How do I permanently delete a contact? I know it isn't deleted because when I type in the contact "Name" in a message the supposedly deleted name and number show up as if the phone remembers it. Please help to erase number permanently. iPhone4s

You have to go into contacts, go into the contact and scroll down to the bottom where it will say 'delete contact'

If you have deleted the contact and they still show up on search when sending a message, it is because it is rememberging it from a previous conversation. It's a feature in case you want to message someone you don't have a contact of, but you have messages/emails form them. But the contact is deleted if its not in your contacts app.

The ONLY way to remove this data from your phone is to restore your phone as a NEW device in iTunes, NOT from backup. It's either that, or you live with it.

When you type their name into the message box, click the I button on the right (information icon). Then there is a red option that says delete from recent contacts. They will no longer show up!