GUIDE

How to Restore Deleted Contacts on iPhone

The Contacts app has no trash, but iCloud keeps earlier versions of your contacts. On a computer, sign in at iCloud.com, open Data Recovery, choose Restore Contacts and pick a version from before you deleted the contact. For Google contacts, use Undo changes in Google Contacts. Starrise Contacts Pro adds a Trash for deleted contacts.

Updated October 2026

Download From App Store

Restore iCloud contacts on iCloud.com

On a computer, sign in at iCloud.com.
Open Data Recovery. You find it at the bottom of the iCloud.com home page or in the account settings.
Choose Restore Contacts.
Pick a version dated before you deleted the contact and tap Restore.

Restoring replaces the contacts on all your devices with that version. Your current contacts are archived first, so you can switch back. Contacts added since that date are not in the restored version.

Other places to look

Google contacts: on contacts.google.com, look in Trash, or use Undo changes to go back to an earlier point.
Exported vCard file: if you have one, open it on your iPhone to add the contacts again.
Another account: tap Lists in Contacts and check whether an account was turned off, which hides its contacts.

Limits

iCloud restores all contacts at once, not one person.
You need a computer and your Apple Account sign-in.

The easier way with Starrise Contacts

Starrise Contacts Pro has Restore Deleted Contacts: deleted someone by mistake? Restore the contact from the Trash with all its notes, gift ideas, to-dos and files. Deleted contacts stay there for 30 days, or as long as you choose in Settings, before they’re removed for good.

No computer, no restoring all contacts at once, and the details you added in Starrise come back too. See the Apple Contacts alternative.

Sources

Steps checked in October 2026 against Apple’s iPhone User Guide.

All guides →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Recently Deleted folder for contacts on iPhone?

No. The Contacts app has no trash. iCloud contacts can be restored from an earlier version on iCloud.com under Data Recovery.

Can I restore just one contact from iCloud?

No. iCloud restores the whole address book to an earlier version. Your current contacts are archived first, so you could export the one you need and switch back.

How long can I restore deleted contacts?

iCloud.com offers versions from a limited period, which it shows when you choose Restore Contacts. In Starrise Contacts Pro, deleted contacts stay in the Trash for 30 days, or as long as you choose.

GET STARRISE CONTACTS

Try Starrise Contacts for free

Starrise Contacts works on the contacts already on your iPhone, iPad and Mac. No account, nothing to import. Free to download, with an optional Pro subscription.