Mailchimp Contact Import Not Working

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Read the import results

   Copy steps
   1. Audience > Import history (or the import results screen)
   2. Review the addresses listed with errors
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Fix the file

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   1. Save as CSV with commas
   2. Make sure each row has a valid email and the header row is mapped
   3. Remove obvious typos in domains
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Unsubscribed contacts

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   1. Genuinely unsubscribed people can't be re-added by import; they must resubscribe themselves
   2. Ask paid support if you believe the status is wrong
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Undo a bad import

   1. Use the undo option from the import history if the import was a mistake
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

You import a file but fewer contacts than expected appear, or the import errors out.

Why it happens

• Duplicates, bounces and unsubscribes are filtered by design
• Mailchimp removes common domain misspellings
• Role-based addresses (info@, sales@) skipped
• File uses semicolons instead of commas, or has formatting errors
• Free plan contact cap reached

This guide also covers

• mailchimp import contacts not working
• mailchimp import failed
• mailchimp import fewer contacts
• mailchimp csv import error

The same problem in other apps

All storage, upload & download guides →

• ConvertKit (Kit) CSV Import Failed or Wrong Subscriber Count (ConvertKit (Kit))

Other Mailchimp errors

• How to Cancel Mailchimp Subscription
• Mailchimp Emails Going to Spam
• Mailchimp Domain Authentication Failed
• Mailchimp Account Suspended or Disabled
• Mailchimp Free Plan Limits and Sending Paused
• Why Is Mailchimp So Expensive? Reduce Billable Contacts
• Mailchimp Automation Not Sending
• Mailchimp Campaign Stuck Sending or Not Delivered