Please suggest Mac app to fix iCloud + Google contacts

[rjalex]

Dear friends,
in the course of the years I switched from Android to Apple but for quite a while my reference contacts db has been on Google.

I therefore used the Contacts+ Mac app synced with Google to keep the contacts aligned.

When I bought the iPhone without much thinking I started using the built in Contacts app from the phone and then also on the Mac and now I realised that I have TWO SUBTLY different sets of contacts for a total of around 1200-1300 contacts. One managed by Contacts+ on Google and the other on iCloud managed with the native Contacts app.

Now I'd really need to fix this mess by bringing in everything together but with powerful MERGE/DEDUPLICATE capabilities.

The native Contacts app does not seem to be too smart for finding and fixing duplicates.

Is there a Mac app that can connect to both Google and iCloud and also help me merge all of this mess in a smart way?

Thank you

 

[BrianBaughn]

First, you need to pick one or the other…iCloud or Google…with the goal that all your contacts will be at that service…and, in the end, turn the other service off and any other contact accounts you may have syncing.

I suggest you use the Mac, syncing to both contact accounts, to copy all the contacts from the iCloud account to the Google account. Then head to the Google Contacts website and use the "Merge & fix" link on the left to review each merge suggestion.

Once the contact list is correct at Google you can either turn off the iCloud contacts syncing everywhere…or, on the Mac…delete all the current iCloud contacts, copy all the fixed contacts from the Google account to iCloud, and then turn off Google contact syncing everywhere.

 

[velocityg4]

While I would make use of the Google Contacts online merge function.

I'd also say first export your iCloud and Google Contacts. Not just add them to the contacts app. Moving them over with the app.

You want that hard copy of each database in CSV or VCARD. That way if everything goes fubar. You can reset and start over where you were.

I prefer Google to hold my contacts. As it is compatible with a wider range of software.

Once everything is set right. Go through the settings on your Phone, Mac, &c. Only have contact syncing on for your Google Account. Turn it off for iCloud and any other service. Always pay attention when adding an account to any device. Which sync is turned on.

You may also want to visit your calendar, notes, &c. To make sure they are only with the account/s you want.

 

[posguy99]

You want that hard copy of each database in CSV or VCARD. That way if everything goes fubar. You can reset and start over where you were.

You want to be backing up your contacts anyway, not just in this instance.

 

[marmor7]

Hey, Mor from Contacts+ here.

Why not simply connect your iCloud account to Contacts+ at: https://app.contactsplus.com/settings ?
The main use-case for Contacts+ is to sync your contacts across different ecosystems - Google, iCloud, Outlook.

Also, we have deduplication capabilities and much more, check them out at: https://app.contactsplus.com/activity/duplicates

If you're running into any issues, contacts us at support@...

 

[rjalex]

Hi Mor, tried Contacts+ and find it very nice but I'm unemployed right now and am looking for something free (have over 1000 contacts).
Thank you all for your kind suggestions.

 

[mw4w*mD*PEdTg]

Don’t use contacts+ guys.. I’ve paid for a full year and it currently generates hundreds of messed up accounts when trying to sync between iPhone and google. I’ve written three messages to their support team and they have only responded to one. Maybe it would be worth it once they’ve fixed their software. I’ve attached what you could expect to see in your iPhone contacts if you use this software.

** Edit: The Contacts+ guys worked with me to identify the problem. It actually wasn't a Contacts+ issue per se, it was that "Save Contacts" in the OS options of Outlook on accounts kept generating garbage. By turning off "Save Contacts" in Outlook, things started working well again. I wish it were easier to figure out that Outlook "Save Contacts" was the culprit-- hopefully this messages helps the next person who runs into the problem. So, okay, Contacts+ is great. Mea culpa.

 

[posguy99]

When I abandoned iCloud for my PIM data in favor of Fastmail, I used BusyContacts to clean mine up. Still use it occasionally.