File Extension Guide
An IB file (commonly named phonebook.ib) is a proprietary phonebook backup file format used by Nokia Series 30+ feature phones to store contact names and phone numbers.
IB File Quick Facts
Nokia Phones
Series 30+ Feature Phones
Contact Data
Names & Phone Numbers
Binary Format
Proprietary Structure
Convertible
Export to vCard, CSV
The IB file format is a proprietary backup format used by Nokia Series 30+ feature phones to store phonebook data. When you backup contacts on these Nokia phones, the device creates a file typically named phonebook.ib containing all your stored contacts.
Unlike modern smartphone contact formats (like vCard), IB files use a binary structure specific to Nokia's feature phone platform. This means they cannot be opened directly with standard text editors or contact applications - specialized software is required to read and extract the contact data.
Common IB File NamesNokia phonebook.ib files are designed for feature phones with limited storage and functionality. As such, they contain only basic contact information:
Data Included
Data NOT IncludedNote: The exact fields available depend on the specific Nokia phone model and its phonebook capabilities.
The IB file format is used by Nokia Series 30+ feature phones. These are basic mobile phones (not smartphones) that use Nokia's proprietary operating system.
Nokia 105 / 106
Basic feature phones
Nokia 130 / 150
Entry-level phones
Nokia 215 / 225
Internet-ready feature phones
Nokia 3310 (2017)
Classic reboot model
Nokia 8110 4G
Slider feature phone
Other Series 30+
Various Nokia feature phones
Since IB files use a proprietary binary format, you need specialized software to open and read them. Here are your options:
Recommended: Univik IB File ConverterUnivik IB File Converter is a Windows application designed specifically to open Nokia phonebook.ib files and export contacts to standard formats.
| Program | Platform | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Univik IB File Converter | Windows | View, export to vCard/CSV/Excel/JSON |
| Nokia PC Suite (legacy) | Windows | Backup/restore to Nokia phones |
To use contacts from an IB file on a smartphone or import them into an email client, you need to convert them to a standard format like vCard or CSV.
Download Converter
Install Univik IB File Converter on Windows
Open IB File
Load your phonebook.ib file
Preview Contacts
View names and phone numbers
Export
Save as vCard, CSV, or Excel
For developers and technical users, here's an overview of the IB file format structure:
// IB File Structure (phonebook.ib) Header: Magic bytes: "IBPB" (4 bytes) - File signature Version info (variable) Contact count (2-4 bytes) Contact Records: Record length (2 bytes) Name field: Length prefix Name string (UTF-8 or Nokia encoding) Phone number field(s): Type indicator (mobile/home/work) Length prefix Number string // Note: Exact structure varies by phone model
The IB format uses a binary structure with length-prefixed strings. The exact byte layout may vary between Nokia phone models and firmware versions.
Standard applications cannot open IB files because they use Nokia's proprietary format. Use specialized software like Univik IB File Converter to open and view the contents.
This can happen if the backup was interrupted or the file was transferred incorrectly. Try creating a fresh backup from your Nokia phone. Ensure you're transferring the file in binary mode if using FTP.
Nokia phones may use different character encodings. Good IB file converters handle multiple encodings (UTF-8, Nokia proprietary) automatically. If names appear garbled, try a different converter or check if your software has encoding options.
The location varies by model, but typically you can find it by:
While Nokia hasn't officially documented the meaning, "IB" likely stands for "Internal Backup" referring to the phone's internal backup format for phonebook data.
No, smartphones don't support the IB format directly. You need to first convert the IB file to vCard (.vcf) format using converter software, then import the VCF file to your smartphone.
No, they are different formats. NBF and NBU are Nokia PC Suite backup formats used by older Symbian/S40 phones. IB files are specific to Nokia Series 30+ feature phones and have a different structure.
IB files are binary and not meant for direct editing. The recommended approach is to export contacts to an editable format (CSV, vCard), make changes, and if needed, import back to your phone using the phone's import feature.
Most IB file converters offer free trials that let you preview contacts. Full export functionality typically requires a license. Univik IB File Converter offers a free trial with limited export (10 contacts).
IB File ConverterConvert Nokia phonebook.ib files to vCard, CSV, Excel and more formats.
View Converter