Guide to Removing Duplicate Contacts on iOS 13: Efficient Methods and Recommended Tools

Introduction

Managing a large and sprawling contact list can be a daunting task, especially when duplicate entries start to clutter your phone. With iOS 13, Apple has provided several methods to help you eliminate these unwanted duplicates. This guide will explore three effective ways to remove duplicate contacts: Manual Merging, Using iCloud, and Third-Party Apps. We'll also discuss the benefits of using a third-party tool and share steps for its use, as well as additional handy features that these apps often provide.

Manual Merging Contacts

For users who prefer a more hands-on approach, manually merging contacts is a reliable method to remove duplicates. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open the Contacts App

Launch the Contacts app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Search for Duplicates

Scroll through your contacts or use the search bar to find duplicates.

Step 3: Select a Contact

Select the contact you want to merge by tapping on it.

Step 4: Edit the Contact

Tap on More to edit the contact.

Step 5: Link Contacts

Scroll down and tap on Link to another contact.

Step 6: Select the Duplicate

Find and select the duplicate contact you want to merge with. Tap Save.

This method is effective but can be time-consuming, especially for large contact lists.

Using iCloud to Remove Duplicates

If you have many duplicates, using iCloud on a computer can simplify the process:

Step 1: Go to

Open a web browser and go to .

Step 2: Sign In

Step 3: Open Contacts

Click on the Contacts icon.

Step 4: Find and Mark Duplicates

Manually look for duplicates in your contact list.

Step 5: Select and Merge Contacts

Select the duplicate contacts you want to combine. Hold down the Command key on Mac or Control key on Windows while clicking on them.

Step 6: Merge

Click on the gear icon at the bottom left and select Link to. Follow the prompts to complete the merging.

This method is more efficient for bulk management and cross-device synchronization, minimizing the risk of losing important information.

Using Third-Party Apps to Manage Duplicates

For users who prefer a faster and more streamlined process, third-party apps can be a game-changer. One such app is Cleaner for iPhone. This app is designed specifically to find and manage duplicate contacts quickly.

Step 1: Launch the App

Open the Cleaner for iPhone app.

Step 2: Tapping Clean Contacts

Tap on Clean Contacts. This will run a quick scan to identify all the duplicate contacts on your phone.

Step 3: Select Contacts

You can either delete all the duplicates at once or keep a selected few and delete the rest.

Step 4: Merging Options

The Cleaner app also allows you to merge contacts if one person has multiple phone numbers.

Additional features of this app include deleting duplicate photos or screenshots on your iPhone.

This tool is particularly useful for those who deal with large and complex contact lists, such as professionals or those who frequently update their phone numbers.

Precautions and Notes

Always back up your contacts before making bulk changes to prevent accidental loss of information.

Regularly check your contacts to avoid duplicates in the future, especially if you sync contacts from multiple sources.

By following these methods, you should be able to effectively remove duplicate contacts on your iOS 13 device and keep your contact list organized and efficient.

Conclusion

Managing your contacts is a crucial aspect of modern mobile communication. Whether you prefer manual methods, use iCloud, or rely on third-party apps, there are efficient ways to eliminate duplicates and keep your contact list organized. Choose the method that best suits your needs and regularly maintain your contacts to prevent future duplicates. Happy cleaning!