With the iOS 16 release, Apple made it easier than ever before to delete multiple contacts on iPhone. What once required logging into iCloud through a web browser can now be done simply on your phone. Gone are the days of deleting contacts individually now that you can permanently delete contacts in just a few simple steps.
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Let’s discover the simple steps to get the job done!
Steps to Delete Multiple Contacts on iPhone
1. Open Contacts
Once you have Contacts open, go to the contacts you want to be erased. For this trick to work, the contacts in question need to be next to each other.
2. Select the contacts with two fingers.
Tap the contact with two fingers. With two established points of touch, slide up or down depending on what contacts you want to delete and how many. Selected contacts will highlight in grey.
3. Release
Once you’ve selected the contacts you want to delete, release your fingers. The contacts you want to be deleted will remain highlighted.
4. Long press the highlighted contacts
Long press — also known as press and hold — the highlighted contacts until a menu pops up. You’ll see the option to Copy, Share, Merge, or Delete.
5. Tap Delete
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the deletion.
It’s now easy to delete multiple contacts on iPhone, but if this method doesn’t work for you or the contacts you want to delete are too scattered, there are some alternative methods below.
Alternative Methods to Delete Multiple Contacts
Method #1: Using iCloud
While not as convenient as deleting multiple contacts from your iPhone, iCloud offers more control over what you delete.
1. Log in to iCloud
2. Click on the grid
Find the grid in the top right corner and click on it to open the apps menu.
3. Select Contacts
4. Choose the contacts to delete
Hold the Control button and click on the contacts you want to delete. Selected contacts will highlight in gray.
5. Click on the Settings icon and then Delete.
Once the contacts you want to delete are selected, scroll down and click on the Settings icon at the bottom left corner. A popup menu will appear. Click Delete, with a backspace icon next to it. Read the on-screen popup and select Delete to confirm and finish the process.
Method #2: Third-Party Apps
There are a handful of third-party apps that enable you to delete multiple contacts from your iPhone. However, not all of these apps are safe to download. If you choose to use a third-party app, be sure to do your research first.
One popular, free option for deleting multiple contacts on iPhone is Groups. This third-party app allows you to delete contacts in bulk. While the more advanced features are only available through in-app purchases, the delete tool is free.
