Sudden disappearance of contacts on iPhone

I just read through a thread about other people experiencing this — and the solutions given, which were syncing the iCloud contacts off and on, and restoring a backup, I've already tried. Still, I have missing contacts. One of which I entered just this morning, so I know it has just happened today — hours ago. I don't know HOW MANY contacts have been deleted because unless I search for someone and can't find them, then I don't know. I do know two of my "favorites" have no names and a handful of text messages now have no names. This is really frustrating because I save more than just phone numbers in my contacts. There might be addresses, emails, gate codes, zoom links, and so on. This is important information. I can't find any other methods for recovery or an answer as to why this suddenly happened. Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Some contacts suddenly deleted

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 12, 2025 1:39 PM

Top-ranking reply

Snowmentil

Level 1

48 points

Posted on Aug 12, 2025 2:01 PM

Sounds frustrating, especially since you’ve already tried the main iCloud synch steps. If contacts have suddenly disappeared, it’s probably due to a sync source issue rather than deletion. Here are some tips:

Go to Settings > Contacts > Accounts and check if you have multiple accounts (iCloud, Gmail, Outlook, etc.) Sometimes contacts are stored in a different account, and toggling iCloud wont affect those. Turn each account’s “Contacts” toggle off and back on one at a time to refresh.

Login to iCloud.com then press Contacts. If the missing contacts are there, they just aren’t syncing to your iPhone. Trying signing out of iCloud (iPhone Settings, > your name > Sign Out) and back in.

On iCloud.com, click your name at the top then press Data Recovery and select Restore Contacts. You can roll back your entire contacts database to a previous date.

Open the iPhone Contacts app and tap Lists or Groups in the top left. Make sure all groups are checked, some can be hidden because their group isn’t selected.

If none of the above worked, it may be worth contacting Apple Support directly. They can check your iCloud server logs to see if there was a sync error.

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66 replies

MtnHaven

Level 1

14 points

Dec 7, 2025 10:27 AM in response to Doug in Atlanta

I am having the exact same problem. Random contacts are disappearing. Yesterday, I texted two separate individuals in the AM. When I went to text one person again, their name had disappeared and only a phone number was there. In other cases, I found they totally disappeared. So strange and frustrating. I have checked all contacts, icloud, turned contacts in icloud off/on, nothing has restored their names and emails.

Dec 8, 2025 10:38 PM in response to peaceofjessi

This is horrible, happened to me as well. Waiting for my contacts to come back. Missing contacts is such an irritating thing. Whenever I search, I can’t find a contact. I tried all the steps above and also been on hours with Apple support, they’re really not helping: they keep on repeating the same thing again and again, it is basically wasting your time, this is not expected from you Apple. Horrible

Aug 15, 2025 4:31 PM in response to danette150

Following as I am experiencing the same issue.

Aug 16, 2025 11:56 AM in response to peaceofjessi

Exact same issue, nothing is working. Deleted my wifes contact as well as business partners and close friends. A lot of info in those contacts and they show up as numbers in my messages now.

Aug 17, 2025 6:40 PM in response to Snowmentil

none of this worked for me at all. thanks though.

peaceofjessi Author

Level 1

37 points

Aug 19, 2025 1:53 PM in response to danette150

Unfortunately, nothing has worked so far. I guess I need to call. Will do tomorrow.

Bagpuss5

Level 1

20 points

Aug 22, 2025 6:23 AM in response to peaceofjessi

I'm having this exact same problem and it's so frustrating. I also have lost three of my favourites and who knows how many others. Apple-we need a solution!

Aug 24, 2025 7:16 AM in response to Bagpuss5

I am having the same issue! Please Apple, get this fixed. I've lost hundreds of contacts and have exhausted all avenues recommended to resolve this issue.

Aug 25, 2025 1:46 PM in response to J_a_s_e

I'm having the same issue. I tried what was recommended above and it does not help me.

Aug 27, 2025 8:30 AM in response to peaceofjessi

Since updating i have lost all of my contacts and it has restored to over 5 years ago, very frustrating and Apple needs to fix this is it is happening to many people

Sep 7, 2025 9:07 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

That’s can’t be true because the account hasn’t existed for over 8 years. Like completely deleted. They’re stored somewhere else and Apple has severed however that worked for seemingly no reason.