---
title: "Importing Contacts"
slug: "import-contacts"
updated: 2025-10-02T12:45:25Z
published: 2025-10-02T12:45:25Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Importing Contacts

## Goal​

Import contacts and profile attribute data into a group from a CSV, XML, or text file.

---

## Prerequisites​

1. The group you want to import contacts into already exists.
2. The file must be in CSV, XML, or text format, with a maximum size of 50 MB, and follow the required formatting rules.
3. Each contact must be uniquely identified by one of the following: Contact ID, Email address, Mobile phone number, Mobile app alias. You can also use an external identifier from a CRM system. For instructions, see [Update Contacts with External Identifier](/v1/docs/update-contacts-with-external-identifier).
4. Ensure you have the necessary group and system permissions for the chosen import mode (for example, adding members, inviting new members, editing profile data, or removing members). See [Group Permissions List](/v1/docs/group-permissions).

---

## Background Information

- This procedure is recommended for one-time imports of up to 1 million contacts. To reduce manual effort, automate recurring imports with [System Whiteboards](/v1/docs/system-whiteboards)
- This procedure cannot be used to add system users. To add them, see [Create Mapp Engage System User](/v1/docs/create-mapp-engage-system-user).
- To send notifications or invitations via SMS, make sure the relevant system message is enabled for the SMS channel. For more information, see [System Messages via SMS](/v1/docs/system-messages-via-sms).

---

## Procedure

### Video

Please watch this short video to see how the import process is done.

[Groups & Contact- Loading Contacts Data - Sandra](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1010578745?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479)

### Detailed Steps

1. Go to *Audience > Group Management > Groups*.
2. From the context menu next to the target group, select **Members**.
3. Click **Import**.
4. Click **Choose File** and upload your file.
5. Select the **File Type**. For CSV files, enter a separator in the **Separator** field if you use something other than the default comma.
6. Choose the encoding.
7. Select one of the following import modes:
  - **Add**: Add contacts as members.
  - **Update Current Members**: Update existing members.
  - **Add and Update All**: Add new contacts and update existing ones.
  - **Add and Update (Exclude Current Members)**: Add new contacts only, without modifying current members.
  - **Replace All**: Replace all existing group members with the new list.
  - **Remove from Group**: Remove contacts from the group.
  - **Add Contact (With Notification and Invite)**: Add contacts with a notification or invitation, even if they are already members.
8. (Optional) Apply **Synchronization Qualifiers** to refine the process. Some qualifiers are applied automatically, depending on the selected mode.
9. (Optional) Expand **Advanced Options** and configure as needed:
  - **Time Zone**: Sets the time zone for date attributes, used only if the file’s date values lack a time zone.
  - **Use External Identifier**: Matches contacts by unique ID instead of email or mobile number. Requires the external-identifier import procedure.
  - **Set Read Mode System-wide**: Applies the file’s read mode to all contacts, overwriting per-contact read mode in all groups. Available only with the add modes: "Replace," "Update Members Only," "Add and Update Non-members Only," and "Add and Update All."

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:**
> 
> Mapp Engage requires ISO-8601 date formats (`YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss+/-GMT`). Example: `2012-12-25T15:15:15-05:00`. Deprecated formats are not fully supported.
10. Click **Import** to start the process.

## Related

- [Group Members: Import](/import-contacts-window.md)
- [Quick Reference: Contact Import XML](/quick-reference-contact-import-xml.md)
- [Quick Reference: Contact Import CSV](/quick-reference-contact-import-csv.md)
- [Automate Contact File Import](/automate-contact-file-import.md)