How to Share a Contact on iPhone: 6 Easy Methods (2026)

Need to share your contact details quickly from your iPhone? Whether you're at a networking event, meeting a new client, or just swapping numbers with a friend - sharing contacts on iPhone is faster than you think.

This guide covers every method to share a contact on iPhone, from built-in options to better alternatives that work with any device.

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Quick Answer: How to Share a Contact on iPhone

The fastest way to share a contact on iPhone:

1. Open the Contacts app
2. Select the contact you want to share
3. Scroll down and tap Share Contact
4. Choose how to send it (AirDrop, Messages, Email, etc.)

That's the basics - but keep reading for 6 different methods and which one works best for each situation.

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Method 1: Share via AirDrop (Fastest for iPhone to iPhone)

AirDrop is the quickest way to share contacts between Apple devices. The recipient gets the full contact card instantly.

How to Share a Contact via AirDrop

Step 1: Open the Contacts app and select the contact

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and tap Share Contact

Step 3: Tap AirDrop in the share sheet

Step 4: Select the nearby iPhone or Mac

Step 5: The recipient taps Accept

The contact card transfers immediately with all details intact - name, phone numbers, email addresses, and even the photo.

When to Use AirDrop

• Both people have iPhones (or Macs/iPads)
• You're within 30 feet of each other
• Both have AirDrop turned on

Limitations

• Only works with Apple devices
• Doesn't work with Android users
• Requires AirDrop to be enabled

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Method 2: Share via Messages or WhatsApp

Sharing contacts through messaging apps works with anyone - iPhone or Android.

How to Share a Contact via Messages

Step 1: Open Contacts and select the contact

Step 2: Tap Share Contact

Step 3: Choose Messages from the share sheet

Step 4: Enter the recipient's phone number or select from recent chats

Step 5: Tap Send

The contact is sent as a .vcf file that recipients can tap to save.

Pro Tip: Share via WhatsApp

The same process works with WhatsApp:

1. Tap Share Contact
2. Choose WhatsApp
3. Select the chat or contact
4. Send

This is the best option when you're not sure if someone has an iPhone.

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Method 3: Share via Email

Emailing a contact card is useful for professional networking when you want a written record.

How to Email a Contact Card

Step 1: Open Contacts and select the contact

Step 2: Tap Share Contact

Step 3: Choose Mail

Step 4: The contact attaches as a .vcf file

Step 5: Add a message and tap Send

Best For

• Professional introductions ("Here's my colleague's contact details")
• When you need a record of the share
• Sharing to someone's work email

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Method 4: Share Your Own Contact via NameDrop (iOS 17+)

NameDrop is Apple's newer feature for sharing YOUR contact information with a simple gesture.

How to Use NameDrop

Step 1: Make sure both iPhones are running iOS 17 or later

Step 2: Hold the top of your iPhone near the top of the other iPhone

Step 3: A contact card exchange screen appears

Step 4: Choose to share your contact (or exchange contacts)

Step 5: Tap Done

Setting Up NameDrop

To use NameDrop, you need a personal contact card:

1. Go to Settings > Contacts
2. Tap My Info
3. Select or create your contact card

NameDrop Limitations

• Both phones need iOS 17+
• iPhone XR or newer required
• AirDrop must be on
• Only works for your own contact card

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Method 5: Share a QR Code (Works with Everyone)

QR codes are the most universal way to share contact information. They work with any smartphone - iPhone or Android.

The Problem with iOS Contact QR Codes

Here's the catch: iPhone doesn't have a built-in way to generate a QR code for contacts. You need a third-party solution.

The Best Solution: Digital Business Cards

Instead of fiddling with QR code generators, use a digital business card platform like Parsley.

Why this is better:

How to Share Your Contact via QR Code with Parsley

Step 1: Create a free profile at parsley.id

Step 2: Add your contact information and any extras (social links, photos, calendar booking)

Step 3: Open your profile and tap the QR code icon

Step 4: Show the QR code - anyone can scan it with their camera

Step 5: They get your full digital profile with one tap to save your contact

This works with every smartphone and gives recipients a much richer experience than a basic contact card.

