How to delete multiple contacts on iPhone

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of how to manage contacts on your iPhone, including deleting single or multiple contacts, handling duplicates, and recovering lost contacts. It covers methods using iOS, iCloud, and a Mac, along with helpful third-party tools.

A cluttered address book can be incredibly frustrating. This guide offers solutions for efficiently cleaning up your iPhone contacts.

Quick Contact Deletion Summary:

Action	Method
Delete single contact	Contacts app: Long-press contact, then tap Delete.
Delete multiple contacts (iPhone)	Contacts app: Multi-select contacts using two fingers, then tap Delete.
Delete contacts (iCloud)	iCloud.com: Select contacts, then click Delete Contacts.
Delete multiple contacts (Mac)	Contacts app (Mac): Command-select contacts, then press Backspace.
Backup contacts	Use AnyTrans for iOS.
Delete duplicate contacts	Contacts app: Link duplicate contacts.
Delete all contacts	iCloud.com: Select all contacts (Command A or Control A), then Delete Contacts.
Recover contacts	Use Disk Drill.

Detailed Methods:

Method 1: Deleting Contacts Directly on Your iPhone

This method permanently removes contacts from your device. Deleting from an email account linked to your iPhone will remove them from all devices using that account.

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Multi-select contacts using two fingers.
3. Tap and hold a selected contact.
4. Select "Delete [Number] Contacts."
5. Confirm deletion.

Method 2: Deleting Contacts via iCloud

This method allows for bulk deletion of contacts stored in iCloud. Changes sync automatically to your iPhone (internet connection required).

1. Access iCloud.com and log in.
2. Open the Contacts app.
3. Command-select (Mac) or Control-select (Windows) multiple contacts.
4. Click "Delete Contacts."

Method 3: Deleting Contacts Using Your Mac

Ensure your iPhone contacts are synced with iCloud.

1. Open the Contacts app on your Mac.
2. Command-select the contacts you wish to remove.
3. Press the Backspace key to delete and confirm.

Merging Duplicate Contacts:

To merge duplicate contacts:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Select a duplicate contact, tap "Edit," then "Link Contacts."
3. Choose the other duplicate contact and tap "Link."

Deleting All Contacts:

Caution: This action is irreversible unless you've backed up your contacts.

1. Go to iCloud.com and log in.
2. Open Contacts.
3. Select all contacts using Command A (Mac) or Control A (Windows).
4. Click "Delete Contacts."

Contact Recovery and Backup:

The author recommends AnyTrans for iOS for backups and Disk Drill for contact recovery.

This guide emphasizes the importance of regular contact backups and provides tools to simplify contact management. The author also mentions Setapp as a source for productivity apps.

The above is the detailed content of How to delete multiple contacts on iPhone. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!