Various issues with contacts

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Level 1

4 points

Various issues with contacts

I've had issues with contacts on my iPhone for a while. There seem to be two separate lists that it's working from that I've never figured out how to combine. Mainly this comes up when I type in a name on iMessage and multiple options pop up for the same person. If I go into contacts, there's only one contact and one number saved for the contact. The names will also be slightly different. If I were to text my friend Chris, I'll type in 'Chris' but then 'Chris' and 'Chris W' might pop up.

It's been slightly annoying for years and I thought I would finally see if there's a solution.

Also a second issue, I've been trying to use the notes function within contacts, and using it consistently crashes the app. Any idea why this would be?

iPhone 13 mini, iOS 15

Posted on Aug 26, 2022 6:59 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

askbarnabas

Level 10

103,861 points

Aug 26, 2022 8:40 AM in response to finley49

ISSUE 1

Contacts can sometimes become scattered or multiplied when syncing or when changing devices. To ensure that contacts are always correct, follow these few simple steps. These steps include a Mac but do not include the steps for a PC. These steps include the use of iCloud and do not require purchasing additional storage. Make sure you back up your devices regularly so you have a back up to restore from if needed.

If you are missing contacts because you recently deleted an email account, add it back until you perform these steps. If you are using iCloud you can also try going to iCloud.com>sign in>account settings>advanced>restore contacts>select from the list of "archive of contacts."

Step one

(Skip to step two if you do not own an iPhone/iPad)

On iPhone/iPad

Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap any account and turn on contacts (repeat for all accounts).
Go to settings>Apple ID (your name at the top>iCloud>iCloud backup - turn on and select "back up now."
Go back to settings>Apple ID>iCloud>turn contacts off - choose to keep on device. Do not turn it back on yet!
Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap any account except iCloud - turn off contacts (repeat for all accounts).
Go to settings>mail>accounts>tap iCloud - turn on contacts. Stop here on the iPhone until you perform the Mac steps.

Step two

(Skip to step three if you do not own a Mac)

On Mac

Go to system preferences>internet accounts>tap iCloud account - turn on contacts
Go to system preferences>internet accounts> are the contacts turned on for all accounts?
Go to system preferences>iCloud>contacts - uncheck that, and then check it again and it will ask to merge. This should force it to merge all the contacts you have for the Mac.
Go to system preferences>internet accounts>tap any account that is not iCloud - turn off contacts (repeat for all accounts).
Stop there and go to iCloud.com

Step three

On iCloud.com