How do I move the Contacts app into the Phone Icon?

Hi, Jess,

Thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities. I understand that you inadvertently deleted the Contacts app, and now the contacts tab is missing from your Phone app. I'm happy to help!

Removing the Contacts app from your iPhone should not affect your contacts tab within the Phone app, as described in the second footnote in Delete built-in Apple apps on your iOS 12, iOS 13, or iPadOS device or Apple Watch - Apple Support.

In fact, I have also removed my Contacts app from my iPhone, and I can still view my contacts tab in the Phone app without the Contacts app itself on my device. If your information is missing from the Phone app, I'd suggest trying the following steps. Test between each to see if your information appears:

1. Force close the Phone app, as well as any other app that may access your contacts: How to force an app to close on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support then restart your iPhone: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support.
2. If you use iCloud to sync your contacts, make sure it is enabled under Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Contacts.
3. Likewise, if you sync your contacts with an email service, make sure that is enabled under Settings > Passwords & Accounts > [account you sync with] > Contacts.
4. Check for, and install any available updates for your iOS software: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support.
5. Make sure you do not have any Screen Time restrictions that may be preventing access to your contacts: Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support.

Best!