Contacts: How to start from scratch?

There are many threads on managing contacts, but all the syncing/toggling/etc. is confusing. I want to export/download all my contacts, sort through them and fix them offline, then start with this "fresh" list.


Background: Had lots of issues with duplicates / missing data / missing contacts over the past 12 months. For example:

  • Some contacts have lost all info except name and an outlook field (eg. ms-outlook//people/...). I only use Outlook on work computer, so don't know where these come from.
  • Some contacts I deleted years ago won't go away
  • A few contacts show up 10 times or more


I have an iphone 11 and a PC, and just want to start over.

My Contacts settings show 3 Accounts: ICloud, Gmail, and Outlook

ICloud settings have Contacts sync toggled On.


If I export everything as Vcard from ICloud, then open on my PC and fix, how can I change the settings so my updated list will stay accurate?


Thanks in advance. I've tried many things from this forum but just can't seem to fix it.




iPhone 11

Posted on Jan 28, 2023 2:45 PM

Reply
3 replies

Jan 30, 2023 2:45 PM in response to Smelvis

Hello Smelvis, 

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. 


If you have all of your contacts in once place, you can import them to your iCloud account following these instructions: Import or export a vCard in Contacts on iCloud.com


If you notice any duplicate contacts after enabling only the iCloud account for your contacts, please follow these instructions to identify and remove any duplicate contacts: If you see duplicate contacts after setting up iCloud Contacts.


Cheers! 

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Contacts: How to start from scratch?

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