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Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade

Exporting contacts made easy: select desired contacts, customize columns, and download a .csv file for seamless transfers or other uses. No hassle, just quick and efficient contact management.

4 min read979 words11 explained imagesUpdated Wed, 24 Dec, 2025 at 5:59 AM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Contacts Export Upgrade
  2. Why Export Contacts
  3. Prerequisites and Limitations
  4. How to Export Contacts as a CSV
  5. Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page
  6. Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export
  7. Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional)
  8. Step 4: Export Contacts
  9. Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions
  10. Frequently Asked Questions
  11. Related Articles

Exporting contacts from GHL Customer Care is a simple process that allows you to download and store customer information for various purposes. Whether you need to back up your contact list, migrate data to another CRM, or analyze customer details, exporting to a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file makes it easy. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, explain key export settings, and answer common questions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Export Contacts as CSV Upgrade?

The Contacts Export Upgrade replaces the old, browser-based export with a scalable backend service. Instead of waiting for a CSV to download in the foreground, your export job is queued on GHL Customer Care’s servers, processed in parallel, and tracked in real time from the Bulk Actions dashboard. Once complete, a ready-to-download file appears in Bulk Actions and remains available for 30 days.

Key Benefits of Contacts Export Upgrade

  • Work Uninterrupted: Exports run asynchronously—no UI blocking.
  • Scales to Big Data: Far fewer failures on multi-million-row datasets.
  • Real-time Visibility: Track progress on the Bulk Actions page.
  • Hands-free Alerts: Get notified when files are ready—no manual checks.
  • Built-in Retention: 30-day cloud storage protects against accidental loss.
  • Controlled Access: Admin-only downloads support security and compliance.

Why Export Contacts

The Export Contacts feature lets users download their GHL Customer Care contacts into a CSV file. The exported file contains important details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, tags, and custom fields (if selected). Some more reasons/use cases are as follows:

  • CRM Migration – Moving contacts to a different CRM platform.
  • Marketing & Outreach – Creating lists for email or SMS campaigns.
  • Data Backup & Security – Storing an offline copy of your contacts.
  • Team Collaboration – Sharing lists with colleagues or business partners.
  • Analytics & Reporting – Using data to generate insights.

Prerequisites and Limitations

  • The file will be in CSV format and can be opened in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet software.
  • Some data, such as notes exceeding 255 characters, may be truncated.
  • Exports do not include automation history (e.g., past emails, and SMS logs).
  • Only Admin Users Can Export Contacts. If you do not see the export option, check your user role permissions or contact an admin.

How to Export Contacts as a CSV

Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page

  1. Navigate to Contacts from your sub-account.
  2. Click on Smart Lists.
Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page (image 1 of 11) What this shows Navigate to Contacts from your sub-account. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Navigate to the Contacts Page" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". The text alongside this image reads: Navigate to Contacts from your sub-account. Click on Smart Lists. Immediately after, the guide continues: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts. Image 1 of 11 Where to goNavigate to Contacts from your sub-account. Click on Smart Lists.
Buttons and menus referenced ContactsSmartLists
Next stepUse the Advance Filters to refine your selection. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. Navigate to Contacts from your sub-account.
  2. Click on Smart Lists.

Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export

  1. Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection.
    Step 1 of 3: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection What this shows Step 1 of 3: Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 1 of 3 in the "Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 3 in the "Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you use the Advance Filters to refine your selection. The next step is to check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export. Step 1 of 3Image 2 of 11 What this coversUse the Advance Filters to refine your selection.
    Buttons and menus referenced Advance Filtersboxesall contactsSelect All Contacts.
    Next stepCheck the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.
    All 3 steps in this procedure
    1. Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection. this image
    2. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.
    3. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.
  2. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.
  3. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.
    Step 3 of 3: To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields… What this shows Step 3 of 3: To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 3 in the "Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "Step 2: Selecting Contacts for Export" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you to export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts. Step 3 of 3Image 3 of 11 What to chooseTo export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts.
    Buttons and menus referenced all contactsSelect All Contacts.Advance Filtersboxes
    All 3 steps in this procedure
    1. Use the Advance Filters to refine your selection.
    2. Check the boxes next to the contacts you want to export.
    3. To export all contacts, click on the checkbox beside the filter fields (on the left) and click on Select All Contacts. this image

Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional)

Note: The CSV file will only contain the columns that are currently visible in the Contacts table. If a field is missing in your exported data, go back and check the column settings before exporting again.
  1. Click on the Manage Fields button.
  2. Check or Uncheck boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export.
  3. Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the Exported CSV file.
Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional) (image 4 of 11) What this shows Click on the Manage Fields button. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional)" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot appears in the "Step 3: Customize Fields (Optional)" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". The text alongside this image reads: Click on the Manage Fields button. Check or Uncheck boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export. Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the E xported CSV file. Immediately after, the guide continues: After selecting contacts, click on More. Click on Export. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. You’ll see a success message indicating…. Image 4 of 11 What to clickClick on the Manage Fields button. Check or Uncheck boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export. Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the E xported CSV file.
Buttons and menus referenced CSV file will only contain the columnsManage FieldsCheckUncheckExported CSV file
Next stepAfter selecting contacts, click on More. Click on Export. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Click on the Manage Fields button.
  2. Check or Uncheck boxes to include or exclude specific columns in the export.
  3. Once you’ve selected the desired columns, they will be reflected in the E xported CSV file.

