How to Recover Deleted Contacts on iPhone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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It is a common scenario that accidentally losing your contacts from your iPhone can cause inconvenience and frustration. This can be due to accidental deletion, system error, or a glitch in an iOS update. Fortunately, Apple provides several ways to recover deleted contacts on your iPhone. In this guide, we are going to explore several methods to help you retrieve your lost contact information, ensuring you can easily connect with your friends, family, and colleagues. Each method will be explained in detail, with clear steps to follow.

Method 1: Recover deleted contacts using iCloud backup

If you have previously backed up your iPhone to iCloud, you can restore your device to recover contacts. This method will replace all your existing data with the data from the backup.

Steps to restore iCloud backup:

1. Check iCloud backup: First, you need to make sure you have a suitable iCloud backup that contains the lost contacts you want to restore. Go to Settings > your name > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Click on your device to see the date of your latest backup.
2. Restore from iCloud Backup: After confirmation, you can proceed with the restore. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This will set your iPhone to factory settings.
3. Set up as new: Restart your iPhone and follow the on-screen setup steps. When you reach the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
4. Select a backup: Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and then select the relevant backup that may contain the deleted contacts. Wait for the restore to complete.

Keep in mind that this method will overwrite the existing data on your phone and undo all changes made after the backup date.

Method 2: Recover contacts from iCloud.com

If you synchronize your contacts with iCloud, you may be able to retrieve them from the web version of iCloud without requiring a full device restore.

Steps to use iCloud.com to restore contacts:

1. Access the iCloud website: Open any web browser and go to www.icloud.com.
2. Sign in: Log in with your iCloud credentials (Apple ID and password).
3. Go to Advanced Settings: Click Account Settings and scroll down to find the Advanced section.
4. Restore Contacts: Click Restore Contacts. Browse through the available archive dates and select a previous version where the lost contacts may still exist. Tap Restore to confirm.

This process will replace your current contact list, and it may take a few minutes for the changes to appear on your device.

Method 3: Restore contacts using iTunes backup

For users who prefer to use iTunes for backup, this method offers another possibility to get deleted contacts back.

Steps to recover contacts via iTunes:

1. Connect the device to a computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
2. Launch iTunes: Open iTunes on your computer. Make sure it's updated to the latest version.
3. Select your device: Click the device icon when it appears on iTunes.
4. Restore a backup: Go to the Summary tab and select Restore Backup.
5. Choose a backup: From the list, select a backup that probably contains your lost contacts and click Restore. This may take some time depending on the size of the backup.

Like other backup restoration, this method will revert changes made to the device after the backup date. Make sure the selected backup contains the contacts you need.

Method 4: Using third-party applications

There are many third-party applications available that can help you recover lost data on your iPhone, including contacts. Make sure you download genuine apps from reputable developers to prevent data loss.

Popular third-party recovery tools:

• Dr.Fone
• Tenorshare UltData
• iMobie PhoneRescue

General steps for using a third-party tool:

1. Install the software: Download and install the software on your computer.
2. Connect iPhone: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the machine.
3. Choose the recovery mode: Launch the software, and you'll usually find options like Recover from iOS Device, Recover from Backup, or Recover from iCloud. Choose your preferred recovery mode.
4. Scan device: Follow the prompts to start a scan of the device or back up lost contacts.
5. Select contacts to recover: After the scan is complete, you can preview the found data. Select the contacts you want to recover and click the Recover button.

Third-party apps often offer the feature of recovering individual contacts without overwriting your current data.

Conclusion

Losing contacts on your iPhone can seem daunting, but with these methods, you have several avenues to get your contacts back. Remember, regular backups are crucial to minimise data loss and hassle in the future. Always keep your iPhone's software updated and ensure your contacts are synced with iCloud or saved via iTunes regularly to make recovery seamless. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently deal with any issues with accidentally deleted contacts, ensuring you stay connected and communication lines remain open. Whether using manual Apple solutions or taking advantage of third-party tools, recovering your lost iPhone contacts is more accessible than ever.

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