reason to Add Skype Contacts to Outlook

Moving your Skype contact list to Outlook can bring many benefits, especially in terms of convenience and efficient communication.

  • Better integration: Outlook and Skype are part of the MS ecosystem. Adding a contact file offers better integration between the two platforms, like the ability to see if a contact is available for a Skype call right in Outlook.
  • Organize your contacts: By transferring your skype online contacts to Outlook, you can organize your contacts by category, helping you manage your personal and professional relationships more efficiently.
  • Communicate Ease: With your Skype contact list in Outlook, you can initiate calls and send messages directly from Outlook, which is much easier than switching between different applications.

How to Import Skype Contacts to Outlook?

The best way to achieve this task is to export the Skype contacts list into vCard (VCF) format. VCF is a virtual business card file that can be easily shared over various platforms. You need to grab a copy of the contact list information from your current account in the.vcf file before you make a switch.

How to Create a VCF File from Skype?

  • Launch Skype and sign in to your account.
  • Click on “Contacts” and choose “Advanced.”

Skype contacts

  • Now, selectBackup contacts to File.”

import skype contacts to Outlook

  • When the window appears for saving the.vcf file, provide a location on your computer system.

Import Skype Contacts to Outlook Using Alternative Solution 

You have successfully created a vCard file out of the Skype online contacts. But how will you export them into your MS Outlook account? It’s pretty obvious that you must be having multiple contacts. MS Outlook does not provide you the convenience of importing multiple vCard files at a time.  now, transferring hundreds (or thousands) of contacts manually isn’t the smartest choice, and neither is it practical. So to overcome such a problem, you can use the PCVITA vCard to Outlook Importer Tool.

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With this utility, you can also import iCloud contacts to Outlook securely. Which is a savior in such situations? First, you need to convert the data files into PST format and then import them.

Steps to Import Skype Contacts (VCF format) into Outlook

  • Download & install VCF Import tool 
  • click on Add File or Add Folder to load vCard files in the software
  • VCF files are loaded successfully. Preview the contacts along with all details.
  • Select the export type option: New PST File, Existing MS Outlook PST File, MS Outlook Profile.
  • Hit the Export button, and the process will begin.
  • After this, you simply have to import the resultant PST in Outlook.
  • Next, start the MS Outlook and select the menu or select the Open Outlook Data File option.

add Skype contacts to Outlook

Done! You have successfully transferred contacts from Skype to Outlook. Follow the above guidelines to successfully execute the task.

Manual Method to Add Skype contacts to Outlook

To manually import Skype contacts to Outlook, first export Skype contacts list to VCF format and then transfer the VCF file into Outlook. follow the steps below.

Step 1: Export Skype Contacts

  • Start the Skype application and sign into your account.
  • Choose the Contacts tab.
  • Skype for Windows desktop: Go to Settings > Messaging > Scroll down to Export contacts.
  • On Skype for web or later, this feature may not be available out of the box. You may need to manually transfer or copy your contacts to a file like VCF or CSV or use the Skype data export feature on the Skype website.
  • Click the Export Skype data page, sign in, and request an export of your contact information.
  • If Skype gives you the option to download your contacts, make sure they are in CSV or VCF (vCard) format. Save this file to your computer.

If you have a vCard or VCF file, you can transfer it directly into Outlook.

Step 2: Import VCF file to Outlook

If the exported contacts are in vCard (.vcf) format, locate the file.

  • Launch your Outlook and go to Contacts view.
  • Easily drag and drop the VCF file into the contacts section of Microsoft Outlook. This will add the contacts directly to your Outlook address book.
  • Check your contact list to make sure your Skype online contacts have been imported correctly.

Follow the steps above and you will be able to manually import contacts from Skype to Outlook.

Limitations

  • No direct sync: Skype contacts list cannot be imported directly into Outlook without using a third-party tool or Outlook.com sync.
  • Limited columns: Skype online contacts information (such as presence or chat history) is not transferred.
  • Manual export: Contacts must be exported from Skype and manually added to Outlook.
  • Group chats not imported: Group chat details and settings are not saved.

Conclusion

This article will show you how to add Skype contacts to Outlook. There are two options for this migration: manual and automatic. However, if you have hundreds or thousands of contacts, the best way is to use an automatic tool. Of course, it can import Skype contacts to Outlook in minutes. Besides, it is supported with all versions of Microsoft Outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this software allow me to import all files in a single attempt?

Yes, with the help of the recommended software, users can easily import all Skype for business contacts in Outlook in one attempt.

Q: Can I Import contacts from Skype to Outlook 2016 using this software?

Yes, MS Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and other below versions are all compatible with this tool.

Q: Do I need to install Outlook on my system for this software to work?

You will need to install it only if you are importing files in an MS Outlook profile. In case you are importing them to an existing PST or a new PST file, Outlook installation is not necessary.

  author

By Mohit Jha

Mohit is a Microsoft-certified expert who has assisted thousands of clients with Outlook & Microsoft Office 365 issues. He enjoys writing on email clients as well as data migration. He is always excited about giving troubled readers the most up-to-date knowledge, explanation, and refinements.