Niantic has announced a new feature for Pokémon GO that allows players to add friends directly from their device’s contacts list. Players must enable permissions to allow this feature to work.

Trainers can now add friends directly from their device’s contacts list!

Trainers, You can now add friends in Pokémon GO directly from your device’s contacts list! Whether you’re looking to find friends who are already active Trainers, or perhaps invite others to start their Pokémon GO journeys, connecting with people you know is now easier than ever before.

How to add friends in Pokémon GO from your device’s contacts list

1. Go to the Add Friends screen and tap Add Friends from Contacts.
2. Decide if you’d like to opt in to be discoverable by Trainers who also import their contacts lists.
3. Tap on the button to find and add friends from your contacts list.
4. Once your contacts have been synced, you can browse them within Pokémon GO and either add individuals to your Friend List by tapping Send Friend Request or refer them to play Pokémon GO by tapping Invite to Play.

Note: Your discoverability and contacts list sync permissions can always be changed later in the game’s settings.

If you invite someone to play who’s new to Pokémon GO or hasn’t played in a while, by entering your referral code they’ll receive rewards like Pokémon encounters, Rare Candy, Incubators, and more as they hit milestones on their adventure—and so will you!

Discovering the world and playing Pokémon GO is always better with friends. Let’s GO on this journey—together! Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO. Upcoming events are subject to change.

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/import-contacts-live/?hl=en