I backup my iPhone to my MacBook - not iCloud. Why can't I get contacts to sync?

I have my iPhone backed up to my Mac, rather than to iCloud. I'm working on Monterrey, so this happens through Finder. This works just fine in general. But, I cannot get the contacts on my phone to sync with my computer. What am I doing wrong?

MacBook Pro 13″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jun 22, 2022 6:20 PM

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Posted on Jun 22, 2022 6:39 PM

Connect the Phone to your Mac

Select the Phone from the left panel

Click on the Info tab at the upper right of the window


Is there a message there that says that the iPhone is using Contacts and Calendar with iCloud? Example below:


If yes, to Sync Contacts with your Mac, you will need to turn off Contacts in iCloud. Post back for more info if needed.




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Jun 22, 2022 6:39 PM in response to Betzy428

Connect the Phone to your Mac

Select the Phone from the left panel

Click on the Info tab at the upper right of the window


Is there a message there that says that the iPhone is using Contacts and Calendar with iCloud? Example below:


If yes, to Sync Contacts with your Mac, you will need to turn off Contacts in iCloud. Post back for more info if needed.




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Jun 22, 2022 6:28 PM in response to Betzy428

Unlike some Android devices, contacts are neither stored locally on an iPhone nor in SIM. They are synced to an email account that you had Google, iCloud, AOL, Exchange, Outlook, Yahoo or any Other


If Contacts were on iCloud, try this --> Restore contacts, calendars, bookmarks, and more using ...


Else Add the email account that stores your contacts in the IOS mail app and enable Contacts.If you have a corporate email account added through a profile on your device, please check with your organisation's system administrator.

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Jun 22, 2022 6:40 PM in response to SravanKrA

Well, that strikes me as stupid. But, okay.


So...if my contacts are not synced with an e-mail account (and I don't want them to be), do I have to sync them with iCloud?


To be clear, one of my goals is to not have to pay for extra iCloud storage. I have more than enough memory on my very expensive computer, and don't think it should be necessary. But, is there a way for me to use iCloud just for my contacts?

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Jun 22, 2022 7:04 PM in response to Betzy428

Sorry, I don't' use Outlook so do not know if it is possible to "turn off" the Outlook sync with Contacts so you can sync with your Mac.


If you find the way, please let us know.


You have some free storage with iCloud. Why not consider syncing Contacts with iCloud? That way, Contacts will be up to date on your iPhone and Mac



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I backup my iPhone to my MacBook - not iCloud. Why can't I get contacts to sync?

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