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How to Remove Duplicate Contacts

By iPad Pete 3 Comments

It seemed like a good idea to merge your email contact list with your iPhone list, but the execution created multiple entries and now you’re seeing double. These can be mighty annoying when they happen, but they are simple to fix. 

Often the problem stems from slight differences between the lists that you are syncing. If the contacts don’t match exactly then a new contact is created. Duplicates can also occur if you have, for example, a Google contacts account enabled in your iPhone Settings. This will lead to duplicates because the contact is being added to your Google account as well as your iPhone list.  

If the contacts are identical then you want to simply remove the extra entry. You can also use this method if you want to manage your list and get rid of out-of-date entries. Like the pizza place you used in college. Probably don’t need that one anymore. 

Step 1. Open “Contacts” and select the contact you want to remove.

Step 2. Tap “Edit” in the top right corner.

Step 3. Choose the “Delete” option. You will need to confirm the deletion.

If the entry is not an exact duplicate but has additional information you want to keep then you might want to merge the two contacts. This method does not overwrite any existing information so you will want to make sure that the contact data is correct before merging. 

Step 1. Open “Contacts” and select the contact you would like to merge.

Step 2. Tap “Edit” in the top right corner.

Step 3. Scroll down to “Link Contacts” and select that option.

Step 4. Choose the contact you would like to merge. 

Step 5. Tap “Link” in the top right corner.

So that was easy right? But what if you have dozens of contacts to remove and you don’t want to waste time removing them all individually? One way you can do that is by using iCloud.com. 

The list of apps you can manage from iCloud.com on your iPhone is limited so this method only works from a laptop or computer, but it is a quick and easy way to clean up your contacts. 

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com.

Step 2. Select “Contacts.”

Step 3. Hold down the “Control” key on your keyboard and select the contacts you want to delete. Note: They will appear on the right side of the Contacts list.

Step 4. Tap the “Settings” icon located in the bottom left corner and select “Delete.” You will need to confirm the deletion.

These methods get the job done but the best method for long-term list management is using a third-party app. There are many great, free (or in-app purchase) apps that can help you keep a clean contact list and they come with some extra benefits. 

Some will flag contacts with incomplete information and help you merge and overwrite entries. Others offer additional options like photo management. I could really use that one! Just search “duplicate contacts” in the app store and see which one works best for you. 

No matter which way you go about it, your contact list is going to be transformed. You might even be inspired to organize that junk drawer and get rid of all the “duplicate entries” in there too.

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  2. How to Remove Your Personal Information from Google Searches Have you ever Googled yourself and cringed at the results? If so, you’re not alone. It may seem impossible to keep your personal information secure and prevent it from appearing...
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Filed Under: Features, Useful Tech Tips

Comments

  1. Darry says

    at

    Do you know how to get rid of the thousands of unread emails I have in aol other than one at a time???

    Reply
    • Walt says

      at

      Easy, go to inbox, click on edit, click on “select all” then click on “delete”.

      Your entire email box will be deleted!!

      Reply
  2. Barbara says

    at

    There’s a box at the top for the day, check that box and it will delete the ones checked. I had over 4000 and it really didn’t take that long
    When you get to the ones that aren’t checked check it then stroll back up and check the box again or go to the bottom and click delete, then do the same thing again till they’re gone

    Reply

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