10 Easy Ways to Fix Contacts Not Showing Up on Your iPhone

PDF download Download Article
Learn why iPhone contacts are missing and how to the problem
PDF download Download Article

If all or some of your contacts aren't showing up on your iPhone, this can be due to a software glitch. Apple introduced a fix in a recent update, but if you still can't see your contacts, there are quick ways to troubleshoot it. Here's how to fix contacts not showing up on an iPhone.

1

Restart your iPhone.

PDF download Download Article
  1. A quick restart can fix common issues. Do the following:
    • On iPhones without a Home button, press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons until the Power slider appears.
      • On iPhones with a Home button, press and hold the side button until the slider appears.
    • Slide the slider with your finger and wait for your iPhone to turn off.
    • Wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
    2. Advertisement
2

Update your iPhone.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make sure your iPhone is updated . This issue has impacted many users, and many have had luck after updating to the latest version. Do the following:
    • Go to Settings .
    • Tap General .
    • Tap Software Update .
    • Tap Download and Install .
3

Resync iCloud.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you use iCloud to store your contacts, make sure they're enabled in your settings and that you're connected to Wi-Fi to sync it properly. If they are, you can resync them. Do the following:
    • Go to Settings .
    • Tap your Apple ID.
    • Tap iCloud .
    • Tap Show All .
    • Toggle off Contacts .
      • If prompted, select Keep on My iPhone .
    • Toggle on Contacts again.
    2. Advertisement
4

Show All Contacts in the app.

PDF download Download Article
  1. iPhone places contacts in groups based on where it receives the contact information. You may have the app set to only show a certain group. To check, do the following:
    • Open the Contacts app.
    • Tap Lists in the top-left corner.
    • Tap All Contacts to see all saved contacts.
5

Add more Contacts accounts.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you get your contacts from multiple sources, such as your Google contacts or Outlook contacts , make sure they're added and enabled on your iPhone. Do the following:
    • Open Settings .
    • Tap Contacts .
    • Tap Accounts .
    • Tap Add account to select a type and enter its login information.
      • If you have accounts already added, tap one now.
    • Make sure Contacts is toggled on.
    • Repeat for each account.
    2. Advertisement
6

Force rebuild contacts.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This can only be done if you have at least one visible contact on your list. Do the following:
    • Open the Contacts app.
    • Select a contact.
    • Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
    • Add new details (fake or real—you can delete this later).
    • Tap Done .
    • Restart your iPhone.
7

Use iCloud data recovery.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Keep in mind this will only work if you use iCloud sync for your contacts. [1] Do the following:
    • Sign into https://www.icloud.com/ on your mobile browser.
    • Tap the app grid in the toolbar.
    • Tap Data Recovery .
    • Tap Restore Contacts .
    • Find the most recent version and tap Restore .
    2. Advertisement
8

Restore from an older backup.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Restore your iPhone from a backup. This can be done using iCloud, iTunes, or your computer. This process will vary depending on the method.
    • If you restore your iPhone with the most recent backup and the contacts still don't show up, try using the backup before that one.
9

Factory reset without restoring backup.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Factory reset your device fully. However, do not restore from an existing backup. This is a time-consuming method that requires you to add your iPhone's synced services, information, and data manually.
    2. Advertisement
10

Contact Apple support.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Contact Apple's customer support . If you're still having issues after trying the above methods, this could indicate an issue with the device itself. You may still be covered under warranty and eligible for a replacement.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Past the Activation Lock on an iPhone or iPad without the Seller
      How to
      Automatically Forward Text Messages to Another Phone
      How to
      Hard Reset an iPhone
      How to
      Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      4 Ways to Find Your Lost iPhone When It’s Offline or Dead
      10 Simple Ways to Fix an iPhone or Android That Won’t Send Pictures
      Apple ID Sign Out Unavailable? Here's How to Fix It
      How to
      Fix "Notifications Silenced" on iPhone Messages
      How to
      Use the iPhone Hidden Album to Hide Private Photos
      Malware on iPhone: Signs of Infection & How to Get Rid of It
      2 Ways to Factory Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password
      How to
      Fix the “iPhone Unavailable” Message: Explanation and Fixes
      8 Easy Fixes for iPhone Messages that Won't Finish Indexing
      Turn Off Location Sharing on an iPhone Without Anyone Knowing
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/restore-contacts-mm1d9cfdb498/1.0/icloud/1.0

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 13,975 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement