How To Retrieve Deleted Contacts On iPhone

Losing contacts on your iPhone can be stressful, but there are several ways to recover them. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted them or encountered a sync issue, Apple provides reliable tools to retrieve lost contacts. This guide explains simple methods on how to retrieve deleted contacts on iPhone iCloud, iTunes, or third-party options.

1. Check the Contacts App
   Before attempting recovery, ensure the contacts are truly deleted and not just hidden. Open the Contacts app, scroll through your list, or use the search bar to locate the missing names.
2. Restore Contacts from iCloud
   If your iPhone is synced with iCloud, you can retrieve deleted contacts:
   • Go to Settings on your iPhone.
   • Tap your name at the top and select iCloud.
   • Ensure the Contacts toggle is turned on. If it’s already on, toggle it off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
   • Open the Contacts app to see if the deleted contacts reappear.

Alternatively, you can restore an iCloud backup:

1. • Log in to iCloud.com on a browser.
   • Click on Account Settings and scroll to the Advanced section.
   • Select Restore Contacts, choose a backup date that includes the missing contacts, and click Restore.
2. Recover Contacts via iTunes Backup
   If you’ve backed up your iPhone to iTunes, you can restore the entire backup to retrieve deleted contacts:
   • Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina or later).
   • Select your device and click Restore Backup.
   • Choose a backup date that likely contains the deleted contacts.
   • Click Restore and wait for the process to complete.

Be aware that restoring a backup replaces your current data with the backed-up version.

1. Check Email Accounts
   Some contacts might be saved to email accounts linked to your iPhone, such as Gmail or Yahoo:
   • Go to Settings and tap Contacts.
   • Select Accounts and check each linked account to see if the Contacts toggle is enabled.
   • Turn it on for any account where contacts might be stored.
2. Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool
   If neither iCloud nor iTunes has the contacts, you can use third-party software like Dr.Fone or PhoneRescue:
   • Download and install the software on your computer.
   • Connect your iPhone and follow the tool’s instructions to scan for and recover deleted contacts.
   • Always ensure you’re using reputable software to protect your data.

To avoid losing contacts again, regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes. Additionally, enable contact sync for your email accounts and periodically export a copy of your contact list.

Also Read: How To Rename Your iPhone