As high-tech and advanced as all our modern mobile devices are, there’s no way of getting around basic user error. Luckily, the makers of your mobile devices kept such errors in mind. That is why we were eager to respond to Lynne’s question about how to restore a deleted contact on your mobile device.
I must have “FAT” fingers, as I accidentally deleted information in my contacts. I had typed in a couple of other contact phone numbers. But guess I accidentally deleted these. I would [like] to get this information back. I am guessing I am asking for a miracle. – Lynne P., Lakewood Ranch, FL
There are several options or methods to restore your contact information on an iPhone or Android so it is easy to find a solution that should work for you.
How to restore your contacts
Luckily, the makers of iPhones and Android phones understood that mistakes happen and contacts can be erased by accident. Below are ways to restore your contacts on an iPhone or Android phone:
How to restore your contacts on an iPhone or a Mac
There are two resources for iPhone owners in order to restore contacts: via iCloud or iTunes Backup. Before attempting to restore your contacts, backup your iPhone so you have recourse if you lose data.
Restore contacts with iCloud:
- Type “iCloud.com” in the search bar of your web browser.
- Input the email address used to start your iCloud account. This is usually the same email you use for your Apple ID.
- Input your password (unless you use a passkey).
- There may be a 2-step authentication process to verify your identity. You’ll be asked to allow or disallow verification on a secondary device. If so, select ‘Allow’.
- Then, enter the passcode provided on this secondary device.
- Once logged in to your iCloud account, select the menu icon in the upper right corner.
- In the drop-down menu, select ‘Data Recovery.’
- Select ‘Restore Contacts.’
- In the next window, you will have restore date options. Select ‘Restore’ next to the date before your contact was erased.
- You will be asked to confirm by selecting ‘Restore’ again. After the contacts are restored, you will get a notification on iCloud.com and whatever email address is associated with your Apple ID.
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Restore contacts with iTunes:
If you have not enabled iCloud to backup your contacts, you may be able to restore contacts with iTunes
- Connect your iPhone to your PC using the power cable provided by Apple
- If iTunes does not automatically open on your desktop, open iTunes on your computer
- In the iTunes app, click the ‘Device’ button
- Click ‘Info’
- Select items you want to sync from this backup to your iPhone (Contacts), then click ‘Apply.’
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How to restore your contacts on an Android
There are two resources Android users can use to restore contacts: Google Contacts or Device settings. Before attempting to restore your contacts, backup your Android so you have recourse if you lose data.
Restore contacts with Google Contacts:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- On your web browser, go to contacts.google.com and log into your Google account.
Select the three-line icon on the top left corner.
- Select the Trash or bin icon.
- You should see the contact you deleted.
- If you hover your mouse over the contact you want to restore, you will see an option to select ‘Recover’ to the right of the contact’s information. Select ‘Recover’.
Restore contacts with Device Settings:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- On your Android, open ‘Settings.’
- Tap ‘Google’.
- Tap ‘Set up & restore.’
- Tap ‘Restore contacts.’
- Tap ‘From account’ to choose the Google account you want to restore.
- Tap the phone with the contacts you want to copy.
- Choose the source you want to copy: Turn on or off ‘SIM card’ or ‘Device storage.’
- Tap ‘Restore’.
- You will get a ‘Contacts restored’ notification when the process has concluded.
Please note: only contacts that aren’t already on your phone will be restored.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
While it is ideal if you never make a mistake while using your mobile devices, accidents do happen and contacts do get deleted accidentally. That’s why the makers of iPhones and Android devices have multiple ways you can restore contacts on your phone. Following these easy steps outlined above gives you the ability to rectify that situation quickly. It is best to make sure that your mobile devices are being backed up either to the cloud or physically to a computer or hard drive backup so there is a source from which to restore your contacts. Additionally, should anything go awry when you’re doing the restoration process, you have the ability to recover lost data. Accidents happen, but practicing safe data hygiene prevents it from becoming a lost cause or needing a miracle.
Have you ever accidentally deleted a contact on your mobile device? How did you recover that contact information? Are your contacts backed up anywhere? Let us know in the comments below.
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