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[Solved 2024] How to Fix iPhone Deleted Contacts Randomly?

2024-01-25 16:42:51/Posted by Alleny Gavinto iOS Recovery Topic/Follow @ MobiKin

iPhone deleted contacts randomly can be a frustrating experience, leaving you stranded without important numbers and connections. It's like misplacing a piece of your digital identity. We've all been there - one moment you're scrolling through your contacts, and the next, they seem to vanish into thin air. The panic sets in as you realize that crucial phone numbers, addresses, and memories are now seemingly lost.

In this tech-driven era where our lives are stored in little devices, the accidental deletion of contacts becomes a modern-day inconvenience that many can relate to. Let's explore the common plight of contacts keep deleting from iPhones and find solutions to this all-too-familiar problem.

iphone deleted contacts randomly

Part 1: Why is My Phone Deleting Contacts?

Why did my iPhone erase my contacts? To tackle the issue of contacts mysteriously vanishing from your iPhone 15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6, it's essential to pinpoint the potential culprits:

  • iOS Updates: With each iOS update, Apple aims to fix bugs, but the remedy can sometimes breed new problems. If your iPhone is inexplicably shedding contacts, the latest iOS update might be the instigator.
  • Disabled iCloud Sync: Contacts often find a home on iCloud, and if the "iCloud Contact Sync" option is mistakenly turned off, users might lament their iPhone deleting all contacts.
  • Changed Mail Password Linked to Contacts: Contacts are intertwined with an email account, and a password alteration for that email account could trigger the iPhone to erase contacts. If you're grappling with a "iPhone deleted my contacts" scenario, a password switch could be to blame.
  • Deleted Email Account Linked to Contacts: Much like password changes, removing or deleting the email account associated with your contacts may lead to their disappearance from your iPhone.
  • Unknown Reasons: Occasionally, even Apple might be in the dark about the cause of a specific bug. Instances of "all contacts deleted from iPhone" may stem from reasons still shrouded in mystery.

Click to See:

Part 2: How to Fix iPhone Deleted Contacts Randomly?

Fix 1: Enable the iCloud Contact Sync

Enabling iCloud Contact Sync is a key solution to address the issue of iPhone keeps deleting contacts, especially if the sync was accidentally disabled. Follow these steps to activate iCloud Contact Sync on your iPhone, potentially resolving the problem and aiding in the recovery of deleted contacts:

  • If you're using an iPhone with iOS 10.2 or an earlier version, navigate to Settings and select iCloud. For those with iOS 11 or a more recent version, go to Settings, tap your Apple ID (Name), and then access iCloud.
  • Within the "Apps Using iCloud" section, verify the status of "Contacts." Ensure that the toggle is green to indicate that Contacts are enabled. If the toggle appears grey, simply tap it to activate iCloud Contact Sync. This step is crucial for resolving issues related to randomly deleted contacts on your iPhone.

enable icloud contact sync

Fix 2: Verify Your Email Account

In cases where you've altered the password or unintentionally deleted your email account, your iPhone contacts might suffer the consequences. Deleting an email account can result in the removal of all contacts associated with it. To rectify this, follow these steps to re-add your email account:

  • Go to "Settings" on your iPhone and select "Accounts & Passwords".
  • Opt for "Add Account" and proceed to sign in to your account.
  • Subsequently, select your email account and toggle on the switch for Contacts.

verify your email account

Fix 3: Change Group Settings for Your Contacts

Adjusting group settings for your contacts provides an accessible solution to recover missing contacts. Follow these straightforward steps to change Group settings for contacts: (How to manage groups on iPhone?)

  • Open the Phone app from your iPhone's Home page and navigate to the "Contacts" tab.
  • Tap the "Groups" option located at the top-left corner.
  • Deselect the "All Contacts" option and tap "Done" to complete the process.

chnage group settings for your contacts

By doing this, all contacts stored on your iPhone will become visible. Identify the missing contacts and add them back to your address book. Once you've restored all missing contacts, revisit the group settings using the steps above and activate the "All iCloud" option to ensure comprehensive synchronization.

Fix 4: Log Out and Log In to Your iCloud Account

To address the issue of vanishing contacts on your iPhone, a simple refresh of the sync between your device and iCloud might do the trick. Here's how to tackle the problem:

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on your name at the top of the screen, scroll down, and choose "Sign Out."
  • log out and log in to your icloud account

  • Confirm the sign-out process by entering your Apple ID and password. Once signed out, log back in using your Apple ID and password.
  • Ensure that the Contacts option is activated in your iCloud settings. Then, check your Contacts app to see if your contacts have been successfully restored.

Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

To tackle the problem of iPhone contacts being randomly deleted, consider resetting your network settings, especially if an unstable network connection is suspected. It's essential to note that this action will wipe saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so have them ready before proceeding.

  • Launch the Settings app on your device to access the Settings menu. Scroll down until you find the General option.
  • Tap "General" and scroll further to locate the "Transfer or Reset iPhone" option. Within the "Reset" section, select "Reset Network Settings."
  • Confirm the reset by entering your device passcode. Afterward, your network settings will reset, prompting your device to restart. Once rebooted, verify the integrity of your contacts to ensure the issue of random contact deletions has been effectively resolved.

    reset network settings on iphone

Further Exploration:

Part 3: How to Recover Contacts Randomly Deleted from iPhone?

1. Recover Deleted Contacts from iPhone Directly

If you've hit a roadblock and the cause of your iPhone contacts deletion remains elusive, MobiKin Doctor for iOS emerges as the ultimate solution. This reliable tool proves effective in recovering lost data, including contacts, messages, photos, videos and more. Not only does it adeptly locate deleted contacts within your iPhone, but it also facilitates the restoration of lost contacts from iTunes or iCloud backups when an iPhone isn't accessible. What's more, it boasts compatibility with all iPhone models and iOS versions, including the latest iPhone 15 and iOS 17.

doctor for ios win doctor for ios mac

Follow these steps to seamlessly recover your deleted contacts from iPhone.

Step 1. Initiate the MobiKin Doctor for iOS software after downloading and installing it on your PC/Mac. Opt for the "Recover Data from iOS Devices" mode and establish a connection between your iPhone and the computer using a USB cable.

run doctor for ios on computer

Step 2. Upon device detection, navigate to the Contacts section on the main interface and click "Start Scan." The program will initiate a comprehensive scan to locate deleted contacts on your iPhone.

scan lost contacts on iphone

Step 3. After the scan completes, the program will present two categories of contacts: deleted and undeleted. Click "Only display the deleted items" to exclusively view the deleted contacts. Choose the desired ones and click "Recover to Computer." The program will then securely save the selected contacts onto your computer.

restore iphone lost contacts after update with doctor for ios

2. Recover iPhone Contacts with iTunes

MobiKin Doctor for iOS enables you to preview the contents of your iTunes backup and choose selectively which contents to restore. This feature alleviates concerns about data loss or overwriting, ensuring a controlled and precise restoration process.

Step 1: Navigate to the "Recover from iTunes Backup File" tab in the left sidebar. The tool automatically scans the default iTunes backup location on your computer. Choose any backup file from the displayed list and click the "Start Scan" icon.

recover data from itunes backup

Step 2: Select the "Contacts" category you intend to recover by ticking the checkboxes, then click the "Start Scan" button at the bottom right. Preview the contacts in the iTunes backup on the program interface.

scan itunes backup files

Step 3: Mark the contacts you need and initiate the iPhone contacts recovery process by clicking "Recover to Computer."

restore contacts from itunes backup

3. Recover iPhone Contacts from iCloud

You can also utilize Doctor for iOS to recover lost contacts from iCloud backups without the need to reset your device.

Step 1: Choose "Recover from iCloud" among the recovery modes on the left sidebar. A window will appear. Enter your iCloud account credentials to log in.

recover from icloud mode

Step 2: Once logged in, all synced files from your iCloud account will be presented. Opt for the "Contacts" category and click "Next." The download of your iCloud-synced contacts will commence.

scan data in icloud backup

Step 3: After the download is complete, preview and select the contacts you wish to recover. Click "Recover to Computer" to effortlessly save them on your computer with a single click.

recover contacts from icloud backup

Finalization

If your iPhone deleting contacts randomly, the mentioned five practical solutions offer effective fixes. In case these don't resolve the issue, consider employing MobiKin Doctor for iOS. This reliable tool ensures the recovery of deleted contacts from your iOS device, iTunes, or iCloud. Its user-friendly interface guarantees simplicity, and it operates with 100% safety. Choose this solution for a seamless and secure retrieval of your contacts.

doctor for ios win doctor for ios mac

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Alleny Gavin
Alleny GavinChief Editor
 
A chief editor at MobiKin, brings over a decade of experience in technical writing and holds a B.A. in English Literature. With a background as a Project Manager in the IT industry, he has authored 1000+ articles on MobiKin.com, offering expert solutions for iOS issues. Gavin, a tech enthusiast, effortlessly recommends software with passion and extensive expertise in smartphones and software.
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