How To Delete All Contacts From Your iPhone in Just a Few Steps

Whether you’re selling your phone, starting fresh, or just want to wipe out years of cluttered contact lists, deleting all contacts from your iPhone can seem more complicated than it should be. Apple doesn’t provide a built-in “Delete All” button in the Contacts app, so you have to approach it through different methods depending on your situation.

Here’s a complete, no-nonsense guide that walks you through all the methods to clear your iPhone contact list, using your iPhone, iCloud, or even third-party apps.

Start Here: Know Where Your Contacts Are Stored

Before deleting anything, it’s important to understand where your contacts are saved. Your iPhone contacts may be synced from:

• iCloud (most common)
• Gmail
• Outlook or Exchange accounts
• Other third-party services like Yahoo

You can check this in Settings > Contacts > Accounts.

Depending on the source, removing the account will immediately remove its associated contacts from your iPhone, no manual deletion needed.

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Method 1: The Fastest Way , Remove the Accounts Syncing Contacts

If your contacts are coming from accounts like iCloud, Gmail, or Outlook, and you’re fine with removing them entirely, this is the fastest approach.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Contacts.
3. Tap Accounts.
4. Select each account (e.g., iCloud, Gmail).
5. Toggle off the Contacts switch for that account.
6. When prompted, tap Delete from My iPhone.

This instantly removes all contacts tied to that account. If you toggle the switch back on later, they’ll come right back.

Tip: If your iPhone is signed into iCloud and you’re using iCloud contacts, you’ll need to go into your Apple ID settings to manage that.

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Method 2: Delete All iCloud Contacts Using iCloud.com

This method is perfect if you use iCloud and want to permanently delete all contacts from your iCloud account (which also removes them from all synced Apple devices).

On your computer:

1. Visit iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Click Contacts.
3. On a Mac or Windows keyboard, press Command + A (Mac) or Ctrl + A (Windows) to select all contacts.
4. Tap the gear icon in the bottom-left corner.
5. Click Delete.
6. Confirm when prompted.

Your contacts will vanish from iCloud and be removed from your iPhone shortly after.

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Method 3: Manually Delete Contacts One by One (if you’re stubborn)

This is the default Apple-approved method, but it’s only practical if you have fewer than 20 contacts to delete.

Steps:

1. Open the Contacts app or Phone > Contacts.
2. Tap on a contact.
3. Tap Edit in the top right corner.
4. Scroll down and tap Delete Contact.
5. Confirm.

Repeat 100 times if you enjoy punishment.

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Method 4: Use a Third-Party App to Bulk Delete Contacts

If Apple’s limitations drive you crazy, there are safe, well-rated apps that let you delete multiple or all contacts in just a few taps.

Popular apps:

• Groups (by Qbix)
• Delete Contacts+
• Cleaner – Clean Duplicate Items

How to use Groups (free version):

1. Download Groups from the App Store.
2. Grant access to your contacts.
3. Tap All Contacts.
4. Select all (or specific ones).
5. Tap Actions > Delete Contacts.

Always review app permissions before granting full access. Stick to apps with strong user ratings and clear privacy policies.

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Method 5: Reset Your iPhone (Last Resort)

If you’re giving away or selling your device and want a total wipe, do a factory reset. This erases everything, contacts, photos, settings, apps, and data.

Warning: Back up your phone first if there’s anything you want to keep.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Enter your passcode and Apple ID password.
4. Confirm.

Your iPhone will restart clean, with no contacts or data left behind.

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Bonus Tip: Prevent Deleted Contacts from Re-Syncing

If you’ve deleted all contacts but they keep coming back, you’re likely still syncing them from an account. Here’s how to stop the cycle:

• Go to Settings > Contacts > Accounts.
• Disable Contacts for each account OR delete the account entirely from your iPhone if you don’t need it.

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Summary: Which Method Should You Use?

• Want everything gone immediately? Remove the accounts syncing your contacts.
• Use iCloud and want permanent deletion? iCloud.com is your best friend.
• Like to micromanage? Use a third-party app.
• Selling your phone? Just reset the whole thing.

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Final Thought

Apple doesn’t make bulk-deleting contacts a native feature (probably to prevent accidental loss), but with the right method, you can easily take back control of your address book. Whether you’re purging years of old numbers or just prepping for a fresh start, now you know exactly how to do it.