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How to import contacts from a file.

You import your contacts in SmartChat under “Contacts” with the “Import contacts” button: choose a file, match the columns, state the consent.

“Import contacts” window in SmartChat: the chosen file is shown with rows and columns

What you need for this.

For the import you need a file with your contacts and a decision about consent. Have both ready before you start.

  • FileCSV, TXT, Excel, ODS or Numbers, up to 10 MB.
  • ColumnsOne column with the first name and one with the phone number. A column for the tag is optional.
  • ConsentIn the last step you choose: Later, Send confirmation message or Provide proof.

How to import your file.

The import runs in a window in three steps. You start it under “Contacts” with the “Import contacts” button.

  1. Tap Import

    Open “Contacts” and click “Import contacts” at the top. The import window opens.

    In Contacts

  2. Drag in the file

    Drag the file into the window. You then see how many rows and columns it has. Click “Next” to go to the next step.

    Step 1

  3. Check columns

    Match first name and phone number to your columns. Below that you see the first 3 rows as a preview.

    Step 2

  4. State consent

    Choose Later, Send confirmation message or Provide proof.

    Step 3

  5. Tap Import

    Click “Import”. A message tells you what happened.

    Done

You match the columns .

In the second step you tell SmartChat which column has the first name and which has the phone number. Both are required, the tag is optional.

“Import contacts” window in SmartChat, Match columns step with a preview of the first three rows

  • Required and optional

    First name and phone number are required. Set any column you don't need to “Don't import”.

  • preview looks like

    Below the mapping, SmartChat shows the first 3 rows. That way you see right away if the columns are correct.

  • Only what WhatsApp needs

    SmartChat takes first name, phone number and tag. All other columns are not imported.

You give your consent .

In the third step you choose how your contacts give consent: Later, Send confirmation message or Provide proof.

“Import contacts” window in SmartChat, Consent step with the three options Later, Send confirmation message and Provide proof

  • Later

    The contacts are added to your list as Unconfirmed. Nothing is sent.

  • Send confirmation message

    For this you need a connected WhatsApp number. Before sending, SmartChat asks you once more. The button then says “Import and send”.

  • Provide proof

    You enter the type, date, source and a description of the consent. A file as PDF or image is optional.

After the import you see the result.

After you click “Import”, the window closes and a message shows you how many contacts were imported. The new contacts appear at the top of your list.

Contacts in SmartChat after the import with the message about imported, existing and invalid numbers

  • Imported

    The message shows the number of imported contacts.

  • Already existing

    Numbers that are already in your contacts are listed separately in the message.

  • Invalid numbers

    Numbers SmartChat doesn't recognize are not imported. Their number is also shown in the message.

Frequently asked questions about the contact import.

Where do I start the import?

In SmartChat under “Contacts”. At the top, click “Import contacts”. The import window then opens.

Which file types does the import window accept?

CSV, TXT, Excel, ODS or Numbers, up to 10 MB. This is shown in the import window.

What do I see after choosing the file?

SmartChat shows you the file name and how many rows and columns it has. Click “Next” to match the columns.

Which columns do I have to match?

First name and phone number are required. The tag is optional. Set any column you don't need to “Don't import”.

What happens if I don't choose a column for the phone number?

Then you can't continue. SmartChat tells you that you have to assign a column to the phone number, because without a number it can't write to anyone.

What is the preview in the Columns step?

The first 3 rows of your file, the way SmartChat will take them with your mapping. That way you see right away if the columns are correct.

Are all columns of my file imported?

No. SmartChat only takes first name, phone number and tag. All other columns are not imported.

What does “Later” mean for consent?

The contacts are added to your list as Unconfirmed. Nothing is sent during the import. Afterwards you can send the confirmation message to a selection in “Contacts”.

What do I need for “Send confirmation message”?

A connected WhatsApp number. Without it you can't choose this option, so choose “Later”. Before sending, SmartChat asks you once more, because sending can't be undone. More on this under Connect WhatsApp number.

What do I enter for “Provide proof”?

The type of consent, the date, the source and a description or the text of the consent. A file as PDF or image is optional. Without complete proof, the file can't be imported.

What message do I get after the import?

A short message, for example “412 contacts imported, 9 already existed, 3 numbers invalid”. The numbers are just an example. The new contacts appear at the top of your list.

Can I also add contacts one by one?

Yes. In “Contacts”, next to “Import contacts”, there's the “Add contact” button. There you enter first name and phone number.

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