How do you get back deleted contacts?

If you’ve accidentally deleted contacts on your Android phone or iPhone, don’t worry. There are several methods to restore your lost contacts, whether through backups, syncing services, or specialized recovery apps. This step-by-step guide will help you recover your contacts easily on both platforms.

Recovering Contacts on Android Devices

1. Check Google Contacts Sync

If you used your Google account to sync contacts, recovering deleted contacts can be straightforward. Log into Google Contacts on your computer.

• Look for the Undo changes option in the left sidebar. Click it.
• Select a time frame, such as 10 minutes or 1 week ago, when your contacts were still intact.
• Click Undo. Your contacts will revert to that point.
2. Restore from Local Backup

If you have a local backup on your device, follow these steps:

• Open the Contacts app or your device’s Settings.
• Navigate to Accounts & sync or Backup & restore.
• Choose Restore from the backup file if available.
3. Use a Recovery App

If contacts are not recoverable via Google, you might try a third-party recovery app like Dr.Fone, DiskDigger, or similar. Download the app from a trusted source, connect your device, and follow the app’s instructions. Be cautious and read reviews before choosing an app.

Recovering Contacts on iPhone

1. Restore from iCloud Backup

If you backed up your iPhone via iCloud, restoring contacts is simple:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset.
• Select Erase All Content and Settings.
• Follow setup prompts and choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
• Select the latest backup that contains your contacts.
2. Restore from iTunes Backup

Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder open. Choose your device, then select Restore Backup. Pick a recent backup and wait for the process to complete.

3. Use an iCloud.com Web Portal

If you recently deleted contacts, visit iCloud.com. Log in with your Apple ID, click Contacts, and check if your contacts are still there. You can export or re-sync them to your device if needed.

Additional Tips and Troubleshooting

• Always keep backups of your contacts regularly to prevent data loss.
• If contacts are missing after restoring, check if you have multiple accounts synced on your device, and ensure contacts are set to display for each account.
• Avoid overwriting backups or restoring from outdated files, which can cause further loss.
• If recovery methods fail, consulting professional data recovery services might help, especially with physically damaged devices.