PDF download Download Article
Easily organize your Apple iPhone contacts by first or last name
PDF download Download Article

By default, iPhone contacts are listed and organized alphabetically by last name. If you'd rather sort your contacts by first name, you can easily do so in the Settings app. You can also change how contacts are displayed when receiving a call or checking their information. This wikiHow will show you how to sort your Apple contacts by first name using your iPhone.

Things You Should Know

  • To sort your contacts by first name, go to "Settings" → "Contacts" → "Sort Order" → "First, Last".
  • When you use the Contacts app, all contacts will be sorted alphabetically based on first name.
  • To change the display order, go to "Settings" → "Contacts" → "Display Order" → "Last, First".
  1. This looks like a grey cog icon. Make sure to update your iPhone .
  2. You can find this underneath Passwords and Mail .
    Advertisement
  3. This will be underneath Accounts .
  4. There will be a blue checkmark next to it. [1]
    • Now, when you use the Contacts app , you should see names listed alphabetically by first name.
    • You can also tap Display Order and select Last, First if you want contacts to display last names first when answering calls or viewing contact information.
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I sort my contacts alphabetically?
    Community Answer
    It should sort your contacts alphabetically by default, but if you want to sort them by the first name instead of the last, you can do so by going to Settings and then to Contacts. Then there should be an option so change the sorting order.
  • Question
    How do I move apps to another page on iPhone 6?
    Community Answer
    Hold onto the app block until it starts to shake. Drag it to where you want it to be, and let go. If you want it on the next page, hold it at the edge of the screen until it moves to the next screen.
  • Question
    How do I sort my contacts by the last name alphabetically?
    Community Answer
    That's the default. If not, just follow these instructions, but make the change inverted.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

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

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Settings .
      2. Tap Contacts .
      3. Tap Sort Order .
      4. Tap First, Last .

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 587,744 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Mary Jordan

        Feb 8, 2017

        "It was great to know wikiHow had the information that I needed for my iPhone 6. The how to page was written very ..." more
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement