Accidentally deleting contacts can be frustrating, especially if they contain important phone numbers or email addresses. Fortunately, there are several ways to recover deleted contacts, depending on your device and whether you have backups enabled. Whether you use an Android phone, an iPhone, or a cloud-based contact storage system, you may be able to restore lost contacts quickly. Here is how to retrieve deleted contacts.
- Checking the Trash or Recently Deleted Folder
Most modern smartphones have a built-in feature that temporarily stores deleted contacts before permanently removing them.
On Android (Google Contacts)
- Open the Google Contacts app or go to contacts.google.com in a web browser.
- Tap on the Trash or Bin section in the menu.
- Look for deleted contacts and select the ones you want to restore.
- Tap Restore to recover them. Contacts remain in the trash for up to 30 days before being permanently deleted.
On iPhone (iCloud Contacts)
- Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Click on Account Settings > Advanced > Restore Contacts.
- Select a backup date before the contacts were deleted and click Restore.
- Restoring Contacts from a Backup
If you have previously backed up your phone, you can restore deleted contacts from that backup.
On Android (Google Account Backup)
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Go to Google > Backup.
- If a recent backup is available, tap Restore Contacts to retrieve lost numbers.
On iPhone (iCloud Backup)
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Toggle Contacts off, then turn it back on and tap Merge.
- If needed, restore from an iCloud Backup by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, then restore from an iCloud backup.
- Recovering Contacts from a SIM Card
If you previously saved contacts to a SIM card, you may be able to retrieve them.
- Insert the SIM card into your phone.
- On Android, go to Contacts > Settings > Import/Export Contacts > Import from SIM Card.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Contacts > Import SIM Contacts.
- Using Third-Party Recovery Tools
If you don’t have backups, third-party recovery software can help retrieve deleted contacts. Popular options include:
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (for both Android and iPhone)
- Tenorshare UltData
- iMobie PhoneRescue
These tools scan your phone’s storage and attempt to recover lost contacts. However, results may vary depending on how long ago the contacts were deleted.
- Contacting Your Service Provider
If all else fails, some mobile carriers store contacts on their servers. You can contact your service provider’s customer support and inquire about contact recovery options.
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