Skip to main content

Importing and Exporting Contacts Using a CSV File

Kyrios allows admins to import and export contacts using a single CSV file, supporting bulk creation, updates, de-duplication, and progress tracking via Bulk Actions.

Updated over 3 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

Use this guide if you need to bulk add, update, or export contacts using a CSV file, especially when migrating data, cleaning records, or creating backups.

Permission note: Only Admin users can import contacts.

Use this Sample File importing or updating contacts.


What Import and Export Supports

  • Bulk contact creation and updates

  • Automatic de-duplication based on account settings

  • Multiple emails and phone numbers per contact

  • Real-time progress tracking and error logs

  • CSV export with optional filters


File Requirements for Contact Imports

Supported File Type

  • .csv only

File Limits

  • Single sheet only

  • Maximum size: 30 MB

Header Requirements

  • Must include a header row

  • Headers must map to standard or existing custom fields

  • Custom fields must be created before importing


Mandatory Fields

For Creating New Contacts

At least one of the following:

  • Contact Name

  • Email

  • Phone

For Updating Existing Contacts

At least one, based on your de-duplication settings:

  • Contact ID

  • Email

  • Phone

  • Contact Name

Updates to existing contacts cannot be reverted.


Import Options Explained

When uploading a CSV, choose one:

  • Create Contacts – Adds new contacts only

  • Update Contacts – Updates existing contacts only

  • Create and Update Contacts – Adds new contacts and updates matches

If a Contact ID is present, Kyrios updates the existing record.


How to Import Contacts from a CSV

Step 1: Open the Import Tool

  1. Go to Contacts.

  2. Click Import (top-right).

  1. Select Contacts.

  2. Click Next.


Step 2: Upload Your CSV

  1. Upload your .csv file.

  2. Choose how contacts should be handled (create, update, or both).

  3. Click Next.


Step 3: Map CSV Columns to Fields

  1. Match each CSV column to the correct contact field.

  2. Leave columns unmapped if you do not want to import them.

  3. Optional: Enable Don’t update empty values to preserve existing data.

All required fields must be mapped to continue.


Step 4: Verify and Start Import

  1. Review mappings and preferences.

  2. Optional actions:

    • Create a smart list for imported contacts

    • Add tags

    • Add contacts to a workflow

  3. Confirm consent checkbox.

  4. Click Start Bulk Import.


Step 5: Monitor Import Progress

  • Go to Bulk Actions

  • View status, completion time, and error logs

  • Download error files if needed


Supported Field Formatting

Dates

Supported formats include:

  • mm/dd/yyyy

  • yyyy/mm/dd

  • mm-dd-yyyy

  • yyyy-mm-dd
    (Multiple formats accepted; consistency recommended)

Phone Numbers

  • Preferred: E.164 (+11234567890)

  • US formats like (123) 456-7890 are accepted

Emails

Multi-Value Fields

Use comma, semicolon, or period for:

  • Tags

  • Checkboxes

  • Multi-select fields

  • Additional emails or phone numbers

Special Fields

  • Contact Owner / Followers: FirstName LastName

  • Additional Emails: separate column

  • Additional Phones: separate column


Common Import Errors and Fixes

Missing Required Fields

Fix: Ensure required fields are included based on create/update mode.

Duplicate Email or Phone

Fix: Review Settings → Business Profile → Allow Duplicate Contacts.

Invalid Contact ID

Fix: Confirm the Contact ID exists in the current sub-account.

Invalid Phone Format

Fix: Use E.164 or valid regional formats.

Invalid Date Format

Fix: Convert dates to a supported format before re-uploading.

Invalid Email Format

Fix: Correct malformed addresses (e.g., missing @ or domain).


How to Export Contacts to CSV

Step 1: Select Contacts

  1. Go to Contacts.

  2. Select one or more contacts, or click Select All.

Step 2: Export

  1. Click Export in the top action bar.

  2. Confirm export.


Export Behavior and Tracking

  • Exports run asynchronously

  • You’ll receive a notification when ready

  • Files remain available for 30 days

  • Progress is tracked under Bulk Actions


Best Practices

  • Clean your CSV before importing

  • Create custom fields in advance

  • Test with a small sample file first

  • Always review field mapping

  • Use smart lists to track imported contacts


FAQs

What file format is required?
CSV only.

Can I import all contacts at once?
Yes. Bulk import supports large contact lists.

Can I undo an import?
Only new contact imports can be reverted.

Can I update existing contacts?
Yes, using Contact ID, email, phone, or name.

Can I filter contacts during export?
Yes. Filters can be applied before exporting.

Who can import contacts?
Only Admin users.

Did this answer your question?