How to share a contact list on iPhone

There are two ways to approach sharing contacts on iPhone: send someone a copy, or give them access to a shared list that continues to receive updates. The right choice depends on whether you need a one-time handoff or ongoing sharing with family, friends, or teammates.

Send a one-time copy with Apple Contacts

For a quick handoff, use the export feature in the iPhone Contacts app. Open Lists, press and hold the list you want to send, and choose Export. Review the included fields, confirm, then send the file through a sharing option such as Messages or Mail.

Apple documents the current steps in its guide to exporting contacts on iPhone. Labels can vary with your iOS version.

An exported file is a snapshot. Sending it does not create an ongoing shared list: later edits are not delivered through that file.

Keep a shared contact list current with CNTC

CNTC is a shared contacts app for iPhone and iPad. Each participant uses their own Apple Account for iCloud. You do not need to share an Apple Account password or create a separate CNTC account.

For example, a family can keep a list of relatives and emergency contacts, while a small team can share selected work contact details.

1. Download CNTC from the App Store on compatible devices. Check the listing for current system requirements.
2. In CNTC, open Lists and tap the plus button. Creating lists requires the one-time Shared List Creator purchase. See creation and purchase details.
3. Name the list, save it, then tap Add Contacts. Select entries from Apple Contacts and tap Review.
4. Choose which fields to share for each person, then tap Add. You can leave private details out. CNTC cannot read or share Contact Notes.
5. Open Manage Sharing and choose Invite Only. Use Invite Someone to give a person View Only or Can Edit access. Compare other sharing options.
6. Have the recipient open the invitation with CNTC installed and continue with their own iCloud Apple Account. Get help joining a list.

Joining, viewing, and editing a list shared with you is free. There is no subscription. Shared-list changes synchronize through iCloud; an internet connection and available iCloud services are needed, and updates may take time.

Where do the shared contacts appear?

The ongoing shared list lives inside CNTC. Participants can view shared details there and import selected contacts into Apple Contacts when needed.

Imported Apple Contacts entries are separate copies. Later changes in the shared list do not automatically update those copies. Learn how importing works.

Which option should you choose?

Use Apple Contacts export when someone needs a copy once. Use CNTC when people with separate Apple Accounts need continued access to a selected list, with control over shared fields and editing permissions.