How to Fix iCloud Contacts Not Syncing with iPhone/iPad

Problem: iCloud Contacts Not Syncing with iPhone/iPad

iCloud provides an easy way to help users backup iPhone contacts, notes, photos, calendars, etc. As long as we turn on the syncing function, all data will be saved to iCloud and we can access and manage them on any device that logged in with the same Apple account. 

In some conditions, for example, when have a new iPhone 14, you may want to transfer contacts from SIM to eSIM( because iPhone 14 removed SIM card slot and replaced with eSIM), we usually turn on Contacts option to sync contacts from iPhone to iPad. 

However, iCloud syncing issue happens now and then, it’s an unavoidable problem. Now you just find that iCloud contacts not syncing with iPhone or contacts not syncing between iPhone and iPad. Don't worry, this problem can be resolved easily.

Why iCloud Contacts Not Syncing with iPhone/iPad?

Various reasons can lead to the iCloud contacts not syncing problem and we cannot say for sure. The following are the main reasons.

◇ The iCloud server status is not good.

◇ The Internet connection is not stable.

◇ You’ve logged in with an incorrect account.

◇ There is not enough iCloud storage space.

In addition, sometimes the iOS upgrade can change some settings to the default so you find the iCloud not syncing contacts issue.

How to Fix iCloud Contacts Not Syncing with iPhone/iPad

No matter what causes the iCloud contacts not syncing issue, now fixing it in soon is the priority. Here in this part, I’ll list all the potential solutions that you can try to troubleshoot the problem.

If you want to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPad/computer as soon as possible, you can refer to the next part to get an easy way to put your contacts in the right place.

Tip 1. Restart the Device

First, try to restart your device. You can always try this method when you meet any problem. You can also force reboot your iPhone.

iPhone 8 or later: Press the volume+ button and then quickly release it. Press the volume- button and then quickly release it. Press the side button for seconds until you see the logo of Apple.

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Press both the power button and volume- button for seconds until you see the logo of Apple.

iPhone 6s or earlier: Press both the power button and the Home button for seconds until you see the logo of Apple.

Tip 2. Toggle Contacts Off & On

Go to have a check whether the contacts sync has been turned on. And also make sure you have signed in with the right iCloud account. Go to Settings > tap [your name] > iCloud or Settings > iCloud if you are using iOS 10.2 or earlier device.

Turn Contacts off/on to refresh the sync between your iPhone and iCloud. When you turn off Contacts Sync, please feel free to choose “Delete from My iPhone” on the pop-up window, your contacts are still in iCloud and you will not lose anything. Restart your iPhone and turn Contacts sync on.

Tip 3. Sign Out & In iCloud Account

The syncing errors on iCloud may lead to the iCloud contacts not syncing issue. You can first log out and then log in again to have a try. Go to Settings > tap [your name] > iCloud > scroll down and choose Sign Out > enter your password to confirm. Restart your iPhone and log in back.

Tip 4. Deselect Third-Party Accounts

You may meet the iCloud contacts not syncing with iPhone/iPad problem if you have synced your contacts to third-party accounts like Google or Yahoo. In this case, you can deselect these third-party accounts and change the default account to iCloud.

Open Contacts app > tap on Groups in the top right corner > deselect all third-party accounts > select All iCloud > tap Done to confirm. Turn off your iPhone and turn it on again.

Tip 5. Set iCloud as the Default

Go to Settings > tap Contacts > tap Default Account > select iCloud.

Tip 6. Check Internet Connection

iCloud syncing needs a stable Internet connection. The iCloud not syncing contacts problem will occur due to the network connection error. No matter you are using Wi-Fi network or cellular data network, you should make sure your iPhone is connected.

You can try to reset network connection to make it: go to Settings > General > Reset (Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset in iOS 15 and later) > Reset Network Settings. You need to re-connect Wi-Fi but it will not affect your data security.

Tip 7. Check iCloud Storage

The iCloud contacts not syncing error will happen if there is not enough storage space to store the data. Apple just offers 5GB free storage space for each user. If the iCloud storage is full, then you won’t be able to sync any data to iCloud. You can go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud to check your iCloud storage.

Tip 8. Update iOS Version

If your iPhone is not running with the latest iOS, you'd better update your iOS to the latest version. Apple continues to release new updates to resolve bugs and other issues. It may also help you fix the iCloud contacts not syncing issue. Make sure your device has connected with Wi-Fi > go to Settings > General > Software Update to make it.

After you have tried one or more solutions, to can go to Contacts app to have a check whether it works. Tap Group tab in the upper-left corner and swipe down the list to refresh your contacts.

Bonus Tip: An Easy Way to Transfer iPhone Contacts

Indeed it’s a good way to backup iPhone contacts with iCloud, however, iCloud only offers 5 GB free storage space for users to storage iOS data. Obviously, the limited storage space is far from enough. In this case, why not try another tool to help you backup and transfer contacts in an easy way?

One professional iOS data management tool named FoneTool is recommended here. It lets you backup all contacts in one-click or only the selected contacts as per your needs. In addition, it can also help you transfer contacts between iPhone and computer, between iPhone and iPad.

If you want to transfer contacts from iPhone to computer:

1. Download, install and launch FoneTool.

2. Connect iPhone to computer and choose iPhone to PC option.

3. Choose the contacts you want to transfer and click OK to continue.

4. From Transfer Settings, select the format you prefer (if you want to view contacts via Excel, you can choose to export iPhone contacts to CSV) > Select a path to save your contacts > Finally, click Start Transfer.

Now your contacts are saved on the computer, if necessary, you can choose to transfer the contacts back to iPhone or transfer contacts to iPad.

With its powerful feature, you can also use FoneTool to manage your iCloud data including contacts, photos, notes, videos and iCloud Drive. (My iCloud > Log in with your Apple ID > Manage iCloud)

Conclusion

That’s all for how to fix the iCloud contacts not syncing with iPhone/iPad problem. Hope one of the solutions can help you figure it out. In addition, you can also let FoneTool help you transfer contacts between iPhone and computer, between iPhone and iPad.

If you have other questions about this issue, please feel free to leave a comment and we will reply to you ASAP.