Contact loss on iPhone can be a disheartening experience. Whether it’s an accidental deletion or a technical glitch, the fear of losing essential contact information can be overwhelming. However, the good news is that, in many cases, deleted contacts can be recovered. This comprehensive guide will delve into various methods to recover contacts on your iPhone, whether you have a backup or not. Without further ado, dive in to see all the steps you need.
1. Can Deleted Contacts Be Recovered on iPhone?
Before we dive into the recovery methods, it’s important to address the fundamental question: can the deleted/disappeared contacts on iPhone be recovered? The answer is yes, but the success of recovery is dependent on various factors, such as the backup status, the time that has passed since deletion, and the recovery method used. And the chances can be much bigger if you have a backup on iCloud or somewhere else. Let’s explore the different methods available for recovering lost contacts.
2. How to Restore iPhone Contacts with a Backup
One reliable way to retrieve deleted contacts on your iPhone is by using a previously created backup. Apple offers two primary backup options: iCloud and iTunes. If you back up your contacts with one of the two methods, your contacts will likely get back on your iPhone. Let’s explore both methods and weigh their pros and cons.
2.1 Recover from iCloud Backup
For an iCloud backup, there are different ways to access the backup and get contacts back on your iPhone, depending on the device you have right now. Therefore, check out the following steps for accessing the iPhone and web backup.
For iPhone:
Before following the steps below, ensure you have connected your device to a workable Wi-Fi or any other network connection.
Step 1. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, and select iCloud.
Step 2. Move on, scroll down, and tap Backup.
Step 3. Check the date of your last backup and ensure it contains the contacts you need. You can restore your iPhone to that backup if the backup is recent.
Step 4. Navigate to Settings, tap General, select Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 5. Once you’ve reached the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
Although the above method is feasible, some might fear losing other valuable data. Hence, you can restore the contacts alone instead of erasing and recovering all data and information.
Step 1. Still, open the Settings app. Find iCloud.
Step 2. Scroll down and find Contacts.
Step 3. Toggle it to turn it off. A pop-up will appear. Then, choose to Keep on My iPhone.
Step 4. Next, toggle the Contacts option again to turn it back on. Tap Merge in the new pop-up to get back the disappeared iPhone contacts.
The missing contacts that have been stored on the iCloud backup will then get back on your iPhone.
For Web:
If your iPhone is not around or you think the above solution is not direct enough, you can also restore contacts stored in iCloud on iCloud.com.
Step 1. Open a browser on your phone or any computer and visit iCloud.com.
Step 2. Sign in using your Apple ID.
Step 3. Click the Quick Access button and choose Data Recovery.
Step 4. Then, select Restore Contacts to see the backup of previous contacts.
Step 5. Next, choose the ones you need to restore and click the Restore button to regain the deleted contacts on your iPhone.
Pros and Cons of iCloud Backup Recovery:
Pros:
User-friendly and accessible from both iPhone and the web.
No need for a computer.
Regular automatic backups if iCloud backup is enabled.
Cons:
Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Limited control over which contacts to recover.
It may not be suitable for larger backups due to storage limitations.
There is a risk of losing other valuable data.
2.2 Recover from an iTunes Backup
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Step 3. Select your device when it appears. Click Restore Backup.
Step 4. Choose the relevant backup from the list. Click Restore and wait for the process to complete.
Pros and Cons of iTunes Backup Recovery:
Pros:
Doesn’t rely on internet connectivity.
It can be used to restore specific contacts.
Suitable for users with larger backups.
Cons:
Requires a computer with iTunes/Finder.
Backups might be less frequent compared to iCloud.
The potential risk of overwriting newer data.
3. Retrieve Deleted Contacts on iPhone without a Backup
If you don’t have a backup or if the backup doesn’t contain the contacts you need, you can turn to third-party software for assistance. Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery is a robust tool specializing in recovering various data types, including contacts.
Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery is a reliable third-party tool specializing in data recovery from iPhones, even when you lack a backup. This software is designed to scan your device for recoverable data and allow you to retrieve deleted contacts. You cannot only retrieve deleted text messages from iPhone with this recovery tool but also utilize its backup feature to create a backup after recovery for your iPhone.
Here’s how you can use Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery to retrieve deleted contacts on your iPhone:
Step 1. Download and Install Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery
Visit the official Apeaksoft website and download the iPhone Data Recovery software. Install the software on your computer following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2. Connect Your iPhone Using a USB Cable
Launch Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery. Next, use a USB cable to connect the iPhone and computer. Then, choose iPhone Data Recovery.
Step 3. Begin the Scanning Process
Tap the Trust button on your iPhone for a first-time connection. Once the iPhone is connected to the computer, click the Start Scan button in the first tab – Recover from iOS Device.
Step 4. Preview and Recover Deleted Contacts
Once the scanning is complete, you’ll see a list of recoverable contacts.
Check them and select. After that, click the Recover button on the right corner below to retrieve deleted iPhone contacts. You’ll be prompted to choose a location on your computer to save the recovered data.
Pros of Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery:
It can recover deleted contacts without a backup.
Offers selective recovery.
Works for other data types as well.
User-friendly interface.
Cons of Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery:
It requires a computer.
Some features may require an upgrade.
The success rate may vary depending on data conditions.
Bonus. Important Tips for Successful Recovery
While using Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery can significantly increase your chances of successfully retrieving deleted contacts without a backup, there are a few important tips to keep in mind:
Act Quickly: The sooner you attempt recovery after deleting contacts, the better your chances of success. New data can potentially overwrite deleted data over time.
Avoid Syncing or Updating: To prevent potential overwriting of deleted data, avoid syncing your iPhone with iTunes or iCloud and refrain from installing software updates until you’ve completed the recovery process.
Regular Backups: Although this guide focuses on recovery without a backup, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of regular backups. Backing up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes can prevent such situations from occurring in the first place.
Conclusion
Losing contacts on your iPhone is undoubtedly distressing. Still, it’s important to remember that there are viable solutions to recover your valuable information. Whether you have a backup or not, you have options: iCloud and iTunes offer reliable backup recovery methods, while third-party tools like Apeaksoft iPhone Data Recovery cater to those without backups. Regularly backing up your iPhone and staying informed about recovery options will ensure that even in moments of contact crisis, you know how to restore the contacts on your iPhone even when they are deleted.
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