'Linked Contacts' appearing after iPhone was factory reset and sold

I recently sold my old iPhone to my friend. I made sure to factory reset the phone before selling it to her, I’ve done it before and I double checked it before I sold it. I was with her today and she clicked on my contact and showed me that it said “linked contact” under my contact card. I checked her contact on my phone but it didn’t say it on hers. She’s logged in with her iCloud, her phone number is linked to that phone, so we don’t understand what’s going on. Anyone know what’s going on and how to fix it? If someone that has both of our numbers calls her, will my contact be called? We’re both super confused so any help is appreciated:)



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Linked contacts 

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Jul 7, 2025 4:20 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 7, 2025 4:32 PM

Linked Contacts mean you have one or more duplicate contacts from different sources and your iPhone has consolidated all the information from them into one card. This doesn’t mean you incorrectly erased the iPhone nor that your data is still present. You can unlink it by tapping on the Contact Card in the Contacts app > Tapping Edit in the top right > Scroll down to Unlink.


Learn more: Get rid of duplicate contacts on iPhone - Apple Support

Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 7, 2025 4:32 PM in response to hn_oo2

Linked Contacts mean you have one or more duplicate contacts from different sources and your iPhone has consolidated all the information from them into one card. This doesn’t mean you incorrectly erased the iPhone nor that your data is still present. You can unlink it by tapping on the Contact Card in the Contacts app > Tapping Edit in the top right > Scroll down to Unlink.


Learn more: Get rid of duplicate contacts on iPhone - Apple Support

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

'Linked Contacts' appearing after iPhone was factory reset and sold

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.