Contacts App issues on macOS Sonoma

I have the same issue. But I was able to use iOS to change it. Apple needs to update Contacts for MacOS.

I tested this. You cannot rename a list, so long as it is empty. The moment you add some card to that list, you can then rename at will. It is not perfect, but it is a reasonable workaround - since, presumably, you are going to want to add cards to that list, anyway.

Same problem here on macOS 14.3.

It all starts with the naming - why are these lists called LISTS now and not groups as the always were? Incomprehensible. More importantly, I followed the "workaround", added contacts to the new list and was able to rename the list from "untitled list" to something meaningful. The second problem though: some contacts do not stay put. I add them two, three, four times but they don't remain in the list (and yes, I am dragging / dropping them on top of the list name so that the name "highlights").

APPLE PLEASE rework this ASAP. This is a scandal, especially because it was all ok and somehow someone managed to mess it all up for no apparent reason.

I was unable to add names to a list or change the name of a list in Contacts as well. I quit and relaunched Contacts, no change.

Based on comments and testing by others. Decided to attempt my edits in iCloud. This resulted in a work around which seamed to resolve the problem in Contacts. See my steps below:

• • I opened Contacts in iCloud using Safari on my Mac.
  • Clicked "•••" for the list I wanted to edit, and selected Rename List -> It allowed me to change the name
  • I then moved a contact name into that list. -> It worked as well.
  • I left iCloud and went back to Contacts on my Mac
  • Tested changing the name of a list -> It worked correctly
  • Tested adding a name to the list -> It worked correctly

Hope this helps others

Daniel Ross-Jones wrote:

1. On macOS Sonoma, in the Contacts app, I am having three issues related to lists:

My Contacts syncs to iCloud, which is my only account service on Contacts. I'll note that I'm able to go in through Contacts on my iPhone to appropriately create/rename/delete lists, and it instantly updates on the sidebar on my Mac -- so the iCloud sync is working properly.

I would uncheck your Contacts in iCloud — test on your Mac.

no change; sign out of AppleID / iCloud to sort your issue — and test

ref: Sign out of iCloud on your... Mac

then sign back in and and compare your result...

Exactly the same here with 14.2.1

I have the same issue on MacOS. My workaround is to simply quit Contacts and then open it again. This consistently works but is very frustrating when making holiday card lists and changes and I have to quit the program after almost every single change. It does work, though, as I am able to change List name and cards in it 1-2 at a time quitting between each one.

I have had both challenges, but for me the empty list was the first that I was able to re-name first. After quitting and then re-opening I was able to change the name on the populated list, eventually.

Anytime things are grayed out that shouldn't be in Contacts, I have to close out of the app and then open it again. Usually, the functionality is turned on. It's a real pain. To set up a new list, rename it, and get some cards added means closing and opening the app several times. Really don't understand why this hasn't been fixed yet. My Contacts haven't worked right since I upgraded to Sonoma.

Agreed....Apple has done many great things. However, all of these dynamic, shared services are out of control..

while online services is a growing part of their business, they need to spend more time strengthening the fundamentals...

The whole Apple ID/synch/family foundation is such a mess...no cohesion..

I believe I've found a solution. Go to your iCloud.com account and select Contacts. I was able to edit the list there, whereas within the computer Contact app, I, too had "Edit Smart List" greyed out.

Sonoma 14.2.1 Macbook Pro M1

I unchecked Enable this account in Account Information.

Contacts>Settings>Accounts>Account Information>unchecked Enable this account then I waited for a few second and rechecked the box.

It worked for me however I noticed that when I removed some contacts from a list I had to perform the same operation again.

This did not work for me

Are you trying to rename an empty or nonempty list? As I noted before, renaming works for me when the list is not empty.

Yes but it won't let me put any contact card in the new untitled list?