iOS 17is full of cutting - edge iPhone features and optimizations , and we ’ve been let the cat out of the bag thelatest firmware ’s praisesfor a while now . Beyond the typical germ repairs and standard improvements , Apple ’s most late iOS floor - up includes a convenient iPhone exclusive calledNameDrop . In just seconds , this iPhone - to - iPhone wireless tech lets iPhone A receive a full contact card from iPhone B , simply by placing the two phones next to each other .

You ’ll also be able to execute this magic by swap one ( or both ) of those iPhones for the Apple Watch Series 7 or newer run watchOS 10.1 . It ’s not a difficult process , but it involves a little iOS know - how , which is where we come in . We ’ve put together this stone’s throw - by - step explainer for using the NameDrop lineament , cross both the iPhone and Apple Watch connectivity method acting .

How to share contacts from an iPhone with iOS 17’s NameDrop feature

NameDrop is one of those features that seems so obvious in retrospect that it take in us question what take Apple so long to get up with it . After all , AirDrophas been around since iOS 7 was released 10 years ago , and it ’s long been possible to use that to partake in contact information manually . NameDrop is only an extension of AirDrop that automates the process .

With NameDrop , you could induct an AirDrop session to apportion your personal contact card simply by harbor your iPhone near somebody else ’s ; as long as they ’re both running iOS 17.1 or subsequently , they ’ll recognize each other and offer to swop contact info . This also operate with an Apple Watch runningwatchOS 10.1or later , although in this face , it ’s confine to Apple Watch models liberate in the last two class — that ’s the Apple Watch Series 7 , second - generation Apple Watch SE , andApple Watch Ultraand fresh models in each of those lineups . Also mention that NameDrop can only be used to partake in young contact information ; it wo n’t update an existing link notice .

NameDrop is very simple to use , but contrary to a bit of fearmongering that ’s been plump around since iOS 17.1 was released , it ’s also very strong . you’re able to only begin a NameDrop session when your iPhone is unbolted , which mean you ’ll have to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID ( or enter your passcode ) before anything happens , and then you still need to confirm that you really need to partake your physical contact data . Nothing is ever sent without your express say-so . Here ’s how it works :

Step 1 : First , ensure that NameDrop and AirDrop proximity share-out are enable by opening the options app , selectingGeneral > AirDrop , and checking thatBringing Devices Togetheris toggled on . This should be on by default .

gradation 2 : carry your iPhone within a few centimetre of someone else ’s iPhone or Apple Watch . After a few seconds , each person ’s contact card should appear in a full - screen view on both twist . If this does n’t hap , substantiate the other mortal also has theBringing Devices Togethersetting enabled .

Step 3 : Below your name , you ’ll see a summary of what selective information will be apportion . By default , this is just your phone identification number , but you could choose to partake in additional fields from your touch record —   such as your e-mail or physical address — by selecting the field you require to include . When you ’re done , tapDone .

Step 4 : When you ’re quick , chooseShareto share your contact information with the other person . instead , you may chooseReceive Onlyif you only need to find the other person ’s liaison card without share your own .

dance step 5 : If you change your mind at any time and resolve you do n’t want to share tangency info , move your iPhone away from the other person ’s iPhone or Apple Watch , pilfer up to hark back to the home screen , or only campaign the side button to lock your twist . Doing any of these things will delete the NameDrop session .

How to share contacts from an Apple Watch with NameDrop

you’re able to also pop a NameDrop session from an Apple Watch Series 7 or later ( include the second - contemporaries Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 ) as long as you have at least watchOS 10.1 installed . However , since your Apple Watch is always unlatched whenever you ’re get into it , using NameDrop from an Apple Watch requires an extra step to prevent it from being triggered unintentionally . Here ’s how to start a NameDrop school term from your wearable :

footprint 1 : Open theContactsapp on your Apple Watch .

footfall 2 : Select your picture in the top - right recession .

Step 3 : ChooseShare .

Step 4 : Place your Apple Watch near another compatible Apple Watch or iPhone , as shown in the on - silver screen illustration .

Step 5 : Wait for NameDrop to appear on both gadget .

stride 6 : ChooseShareto share your touch information with the other somebody orReceive Onlyif you only want to receive the other somebody ’s touch card without sharing your own .

How to share contacts in iOS 17 the old-fashioned way

As cool as NameDrop is , it ’s not the only direction to share striking data . you could still initiate an AirDrop sitting manually , which can be handy if you do n’t want to hold your iPhones near each other or the other person is using an older iPhone that has n’t been ( or ca n’t be ) update to iOS 17 .

While NameDrop is design to deal your own contact data —   the card you ’ve designated as the “ Me ” card in the Contacts app — you could manually partake any striking in your address Word , and choose what fields you require to share when doing so . For model , you might desire to share only a business headphone number and email address without including other information like a street computer address or personal contact info .

you’re able to also portion out inter-group communication information via other channels , such as Messages or Mail . This attach a vCard that can be open directly in the Contacts app on the other somebody ’s iPhone or import into third - company physical contact apps like Microsoft Outlook .

Step 1 : spread the Contacts app on your iPhone . you may also reach the Phone app and select theContactsbutton at the bottom .

Step 2 : YourMy Cardcontact information should be shown at the top . Select this to share your own particular or locate another contact that you want to apportion .

measure 3 : Scroll down to the bottom of the contact screen and chooseShare touch .

footstep 4 : Select the subject you would wish to let in . By default , this includes first and last name and occupation title , plus all phone numbers , electronic mail addresses , and social medium handles . Deselect any items you do n’t desire to share and choose any additional field you ’d like to include . you’re able to also chooseSelect All Fieldsat the bottom if you want to partake in the intact card .

Step 5 : When you ’ve made your extract , chooseDonein the top - correct corner .

footprint 6 : The banner iOS share sheet should appear . Choose a method for sharing , such asAirDrop , Messages , Mailor a third - company app and follow the teaching to send out the contact info .

How to export contacts on an iPhone

Maybe you ’d care to stash away speech sound phone number and email savoir-faire on a flashbulb driveway , external HDD , or another phone in all . Fortunately , you’re able to easy export your iOS contacts , so you ’ll be able-bodied to get at them on other devices . Here ’s how to do so .

Step 1 : found the Contacts app .

whole tone 2 : SelectListsin the top - left corner .

footstep 3 : incur the list you ’d like to export , then press and hold . you’re able to also tapAdd List .

Step 4 : SelectExport , choose the fields you want to include , then tapDone .

Step 5 : Now you just need to choose how you send or keep start the contact circuit card . iOS methods include the Messages and Mail apps .