Import contacts
There are four ways to get contacts into Ody: upload a CSV, connect an integration that syncs contacts, let Ody create them automatically from calls and texts, or use the public API.
Option 1: Upload a CSV (fastest for a one-time list)
Export a CSV from your current tool and upload it in Settings → Integrations → CSV import. Ody matches columns loosely (first_name, name, phone, email, company, notes, tags), dedupes against your existing list, and imports up to 5,000 rows per file. Full guide: Upload contacts from a CSV file.
If AI Contact had already filled in a name or company for one of the numbers in your file, the imported value replaces it. Columns your file leaves empty keep what Ody found.
Option 2: Connect your CRM or marketing tool
If your list lives in a supported tool, connect it once and Ody imports the contacts automatically — and keeps importing new ones. See Import contacts from your CRM or another platform and Which integrations does Ody support?.
Option 3: Let Ody build the list for you
Every time a new number texts or calls your business line, Ody creates a contact automatically and links the conversation to it. Imports from Options 1 and 2 recognize these auto-created contacts and fill in their real names instead of duplicating them.
Option 4: Bulk import via the API
Workspaces on every plan can create contacts programmatically with the public API's contacts endpoints — names, phone numbers, emails, tags, and custom properties — or with the official SDKs (npm install @ody-co/sdk, pip install ody-sdk). Create a key in Settings → Developer API, then see Use the Ody API and SDKs and the contacts API reference.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I upload a CSV of my customers?
Yes — go to Settings → Integrations and click Upload CSV on the CSV import card. Up to 5,000 contacts per file, with automatic duplicate matching.
Can Ody import straight from my CRM?
Yes, for supported tools — connect the integration and your contacts import automatically. See the Integrations category for the current list.
Will my contacts appear as customers text in?
Yes. Every first-time caller or texter gets a contact created automatically, so your list builds itself as you use Ody.
Does an import overwrite details Ody added with AI Contact?
Yes, for the columns your file provides — your data always wins. Details your file leaves blank keep what Ody found. Imported details are never changed by AI Contact afterwards.