Practical guide
How to sync iPhone contacts with Google
There are two ways to do it. The built-in iOS setting shows your Google contacts on your iPhone, but only a dedicated app keeps both sides identical, both ways. Here's each, step by step.
Method 1 — Add your Google account in iOS Settings (one-way)
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Contacts → Accounts → Add Account.
- Choose Google and sign in.
- Toggle Contacts on for that account.
Your Google contacts now appear on the iPhone. The catch: contacts you create in the iPhone's own (iCloud/On My iPhone) account are not copied back to Google, duplicates aren't merged, and edits don't always flow both ways.
Method 2 — Sync Contacts for Google (free, two-way, automatic)
For a single, identical address book on both your iPhone and your Google account, use Sync Contacts for Google. It syncs both ways, automatically, in the background — and it runs entirely on your device.
- Install Sync Contacts for Google from the App Store.
- Tap Sign in with Google and grant contacts access.
- Review the first-sync preview, then tap Sync. Done — it keeps both sides in sync from then on.
Which one should you use?
| iOS Settings | Sync Contacts for Google | |
|---|---|---|
| Google contacts on iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone contacts back to Google | No | Yes |
| Two-way edits & deletions | Partial | Yes |
| Merges duplicates | No | Yes |
| Automatic background sync | Limited | Yes |
| Price | Free | Free |
FAQ
Does adding a Google account in iOS Settings sync both ways?
Not fully — it shows Google contacts on the iPhone, but iPhone-created contacts aren't copied back to Google and duplicates aren't merged. Use a dedicated app for true two-way sync.
Is there a free way to two-way sync iPhone and Google contacts?
Yes — Sync Contacts for Google is free, with no ads, subscription or contact limits.
Is it private?
Yes. All syncing happens on your device; your contacts and Google sign-in never touch any server.