Importing a vcf file from a web page

Question

Level 1

5 points

Importing a vcf file from a web page

I want to allow download of contact details to iPhone/iPod touch from a website. I'm using a vcf file, but when I try to load them in safari on my iPod Touch (OS 3.1.1), I get an error: "Download Failed. Safari cannot download this file".

My Nokia phone correctly downloads the file and adds to address book - as do a few other handheld devices I've tried, so I don't think it's a hosting issue.

The exact same vcf file sent as an attachment to an email loads perfectly into the address book on the iPod, so I don't think it's a file format issue.

Surely this can be done - can anyone shed some light on it?

Dual 2.3GHz G5, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Sep 20, 2009 11:23 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 21, 2009 3:59 AM in response to woowoowoo

I'd say it can't be done on the iPhone. Safari is in a 'sandbox' for security information. Limited info can be handed out and apparently .vcf files are not included.

You can submit feedback to Apple: http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html.

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Answer 2

ericg_7

Level 1

15 points

Sep 21, 2009 9:43 AM in response to neuroanatomist

do you sync your iPhone with a laptop or desktop computer? If so, perhaps you could import the contacts there, and sync them via iTunes.

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Answer 3

woowoowoo Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 22, 2009 4:43 AM in response to ericg_7

The thing I'm after here is the ability for a website to provide an address book entry as a download, saving people the bother of entering data manually. It works on almost every other device - mobile or desktop, but I can't make it work on the iPhone.

Obviously, synching addresses that exist in your host computer address book works fine.

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