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iPhone and iPadRemove Recent Contacts on iPhone

How to Remove Recent Contacts on iPhone — iOS 17 supported

By Lydia | Last Updated

Recent Contacts list people you have recently communicated with. And they are dynamic and constantly updated based on your interactions. These recent contacts appear in various places such as the Phone app, Messages, and even in the Share Sheet when you want to send something to someone quickly.

However, too many recent contacts may lead to it a bit messy and cluttered. In this post, we’ll explore the simple steps to get rid of your recent contacts. Let’s get started!

Remove Recent Contacts

Method 1: Remove Single Recent Contacts from Phone App

You can delete recent contact on iPhone one by one from the recent contacts list. To directly remove recent contacts through the Phone app, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch the Phone app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on the "Recents" tab at the bottom of the screen. Here, you'll see a list of recent calls and contacts.

Access Recent Contacts in Phone

Step 3: Scroll through the list to find the contact you want to remove from the recent contacts list.

Step 4: Swipe the phone number to the left, tap the delete icon.

Remove Used Contacts from Phone

Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each contact you wish to remove from the recent contacts list.

Step 6: Once removed, the contact will no longer appear in your recent contacts list.

Additional Tips: You can also tap on "Edit" to remove single call record, tap on "Select", and then the delete button.

Edit Option to Delete Recent Contacts

Method 2: Clear Call History for Recently Used Contacts

Though iPhone does not allow bulk deletion of recent contacts, now it supports clear all recent contacts history, which saves a lot of time. Here is how to put an end to a bunch of old or irrelevant recent phone calls hanging around.

Step 1: Open the Phone app and go to the "Recents" tab.

Step 2: Tap on the Edit icon, and then tap "clear".

Step 3: Tap "Clear All Recents" option to confirm to remove all recent calls at once.

Clear All Recent Contacts

Method 3: Remove Recents Contacts on iPhone via Messages App

The suggested recent contacts also occur in iPhone Message when preparing to send to message. Here is how to remove specific contact from the recent contacts list.

Step 1: Open the Messages app and create a new conversation.

Access Message App iPhone

Step 2: As you type the contact's name, a list of recent contacts will appear.

Step 3: Tap on the "(i)" icon next to the contact's name.

Step 4: Tap on "Remove From Recents".

Remove Recent Contacts from Message

Method 4: Remove Suggested Recent Contacts on iPhone in Share Sheet

The Share Sheet on an iPhone lets you easily share content from one app to another or with other people. It pops up when you tap the share icon and displays options for sharing to suggested contacts.

It helps you quickly find and reconnect with individuals you've interacted with recently, whether through calls, messages, or emails. To remove recent contact from share sheet entirely, follow us:

Step 1: Open iPhone Settings.

Access Settings App iPhone

Step 2: Then enter into Siri & Search section. Locate the section called Suggestions From Apple.

Step 3: Toggle off Show When Sharing option.

Turn off Suggested Recent Contacts

Conclusion

Managing recent contacts on your iPhone is a straightforward process that allows you to maintain privacy and streamline your digital interactions.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently remove recent contacts on iPhone and customize your iPhone experience to suit your preferences. Whether it's for decluttering or safeguarding your privacy, mastering this skill empowers you to make the most of your iPhone's capabilities.

It’s worth noted that removing recent contacts only removes them from the recent list; it does not delete them from your Contacts app or your device. They can still be found in the Contacts app and reappear in the recent list based on interactions.