It can be challenging for organizations that rely heavily on Google Workspace to share contacts with non-Google Workspace users.
While sharing contacts within the Google Workspace environment is straightforward, sharing them with users outside of this ecosystem requires additional steps.
The https://sharedcontacts.com/ team explores the different ways you can share contacts with non-Google Workspace users, including exporting contacts as CSV files or vCards and using third-party apps.
Contacts can be exported as CSV files or vCards for sharing
Using the Google Contacts API or the web interface, you can export Google Workspace contacts as CSV files or vCards for sharing with non-Google Workspace users.
Follow these steps to export contacts using the web interface:
Visit the Google Contacts web interface (contacts.google.com).
Check the boxes next to the names of the contacts you want to export, or check the box next to “Contacts” to select all contacts.
The “More” button is at the top of the page.
From the dropdown menu, choose “Export”.
Select the format in which you want to export the contacts (CSV or vCard).
Then click “Export.”
You can share the CSV or vCard file with the non-Google Workspace user by attaching it to an email or uploading it to a cloud storage service.
If you need to share a large number of contacts or if you need to do it frequently, it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive to export and share contacts this way.
Furthermore, the exported contacts cannot be revoked once they have been shared, which poses a security risk.
Third-party apps
There are several apps available in the Google Workspace Marketplace that allow you to share Google Workspace contacts with non-Google Workspace users.
You can share contacts outside of Google Workspace using the “Contact Sharing for Google Workspace” app by sending them a link.
The recipient can view the contacts in a web browser without a Google account.
Follow these steps to use this app:
Search “Contact Sharing for Google Workspace” in the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Give the app the permissions it needs.
Check the boxes next to the names of the contacts you want to share.
At the top of the page, click the “Share” button.
Share the contacts with a specific email address or generate a link that can be shared with anyone.
Send the message by clicking “Send.”
In addition to viewing the shared contacts, the recipient can download the contacts as a vCard or CSV file.
It’s important to note that using third-party apps to share contacts with non-Google Workspace users can pose security risks, as they may not be as secure as Google’s built-in sharing options.
A third-party app should be thoroughly vetted before it is used to share sensitive data with others.
In conclusion
Collaborating with non-Google Workspace users can be problematic, but there are several potential solutions.
Exporting contacts as CSV files or vCards, for instance, or using third-party applications for sharing purposes, can both be effective.
It’s important to maintain security and privacy by following best practices when utilizing any of these methods and tools.
By doing so, you can share contacts with non-Google Workspace users safely while boosting communication and collaboration within your organization.