Create your free digital business card →

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Method 6: Copy Contact Info to Clipboard

Sometimes you just need to paste someone's details into a text field.

How to Copy Contact Information

Step 1: Open the contact in your Contacts app

Step 2: Tap and hold on the specific field (phone number, email, etc.)

Step 3: Tap Copy

Step 4: Paste wherever you need it

This is useful for filling out forms or adding details to documents, but it only copies one field at a time.

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Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?

Our recommendation: For professional networking, a digital business card gives recipients more than just contact data - plus you can see when someone views your profile.

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How to Share Multiple Contacts at Once

Need to share several contacts? Here's how:

Method A: Share a Group

1. Open the Contacts app
2. Tap Lists in the top left
3. Tap and hold on a contact list
4. Tap Share
5. All contacts in that group export as one file

Method B: Select Multiple Contacts

1. Open Contacts on a Mac (iCloud synced)
2. Command-click to select multiple contacts
3. Right-click > Export vCard
4. Send the .vcf file via email or messaging

Unfortunately, iPhone doesn't support multi-select natively - you'll need to use a Mac or create a contact group first.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Share Contact" Option Not Showing

If you don't see the Share Contact button:

• Scroll to the very bottom of the contact
• Make sure you're in the Contacts app (not Phone app)
• Check if it's a linked contact from another account

AirDrop Not Working

If AirDrop fails:

1. Turn AirDrop on for both devices: Settings > General > AirDrop
2. Set to "Contacts Only" or "Everyone"
3. Make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are on
4. Try turning Personal Hotspot off

Recipient Can't Open .vcf File

The .vcf (vCard) format works on most devices, but if someone has trouble:

• On Android: Tap the file and select Import
• On iPhone: Tap the attachment to preview, then tap Add to Contacts
• On computer: Double-click opens the default contacts app

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Better Way to Share Your Contact Information

While the built-in iPhone methods work, they have limitations:

• No analytics - You don't know if people actually saved your contact
• Static data - If your details change, you need to reshare
• Basic information - Just contact fields, no rich content

Digital Business Cards Solve This

A digital business card like Parsley gives you:

• One link that always has your current info
• QR code that works with any phone
• Rich profile with photos, links, videos, and more
• Analytics to see who's viewing your card
• Apple Wallet integration for quick access

It's the modern way to network - no more outdated contact cards or "I'll text you my number."

Create your free Parsley profile →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I share my own contact on iPhone?

The fastest way is NameDrop (iOS 17+): hold your iPhone near another iPhone to exchange contacts. Alternatively, go to Contacts > tap your name at the top (My Card) > scroll down > Share Contact.

Can I share an iPhone contact with an Android user?

Yes. Use Messages, WhatsApp, or email to send the contact. The .vcf file works on Android - they just tap it to import. For a better experience, share a digital business card link instead.

How do I share a contact via text message?

Open the contact in the Contacts app, scroll to the bottom, tap Share Contact, then select Messages. Choose the recipient and send. The contact attaches as a .vcf file.

Why can't I see the Share Contact option?

Make sure you're in the Contacts app (not the Phone app) and scroll to the very bottom of the contact card. If it's still missing, the contact might be from a read-only account or synced source that doesn't allow sharing.

What's the best way to share my contact at networking events?

Use a QR code. Create a free digital business card at parsley.id, then show your QR code on screen. Anyone can scan it instantly - no app required, works with iPhone and Android.

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Start Sharing Smarter

The built-in iPhone contact sharing works fine for quick exchanges with friends and family. But for professional networking, a digital business card makes a stronger impression.

1. Create your profile at parsley.id/signup
2. Add your QR code to Apple Wallet for instant access
3. Share with anyone - iPhone, Android, or desktop

No more "let me text you my number." Just one scan and done.

Get your free digital business card →

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Last updated: January 2026