How to merge duplicate contacts on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Duplicates build up when contacts arrive from several places, such as iCloud, Gmail and an old phone. Since iOS 16 the iPhone finds identical cards by itself and combines them without losing any details.

Step by step

1. Open the Contacts app

   Or open the Phone app and go to Contacts.

   Done

2. Look for Duplicates Found

   It appears below your own card at the top of the list. If it is not there, the iPhone has found no exact duplicates.

   Done

3. Tap View Duplicates

   Each person with more than one card is listed.

   Done

4. Tap Merge All

   Or tap one person to check the details first, then tap Merge.

   Done

5. Check the result

   The merged card keeps the phone numbers, addresses and notes from all of the copies.

   Done

Good to know

Only cards with the same first and last name are offered. "Mum" and "Maria Rossi" are not seen as the same person.

To join two differently named cards by hand, open one, tap Edit, scroll down, tap Link Contacts, choose the other card and tap Link.

If contacts are missing instead of doubled, check which accounts sync contacts under Settings, Apps, Contacts, Contacts Accounts.

In short: Contacts, Duplicates Found, View Duplicates, Merge All.