Export Google Contacts before changing accounts so you have a separate copy of the entries you need. An export is a snapshot, not a continuing sync or an automatic transfer of every organizational directory record.
Select the account and contact scope
Open Google Contacts on a computer and confirm the full address. Select one contact, several contacts, or the intended label or full personal list using the available selection controls.
Google notes restrictions for work or school directory contacts: you cannot treat the organizational directory as an unrestricted personal list to select and export. Follow your organization’s rules before taking any business contacts to another account.
Choose an appropriate format
Use the Export control or More actions, Export, depending on the current interface. Google CSV is the documented choice for moving Google contacts into another Google Account. Choose another offered CSV or vCard format only when it matches the destination’s import requirements.
Save the export in a secure location you can identify later. Contact files can contain phone numbers, home addresses, notes, and other personal information, not just email addresses. Avoid public share links or unapproved transfer sites.
Verify the backup before switching
Inspect a copy of the file and confirm that representative entries and multiple fields are present. Preserve the untouched export; opening and resaving a CSV in a spreadsheet can change number formatting or text encoding.
When importing elsewhere, sign in to the destination deliberately and test a small set first. Do not remove the original account or contacts until the destination is verified. Exporting does not transfer mailbox messages, Google Group membership, or account permissions. If your reason for exporting is an upcoming Undo changes operation, remember that a rollback can remove newer contacts from the current view; the fresh export preserves those additions for a carefully planned later import.
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References
Reviewed against the linked product guidance, standards, and identified vendor or public-authority guidance on October 29, 2026. Available options and screen labels can vary by account, device, region, and organization policy.