How to Delete Multiple Contacts on Your Phone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

ContactsData ManagementSmartphoneAndroidiPhoneMobile AppsUser InterfacePrivacySecurityDevice Management

Managing contacts on your phone, especially when you are dealing with many contacts, can be tedious. Knowing how to delete multiple contacts at once can save you time. Let's learn about different methods for different types of phones.

General steps for deleting multiple contacts

Although the exact steps may vary depending on the operating system (OS) and phone brand, the general approach remains largely the same. Here are the general steps:

1. Open the Contacts app: Start by opening the Contacts app on your phone. This app may be called Contacts, People, or Address Book, depending on your phone's make.
2. Select contacts: Use the appropriate method to select multiple contacts. For most modern phones, you can do this by long-pressing on one contact to enable selection mode and then tapping on the other contacts you want to delete.
3. Delete contacts: Once you've selected contacts to delete, find and tap the Delete option. This may be represented by a trash can icon or listed among the options in the menu.

Deleting multiple contacts on Android phone

Android phones from different manufacturers (Samsung, Google, OnePlus, etc.) may have slightly different user interfaces, but the basic process is the same.

Method 1: Using the default Contacts app

1. Open Contacts: Open the Contacts app on your Android phone.
2. Select multiple contacts:
   • Tap and hold the first contact you want to delete until it's highlighted, indicating it's selected.
   • Tap other contacts to select them as well.
3. Delete selected contacts: Look for the delete icon (usually a trash can) or tap the menu icon (three vertical dots) in the upper right corner and select "Delete."
4. Confirm deletion: You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to delete these contacts. Tap “Delete” or “OK” to confirm.

Method 2: Using the Google Contacts app

The Google Contacts app is available for Android and often offers more features:

1. Install and open Google Contacts: If you don't have it, download and install the Google Contacts app from the Google Play Store. Open the app.
2. Select contacts: Tap and hold the first contact until a checkbox appears. Then, tap other contacts to select them.
3. Delete: Tap the trash can icon at the top to delete the selected contacts.
4. Confirm: Confirm the deletion if prompted.

Alternatives: Using third-party apps

There are many third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that are designed to manage contacts more efficiently. Apps like "Simple Contacts", "Contacts Optimizer" or "Cleaner - Merge Duplicate Contacts" provide advanced options to easily manage and delete multiple contacts.

Deleting multiple contacts on iPhone

Apple's iPhone also lets you delete multiple contacts, though its built-in interface is less straightforward than its Android counterpart.

Method 1: Using iCloud on a computer

iCloud provides an easy way to manage the contacts stored on your iPhone:

1. Go to iCloud: Open a web browser on your computer and go to www.icloud.com.
2. Sign in: Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Open Contacts: Click the Contacts icon to view your contacts.
4. Select multiple contacts:
   • Hold down the Ctrl key (or Command key on a Mac) and click the contacts you want to delete, which will select multiple contacts.
5. Delete: Click the gear icon at the bottom left and select "Delete" from the menu.
6. Confirm: Confirm the deletion if prompted.

Method 2: Using third-party apps

There are many third-party apps available on the App Store that can help you delete multiple contacts on your iPhone:

1. Download the app: Go to the App Store and search for a contact management app like "Groups", "Contact Cleanup" or "Delete Contacts+".
2. Open the app: Open the app and give it access to your contacts if prompted.
3. Select contacts: Select multiple contacts you want to delete using the app's interface.
4. Delete: Confirm deletion by following the on-screen prompts.

Deleting multiple contacts on Samsung phones

Samsung's version of Android, known as One UI, offers a special feature for contact management. Below is how you can delete multiple contacts on a Samsung phone:

1. Open Contacts: Open the "Contacts" app on your Samsung phone.
2. Select a contact: Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or the "More" option in the upper right corner.
3. Select multiple contacts: Choose "Edit" or "Manage Contacts," which will allow you to select multiple contacts.
4. Delete a contact: Tap "Delete," usually found at the bottom or in the menu.
5. Confirm: Confirm the deletion if prompted.

Deleting multiple contacts on Huawei phones

Huawei's EMUI also has built-in features to manage contacts. Let's see how to delete multiple contacts:

1. Open Contacts: Launch the “Contacts” app.
2. Select contacts: Tap the menu icon or press and hold a contact to enable selection mode. Then tap multiple contacts to select them.
3. Delete: Tap the Delete icon or go to "More" and select "Delete."
4. Confirm: Confirm the deletion if prompted.

Ideas and suggestions

Before deleting contacts, consider the following tips to avoid losing important information:

• Backup contacts: Always back up your contacts before bulk deleting. This can usually be done through your phone's settings or using cloud services like Google Drive, iCloud or a specific backup app.
• Merge duplicate contacts: Instead of deleting contacts right away, use the option to merge duplicates. Both iPhone and Android have built-in options or apps to help with this task.
• Export contacts: Export your contacts to a VCF or CSV file as a secondary backup. This ensures you have a copy stored on your computer or a cloud service.
• Review the selection: Carefully review the contacts you have chosen to delete. Important contacts can be lost if accidentally deleted.

Conclusion

Deleting multiple contacts from your phone is a streamlined process once you're familiar with the steps and tools available for your specific device. Whether using the default contact management tool or a third-party app, the process typically involves selecting multiple contacts and confirming their deletion. Always remember to back up your contacts before bulk deleting to prevent any unintended loss of information.

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