{"id":"5910b7ff2c7d3a057f88e6ee","number":341,"collectionId":"590c96772c7d3a057f88d6ef","slug":"uploading-a-file-of-contacts","status":"published","hasDraft":false,"name":"Upload a File to Contacts","text":"\n

What file formats can I upload to Text-Em-All contacts?

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Text-Em-All accepts contact files in .csv, .xlsx, or .xls formats with up to 1000 columns. Each contact can include first name, last name, up to 3 phone numbers, and notes. The platform automatically detects and maps your column information during the upload process.

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All uploaded files must contain at least one valid 10-digit phone number per contact to import successfully.

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File upload requirements

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Before uploading, ensure your file meets these requirements:

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How do I upload a contact file?

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The upload process automatically detects your column information and provides a preview before importing. You can modify column assignments if the automatic detection needs adjustment.

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  1. Navigate to your Contacts page
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  2. Click the Upload a File button
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  3. Drag and drop your file into the dialog or click Choose a File to browse
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  4. Review the preview of detected information. If anything looks incorrect, click Modify to adjust column assignments
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  5. Click Import to add the contacts to your account
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\n \"Upload\n
The Upload a File button is located at the top of your Contacts page
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How do I upload contacts to multiple groups at once?

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You can assign contacts to multiple groups during upload by including a \"Groups\" column in your file. This feature requires specific setup and must be done from the Everyone folder.

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Before you begin

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Upload steps for multiple groups

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  1. Navigate to your Contacts page and confirm you're in the Everyone folder
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  2. Click the Upload a File button
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  3. Upload your file with the properly formatted Groups column
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  4. If groups don't exist, those contacts will be marked as Bad Records. Click View then Bad Records to see excluded contacts
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  5. Click Import to complete the upload
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\n \"Upload\n
Click View to see upload details including any Bad Records that were excluded
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What should my contact file look like?

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Use these sample formats as templates for your contact files. The platform accepts various column arrangements and will automatically detect most standard contact information.

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Basic contact upload format

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\n \"Sample\n
Basic contact file with standard columns for names, phone numbers, and notes
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Note: Valid 10-digit phone numbers can be formatted as XXX-XXX-XXXX, XXX.XXX.XXXX, XXXXXXXXXX, or (XXX) XXX-XXXX

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Multi-group upload format

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\n \"Sample\n
Multi-group upload file showing the Groups column with comma-separated group assignments
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How do I fix file upload problems?

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Most upload issues stem from file format problems, missing phone numbers, or column detection errors. Follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve common problems.

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Troubleshooting steps

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  1. Verify phone numbers — Ensure at least one valid 10-digit phone number exists per contact
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  2. Close the file — Make sure your file isn't open in Excel or other programs
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  3. Check column mapping — Click Modify during upload to adjust how columns are detected
    4. \n
  4. Review bad records — Click View then Bad Records to see which contacts were excluded and why
    5. \n
  5. Check for duplicates — Click View then Duplicate Records to see repeated contacts
    6. \n
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Column limitations

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The system only imports these specific column types:

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Additional columns will be ignored during standard contact uploads. However, when uploading during broadcast creation, extra columns can be used for message personalization.

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What happens after I upload my file?

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After clicking Import, your contacts are added to your account and available immediately for messaging. The system provides a summary of successful imports, bad records, and duplicates found during the process.

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Successfully imported contacts will appear in your selected group (or Everyone folder for multi-group uploads). You can then create broadcasts, send individual messages, or organize them into additional groups as needed.

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