> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.cloudtalk.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import Contacts from a CSV File

> Bring your contact list into CloudTalk with a CSV file. Start here to find the right guide.

<Note>
  Add hundreds or thousands of contacts to CloudTalk at once by uploading a CSV file. Start here to find the right guide.
</Note>

**User level:** Admin

***

Importing a CSV file is the quickest way to bring an existing contact list into CloudTalk, for example from a spreadsheet, an old phone system, or an event signup list. Once imported, your contacts are ready to call, text, tag, and use in dialer campaigns.

<h2 id="how-it-works">
  How it works
</h2>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare your file">
    Download the CSV template from **Contacts > List > Import Contacts in Bulk** and fill it in. Every contact needs a **name** and a **phone** or **email**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload it">
    Upload the file in **Contacts > List > Import Contacts in Bulk** and add a tag, so you can find these contacts later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the results">
    Follow the import in **Contacts > Imported files**. If some rows fail, you'll see why, and you can fix and re-upload just those rows.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="How to Import Contacts to CloudTalk from a File" icon="file-csv" href="/en/articles/3422012-how-to-import-contacts-to-cloudtalk-from-a-file">
  The full guide: file requirements, every supported column, and how to fix failed rows.
</Card>

<h2 id="before-you-import">
  Before you import
</h2>

* **File size:** up to 8 MB (about 80,000 contacts).
* **Format:** `.csv`, with column names in lowercase, as in the template.
* **Phone numbers:** numbers without a country code get your account's **default country code**. Check it's set correctly before you import.
* **Extra fields:** to import custom columns, first create them as [custom attributes](/en/articles/2144934-custom-attributes).

<h2 id="other-ways-to-add-contacts">
  Other ways to add contacts
</h2>

CSV import is a one-time upload. To keep contacts in sync automatically, connect your CRM or use the CloudTalk API instead. See [How to Import Contacts into CloudTalk](/en/articles/2145547-how-to-import-contacts-into-cloudtalk) for all options.

<h2 id="after-the-import">
  After the import
</h2>

* [Managing Contacts](/en/articles/7056354-managing-contacts)
* [Contact Tags](/en/articles/5440393-contact-tags)
* [Contact Merging](/en/articles/5639498-contact-merging)

<h2 id="troubleshooting">
  Troubleshooting
</h2>

* [CSV Import Stuck](/en/articles/12958920-csv-import-stuck): the import stays in Processing
* [Upload of CSV File Fails](/en/articles/12930295-upload-of-csv-file-fails): the file won't upload or the import doesn't start
* [Duplicate Contacts Behave Unexpectedly](/en/articles/12929922-duplicate-contacts-behave-unexpectedly)

***

*Need help or have a question?* Just reach out through our [Support portal](https://support.cloudtalk.io/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=26305535257884). We're here for you.


## Related topics

- [How to Import Contacts to CloudTalk from a File](/en/articles/3422012-how-to-import-contacts-to-cloudtalk-from-a-file.md)
- [CSV Import Stuck](/en/articles/12958920-csv-import-stuck.md)
- [Upload of CSV File Fails](/en/articles/12930295-upload-of-csv-file-fails.md)


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