How To Delete Multiple Contacts On iPhone at Once

Most iPhone users are probably unaware that it is possible to erase numerous contacts at once on iOS. The issue is that Apple’s implementation of this function differs from equivalent bulk delete actions performed in Messages and Mail, making it unclear how it’s done.

The instructions below will walk you through what is actually a pretty straightforward process once you understand it. Until recently, the only way to delete numerous contacts at once was to go into iCloud via browser, so this is a useful trick to remember. Continue reading to find out how it works.

1. Launch the Contacts app on your ‌iPhone‌, or open the Phone app and tap Contacts.
2. Find a group of contacts that you want to delete.
3. Using two fingers, press and hold a contact in the list, then drag your fingers up or down to highlight adjacent contacts as a selection.
4. Release your fingers to finish your selection. If you want to add another contact or contacts to the selection, repeat step 3 above. Otherwise, long-press with one finger on any highlighted contact, then tap Delete [X] Contacts in the drop-down menu.
5. Tap Delete Contacts in the confirmation prompt.