> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.adsera.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import Contacts via File Upload

> A step-by-step guide to adding contacts in bulk to AdsEra by uploading a CSV or XLSX file.

This guide will walk you through importing your contacts by uploading a file. This method is perfect for larger lists and ensures all your contact data is seamlessly integrated into AdsEra.

**Want to Import Contacts via File Upload? [Go to the AdsEra Contact Import Page →](https://app.adsera.in/dashboard/contact/import/option)**

### Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Contact Data Ready" icon="file-excel">
    Have your contact information ready in a spreadsheet (like Google Sheets or Excel) or a text editor.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Required Identifier" icon="key">
    Your data **must** include either an `EMAIL` or a `PHONE` column. At least one of these is required to identify and manage contacts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contact Consent" icon="user-check">
    Remember, you must have your contacts' consent to send them marketing campaigns.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Step-by-Step Import Process

Follow these simple steps to import your contacts using a file upload.

<Steps>
  <Step title="1. Navigate to the Import Screen">
    From your AdsEra Dashboard, navigate to **Audience > All**. In the top-right corner, click the **Import contact** button. On the next screen, select the **Import contacts from a file** option.

    ![Selecting the Contact import option.](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/whatsera/68f34ab8-647d-4f67-9d37-f1b7d7012b5d_import_contact.png)
    ![Selecting the File Upload import option.](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/whatsera/c19bd733-ec53-4443-8f9e-b6059ffa43cb_import_contact_file.png)
  </Step>

  <Step title="2. Upload Your File">
    On the "Upload File" screen, either drag and drop your CSV or XLSX file into the designated area, or click "browse through your machine" to select it manually.

    ![The file upload area.](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/whatsera/5778278a-30cf-4bb6-a360-23938103dde4_file_upload_contact.png)

    <Info>
      **Tip:** If you need a template to structure your data correctly, click the **"Download sample file"** link.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="3. Confirm and Preview Your Data">
    After a successful upload, AdsEra will display a preview of the first few rows of your data. Review the table to ensure your columns and data appear correctly, then click **Next**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="4. Map Fields to Platform Fields">
    This crucial step matches your file's columns to the corresponding fields in AdsEra.

    * **Verify Mapping:** The system will attempt to auto-map your columns. Double-check that each "Column name from imported file" is correctly matched to a "Column name on AdsEra".
    * **Set Duplicate Handling:** For each column, choose an action for updating existing contacts:
      * **Overwrite:** Replaces existing data with the new data.
      * **Fill only if empty:** Only adds data if the field is currently blank.
      * **Skip:** Ignores the new data for that field if the contact already exists.

    ![The field mapping and duplicate handling screen.](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/whatsera/8a7b4408-16d6-47de-9a94-edffa5927047_field_matching.png)
  </Step>

  <Step title="5. Assign to a Contact List">
    Every contact you import must be assigned to at least one list.

    * **Select an existing list:** Choose from your current contact lists.
    * **Create a new list:** Click the **"Create A List"** button and give your new list a name.

    ![The list selection screen during import.](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/whatsera/1c675899-ba0f-4b31-9642-94320e89242b_list_selection_upload.png)

    Once you've selected a list, click **Upload**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## After the Upload

After clicking **Upload**, AdsEra will process your file. You will receive a **confirmation report** detailing the number of **successful** and **failed** imports, along with specific reasons for any failures.

### Troubleshooting Common Errors

| Common Error            | Description & Solution                                                                                                                                        |
| :---------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Missing Identifier**  | A row in your file is missing both an email and a phone number. **Solution:** Ensure every contact has a valid value in either the `EMAIL` or `PHONE` column. |
| **Incorrect File Type** | You've uploaded a file that isn't a CSV or XLSX. **Solution:** Ensure your file is saved in either `.csv` or `.xlsx` format.                                  |
| **File Corrupted**      | AdsEra could not read the file. **Solution:** Open your file in a spreadsheet program and save it again as a new, clean CSV or XLSX.                          |
| **Missing Headers**     | Your file is missing the first row of column headers. **Solution:** Ensure your very first row contains clear column headers.                                 |

***

## Pro Tips for a Smooth Import

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Clean Your Data Before Importing">
    Take a moment to clean your data first. Remove any unnecessary characters, extra spaces, or inconsistent formatting to ensure a smooth import.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Test with a Small Batch">
    If you're importing a very large list for the first time, try importing a small sample (5-10 contacts) to ensure everything maps and imports as expected.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Review Mapping Carefully">
    The mapping step is critical! Double-check that your columns are correctly aligned with AdsEra's fields to avoid data discrepancies.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>