Step 4: Export Contacts

  1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
  2. Click on Export.
    Step 2 of 8: Click on Export What this shows Step 2 of 8: Click on Export. What this shows Shows what to click for step 2 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Export. For context, this section explains: After selecting contacts, click on More. Click on Export. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started. Click on Check Progress to see…. The next step is to or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. Step 2 of 8Image 5 of 11 What to clickClick on Export.
    Buttons and menus referenced ExportMore.threedotsExport.CheckProgresspush notification
    Next stepor, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
    2. Click on Export. this image
    3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
    4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
    5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
    6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
    7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
    8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
  3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
    Step 3 of 8: or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on… What this shows Step 3 of 8: or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. What this shows Shows what to click for step 3 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. The next step is to confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. Step 3 of 8Image 6 of 11 What to clickor, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
    Buttons and menus referenced threedotsExport.More.ExportCheckProgresspush notification
    Next stepConfirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
    2. Click on Export.
    3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export. this image
    4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
    5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
    6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
    7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
    8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
  4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
    Step 4 of 8: Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export What this shows Step 4 of 8: Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 4 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. The next step is to you’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started. Step 4 of 8Image 7 of 11 How to confirmConfirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
    Buttons and menus referenced ExportMore.threedotsExport.CheckProgresspush notification
    Next stepYou’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
    2. Click on Export.
    3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
    4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export. this image
    5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
    6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
    7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
    8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
  5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
  6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
  7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
    Step 7 of 8: You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background What this shows Step 7 of 8: You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 7 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you you can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background. The next step is to you’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download. Step 7 of 8Image 8 of 11 What this coversYou can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
    Buttons and menus referenced More.ExportthreedotsExport.CheckProgresspush notification
    Next stepYou’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
    2. Click on Export.
    3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
    4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
    5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
    6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
    7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background. this image
    8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
  8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
    Step 8 of 8: You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for… What this shows Step 8 of 8: You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 8 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 8 of 8 in the "Step 4: Export Contacts" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you you’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download. Step 8 of 8Image 9 of 11 What this coversYou’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download.
    Buttons and menus referenced push notificationMore.ExportthreedotsExport.CheckProgress
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. After selecting contacts, click on More.
    2. Click on Export.
    3. or, click on the three dots beside + Add Contact button and click on Export.
    4. Confirm your selection in the export modal and click on Export.
    5. You’ll see a success message indicating that the export has started.
    6. Click on Check Progress to see the status of the export in Bulk actions or simply dismiss.
    7. You can continue working—export runs asynchronously in the background.
    8. You’ll receive a push notification once the export file is ready for download. this image

Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions

  1. Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions.

    Step 1 of 4: Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions What this shows Step 1 of 4: Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions. What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 4 in the "Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 4 in the "Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Contacts > Bulk Actions. For context, this section explains: Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions. Locate your export row — you’ll see: Click Down Arrow(Download) icon to save the file to your system. After 30 days, the download link will be disabled. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Bulk Actions. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. The next step is to locate your export row — you’ll see. Step 1 of 4Path: Contacts > Bulk ActionsImage 10 of 11 Where to goGo to Contacts > Bulk Actions.
    Fields in this part of the guide Locate your export row — you’ll see:Operation: ExportStatus: CompleteFile name: e.g., Export_Contacts_All_Oct_2025.csv
    Buttons and menus referenced ContactsBulk ActionsDown Arrow(Download)disabled
    Next stepLocate your export row — you’ll see:
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions. this image
    2. Locate your export row — you’ll see:
    3. Click Down Arrow(Download) icon to save the file to your system.
    4. After 30 days, the download link will be disabled.

  2. Locate your export row — you’ll see:

    1. Operation: Export

    2. Status: Complete

    3. File name: e.g., Export_Contacts_All_Oct_2025.csv

  3. Click Down Arrow(Download) icon to save the file to your system.

  4. After 30 days, the download link will be disabled.

    Step 4 of 4: After 30 days, the download link will be disabled What this shows Step 4 of 4: After 30 days, the download link will be disabled. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 4 of 4 in the "Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "Step 5: Downloading from Bulk Actions" section of "Contacts - Export as CSV Upgrade". At this point in the walkthrough you after 30 days, the download link will be disabled. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Bulk Actions. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. Step 4 of 4Path: Contacts > Bulk ActionsImage 11 of 11 What this coversAfter 30 days, the download link will be disabled.
    Fields in this part of the guide Locate your export row — you’ll see:Operation: ExportStatus: CompleteFile name: e.g., Export_Contacts_All_Oct_2025.csv
    Buttons and menus referenced disabledContactsBulk ActionsDown Arrow(Download)
    All 4 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Contacts > Bulk Actions.
    2. Locate your export row — you’ll see:
    3. Click Down Arrow(Download) icon to save the file to your system.
    4. After 30 days, the download link will be disabled. this image

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will the file be downloaded to?

The file will be saved to your device’s local storage (local drive).

Q: Can I export only specific data fields for each contact in the exported .csv file?

You can customize the columns in the exported .csv file by selecting or deselecting specific data fields before initiating the export. This way, you can focus on the most relevant information.

Q: What happens if a contact's latest note exceeds 255 characters?

Only the latest note of up to 255 characters is included when exporting contacts. If a contact's latest note is longer than this limit, it will be truncated to fit within the 255-character constraint.

Q: Can I export contacts from multiple accounts or locations simultaneously?

You must export contacts separately for each sub-account or location. However, you can combine the resulting .csv files in a spreadsheet application to consolidate contact data from multiple sources.

Q: Is it possible to schedule automatic exports of contact data?

This feature is not available at this time.

Q: Who can download exported files?
Only Agency Admins and Location Admins can download completed exports from Bulk Actions.

Q: How long are exported files available?
Export files are available for 30 days. After that, the download option is disabled.

Q: How do I import the exported .csv file into another contact management platform?

Most contact management platforms provide an import feature that supports .csv files. You will need to follow the specific import instructions for the target platform, which typically involves mapping the columns in the .csv file to the appropriate fields in the new system.

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