How do I recover contacts? This is a common question among smartphone users who have accidentally deleted or lost their contact information. Whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, there are several methods you can try to retrieve your contacts. In this article, we will explore the most effective ways to recover contacts and ensure that you never lose your valuable contact information again.
Recovering contacts can be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t backed up your device. However, with the right approach and tools, you can quickly restore your lost contacts. Here are some of the most popular methods to recover contacts on both Android and iOS devices.
1. Check the Recently Deleted Folder
One of the simplest ways to recover deleted contacts is by checking the Recently Deleted folder on your device. This folder stores deleted contacts for a certain period, typically 30 days, before permanently deleting them. To access the Recently Deleted folder, follow these steps:
– On your Android device, go to the Contacts app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, and then tap Recently Deleted. From there, you can restore any deleted contacts.
– On your iOS device, open the Contacts app, tap the edit button in the top right corner, select Recently Deleted, and then tap the “Restore” button next to each contact you want to recover.
2. Use a Backup
If you have previously backed up your contacts, you can easily restore them from the backup. Here’s how to do it on both Android and iOS:
– On Android, go to the Contacts app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings, and then tap Import/Export. Choose the backup file you want to restore from and follow the on-screen instructions.
– On iOS, connect your device to your computer and open iTunes. Select your device, go to the Info tab, and click on “Restore Backup.” Choose the backup that contains your contacts and wait for the process to complete.
3. Use a Third-Party App
If you haven’t backed up your contacts and the Recently Deleted folder is empty, you can still try using a third-party app to recover them. These apps can scan your device’s storage and recover deleted contacts. Some popular options include:
– Dr.Fone – Data Recovery for Android and iOS
– iMyFone D-Back
– EaseUS MobiSaver
To use these apps, download and install them on your computer. Connect your device to the computer, launch the app, and follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted contacts. Once the scan is complete, you can preview and recover the contacts you want.
4. Contact Your Service Provider
If you have lost all your contacts and none of the above methods work, you may need to contact your service provider. They may be able to help you recover your contacts from their server, especially if you have been using a service like Google Contacts or Apple’s iCloud.
In conclusion, recovering contacts can be a challenging task, but with the right methods and tools, you can easily restore your lost contact information. Regularly backing up your contacts is the best way to prevent data loss, but if you do lose your contacts, the above methods should help you get them back.
