# How to import contacts

# How do I import contacts?

This article guides you through **bulk-importing your customer directory** into Flownally using a CSV file. Learn how to use the import wizard, map fields, and resolve formatting errors to quickly launch outreach campaigns.

### In this article, you will learn how to

- **Initiate the bulk import wizard**.
- Map your CSV columns to Flownally’s default and custom fields.
- Recognize and resolve common data mapping and formatting issues.

## Before you start

Before importing contacts, make sure you have:
- A cleanly formatted **CSV (.csv) file** containing your contact information
- **Matching custom fields pre-configured in your Flownally workspace settings** if you are importing unique data points.

## How to import contacts

1. Log in to your Flownally workspace.
2. Go to the **Contacts** tab.
3. Click on the **arrow** next to the + Add contact button.
4. Click on the **Import from CSV**.
5. Choose a **CSV file** to import and click **Next**.
6. **Assign fields** from Flownally **to the columns** from your CSV file and click **Next**.
7. Review the mapping and click on **Start import** to import the contacts.

## What happens after importing contacts?

After contacts are imported, your customer list will instantly populate your Flownally **contacts** with all mapped default and custom fields. Your team can immediately search for these profiles, organize them into segments, and launch bulk outreach campaigns without any manual data entry.

## Troubleshooting

### Upload rejected

The platform shows an error message or rejects the file immediately after you select it. This happens because the file is saved in an unsupported format instead of a true CSV file. You must save your file explicitly as a CSV in your spreadsheet software before trying the upload again.

### Missing or unmappable columns

Certain columns from your file do not appear as options during the field assignment step. This happens because the corresponding custom fields have not been created in your workspace settings yet. You must pause the import and [create the missing custom fields](/settings/custom-data/create-field)before restarting the wizard.

### Partial import or skipped contacts

The import completes successfully but the final count shows that several contacts were skipped. This happens because the skipped rows are missing mandatory names or contain badly formatted phone numbers. You must fix these missing details and country codes in your spreadsheet before re-uploading the remaining rows.

## Related articles

- [How to add a contact](/contacts/add-contact)
- [How to change customer data](/contacts/customer-data)
- [How to archive a contact](/contacts/archive-contact)
- [How to create a new custom field](/settings/custom-data/create-field)