Ultimate Guide on How to Restore iPhone Contacts

Restoring contacts on an iPhone can be done through various methods, such as using an iCloud backup, iTunes backup, or even without a backup. When you mistakenly delete your iPhone contacts or lose important contacts due to corrupt software or other reasons, you can follow the step-by-step guide to easily get contacts back on your iPhone.

Restore iPhone Contacts

Part 1. Best Way to Restore Contacts on iPhone Without Backup

If you don't have an iCloud or iTunes backup of your contacts, you can use a third-party data recovery software specifically designed for iOS devices. Many iPhone contacts recovery apps are available to help you retrieve deleted contacts on your iPhone. We strongly recommend reliable Aiseesoft iPhone Data Recovery to restore deleted and lost iPhone contacts.

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iPhone Contacts Recovery

  • Find and restore deleted contacts on iPhone without a backup.
  • Restore deleted contacts from an iTunes and iCloud backup safely.
  • Check and manage all existing and lost iPhone contacts before recovery.
  • Support 35+ iOS data types and all commonly-used iPhone/iPad models.
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Step 1:
Download this iPhone contacts recovery software on your Mac or Windows computer and launch it. Connect your iPhone and build the connection successfully. As you can see, it lets you restore your deleted contacts on your iPhone and from an iCloud or iTunes backup.
Screen
Step 2:
When your iPhone is recognized, click the Start Scan button to scan various iOS files, including contacts, messages, photos, notes, call history, and more. The software will search for any recoverable contacts on your iPhone.
Start Scan Deleted Contacts on iPhone
Step 3:
Once the scan is complete, click Contacts on the left to preview the recovered iPhone contacts. Your deleted contacts will be displayed in red. You can click Show All and choose Show Deleted Only. Check and select the ones you want to restore, then click the Restore to Device button to get these deleted contacts back on your iPhone.
Retrieve Deleted Contacts on iPhone without Backup

Part 2. How to Retrieve Deleted iPhone Contacts from an iCloud Backup

If your deleted iPhone contacts have been backed up to the latest iCloud backup, you can restore them through iCloud without losing data.

Restore contacts on iPhone from iCloud

Step 1:
Open Settings and tap your Apple account name at the top screen. Go to the iCloud option and tap Show All to find Contacts. When you reach the Apps using iCloud interface, tap the Contacts toggle to turn it on.
Enable iPhone Contacts Backup to iCloud
Step 2:
If you have enabled it before, you can toggle Contacts off and choose Keep on My iPhone. Then turn it on again. Tap Merge in the popup to sync all your iPhone contacts from iCloud. This operation will restore deleted or disappeared contacts on your iPhone with ease.
Restore Contacts on iPhone from iCloud Merge

Get deleted iPhone contacts back from iCloud Data Recovery

Step 1:
Navigate to the iCloud website and sign in with your Apple ID and password. After signing into your iCloud account, click your profile picture in the upper-right corner, and go to iCloud Settings.
Go to iCloud Settings on Official Website
Step 2:
Click the Data Recovery tab from the top menu. Then choose the Restore Contacts option.
iCloud Data Recovery Contacts
Step 3:
Select a recent iCloud backup that contains your deleted iPhone contacts, then click the Restore button to find them back on your device. You should click Restore again to confirm the contacts restoring operation.
Get Contacts Back on iPhone Using iCloud Data Recovery

Part 3. Restore Deleted Contacts on iPhone from iTunes Backup

Restoring deleted iPhone contacts from an iTunes backup is a relatively simple process. Following the steps below, you can retrieve your lost contacts and ensure they are safely restored on your iPhone. This method requires you to have previously created an iTunes backup with your deleted contacts included.

Step 1:
Connect your iPhone to the computer you typically use to sync with iTunes. Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed and launch it. Wait for iTunes to detect your iPhone.
Step 2:
Once detected, click the iPhone button in the iTunes window's upper left corner. Under the Backups section in the Summary tab, select the option labeled Restore Backup.
Restore Contacts on iPhone from iTunes Backup
Step 3:
A pop-up window will present you with a list of available iTunes backups. Choose the backup that contains the deleted contacts you want to restore. Selecting the most recent backup is usually a good idea to ensure you recover the latest data.
Step 4:
Click the Restore button to initiate the restoration process. iTunes will now extract and restore the backup to your iPhone. During this process, it is important not to disconnect your iPhone from the computer, as doing so might interrupt the restoration process and potentially cause data loss.

Once the iTunes restoration is complete, your iPhone will restart. Disconnect it from the computer. Open the Contacts app on your iPhone and check if your deleted contacts have been restored.

It's worth noting that restoring an iTunes backup will replace all the existing data of your iPhone, including any changes or modifications made since the backup was created. Therefore, backing up your iPhone before beginning the restoration process is advised.

If you encounter any issues or further complications during recovery, you should consult Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for assistance. They will be able to help you troubleshoot and recover your contacts effectively.

Part 4. FAQs of How to Restore Contacts on iPhone

How do you export iPhone contacts from iCloud?

Go to the iCloud website and sign in to your account. Go to Contacts to check all iPhone contacts that are synced to iCloud. Choose the contacts you like to export, click the gear button, then select the Export vCard option.

How can I restore deleted messages on my iPhone?

The Messages app on your iPhone has a Recently Deleted folder to store your deleted messages. In the folder, you can find the messages that were deleted within the last 40 days. Enter Messages and tap Filters in the top-left corner to back to the main Messages screen. To find and retrieve deleted messages on your iPhone, scroll down and look for the Recently Deleted folder. Tap to enter it. Tick the message thread that contains the deleted messages you want to restore. Tap Recover to bring back the selected messages to the main Messages app.

How to transfer contacts from iPhone to computer for backup?

You can use iTunes to transfer your iPhone data to your computer, including contacts, messages, photos, etc. Besides, you can rely on some iPhone contacts transfer apps like the popular FoneTrans to back up your contacts to your Mac or Windows PC.

Conclusion

This post tells three effective ways to restore contacts on your iPhone. You can find and retrieve your deleted contacts from an iTunes or iCloud backup, or even without a backup using a third-party data recovery software like iPhone Data Recovery. Hope you can successfully recover your iPhone contacts.

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