10 iOS 9 Settings to Change

Get the most out of your iOS 9 experience by turning on and toggling the options that enable new iOS 9 features. Here are the top 10 iOS 9 settings to change when you finish installing the new update.

Apple delivers over a hundred new features, options and changes in the update, and you can see much of what’s new in iOS 9 for a more detailed look at the changes.

We’ll show you the iOS 9 settings to change on your iPhone and iPad after you upgrade to take advantage of the new features and get the most out of iOS 9.

This is a free upgrade for all users with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch that can run iOS 8. The new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will ship with iOS 9 installed.

iOS 9 Settings to Change

You can use this guide to find the new iOS 9 settings that you need to change to get the most out of this update. If you follow these directions you can save money, make calls in poor coverage areas and make your iPhone battery life last longer.

Set a Six Digit Passcode

With iOS 9 you can set up a new six digit passcode. On iOS 8 the limit for a numerical passcode is four digits, which is easier to guess through brute force.

In iOS 9 adding just two more numbers dramatically increases the security of your iPhone. If you are on a device with Touch ID, you might not have to enter this longer passcode very often.

Go to Settings -> Touch ID & Passcode -> Enter your passcode -> Change Passcode -> Enter your old passcode -> Enter a new passcode twice.

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If the screen shows a 4 digit passcode for your new passcode, tap on passcode options and choose 6 digit numeric code.

Add Discover Card to Apple Wallet

Apple Pay now supports Discover Card and there is a huge reason to add Discover to your Apple Pay account on the iPhone or iPad now.

For the rest of the year Discover Card purchases made through Apple Pay get 10% extra cash back — on top of current offers. This offer covers $10,000 in spending made through Apple Pay purchases.

This includes Apple Pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch in stores or using apps like the Best Buy app and others to get a lot of cash back. Go to Settings -> Wallet & Apple Pay -> Add Credit or Debit Card and follow the directions.

One of the best new Apple Pay and Apple Wallet features on iOS 9 is the option to turn on a shortcut to launch Apple Pay before you get to the cash register.

Go to Settings -> Wallet & Apple Pay -> Double-Click Home Button -> On. This will allow you to double-click your home button with the iPhone locked to pull up Apple Wallet where you can then select the card you need.

New Apple Notes Upgrade Decision

If you update all of your devices to iOS 9, you will likely want to update the Apple Notes app. When you open Notes on iOS 9 for the first time you will see an option to upgrade now, or to wait.

Users who need notes to sync between the iPhone and iPad and an Apple computer should wait to update. The new Apple Notes app cannot sync to Notes on OS X Yosemite or older.

Turn on AT&T WiFi Calling

If you are lucky, you can now turn on and use AT&T WiFi calling in iOS 9. This feature is not available on every phone, nor is it going to work in every location, but it is worth trying. With AT&T WiFi calling on, you can make a voice call over WiFi so that you can still talk when you have poor coverage.

Go to Settings -> Phone -> WiFi Calling -> WiFi Calling on This Phone -> On. 

Follow the steps outlined if it is available for you and continue to set it up. If it is not available you should try again later.

Use the New iOS 9 Battery Widget

With iOS 9 there is a new battery widget for the Notification Center that shows you the battery life of all your connected devices. With this turned on it is easy to see the battery life of your iPhone, Apple Watch, Bluetooth headphones or other Bluetooth accessories.

Pull down the Notification Center -> Scroll to the bottom -> Tap on Edit -> Tap + next to Batteries.

You may not see this if you don’t have an Apple Watch. We are trying to figure out if there is an option for all users.

Set iOS 9 Camera Defaults

If you prefer a specific setting to use for your iPhone camera on iOS 9 you can now set a default for the camera in Settings.

Go to Settings -> Photos & Camera -> Scroll down and choose your default for video and slo-motion video.

The secondary screen lets you know how much each of these will take up on your iPhone.

If you love using Apple Music and you are constantly listening on cellular you might want to turn on the option to listen to Apple Music in high quality while mobile.

Go to Settings -> Music -> High Quality on Cellular -> On.

This will use your data faster, but if you have a large enough plan, this is something to consider.

Set Up Apple News

One of the biggest new features in iOS 9 is Apple News. When you open the app for the first time you will chose the sources you want and the types of news you want to see. You can also see an option for notifications and email alerts.

If you want to change these later you can go to Settings -> News and here you can adjust your Apple News Notifications, background refresh and use of cellular data. This lets you control what you want after the initial setup.

Apple News is an interesting addition to the iPhone and iPad, and you can use it to read about popular topics, trends and your favorite sources — including Gotta Be Mobile.

iOS 9 Low Power Mode

We already walked through how to fix bad iOS 9 battery life, but this iOS 9 setting is one you’ll want to know how to change on a regular basis.

The new iOS 9 Low Power Mode can add several hours to your iPhone battery life by changing a bunch of settings and options with the flip of one switch.

Go to Settings -> Battery -> Low Power Mode -> On. 

You won’t likely want to use this all the time as it disables and changes some features, but when you need to make the iPhone battery life stretch further it is an essential iOS 9 setting to change.

The image above shows that the iOS 9 home screen looks very much like the one on iOS 8. This is not surprising, but you will notice one major change to this screen. 

The new iOS 9 font on the home page carries over through settings and apps. It's surprising how much the look of the system can change with a small tweak to a new font.

From the home screen you can now swipe left to a new search screen, and you can still swipe down to Spotlight from any of the home screen pages.

When you upgrade you will also see options to add iCloud Drive to your home screen. 

Apple adds two new default iOS 9 apps that you cannot delete. Find iPhone and Find Friends apps now come with the iPhone by default. You can hide them in a folder, but you cannot delete the apps. The Find My iPhone app is a very good addition, while Find My Friends is still not as widely used. 

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iOS 9 Problems: 5 Things You Need to Know

Today, Apple finally rolled out its highly anticipated iOS 9 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. And while the update brings numerous features and enhancements to the company’s mobile devices, it also brings problems. Here’s what you need to know right now about iOS 9 problems.

Last week, Apple confirmed its iOS 9 release date for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Right on cue, the company has delivered the iOS 9 update in all of its splendor and it’s now available for iOS users in the United States and around the world.

iOS 9 looks a lot like iOS 8 but don’t let its appearance fool you. The iOS 9 update comes loaded with tons of new features including a revamped Notes application, a new keyboard, enhanced battery life, and a lot more. And according to some iOS 9 users, it also brings problems.

While the iOS 9 update went through a lengthy beta process, the iOS 9 update is a big system upgrade and big system upgrades typically come with a collection of issues.

We’re only a few hours removed from the iOS 9 release and we’re already hearing about some of the initial issues plaguing users. With iOS 9 problems starting to emerge, we want to take a look at everything you need to know about these issues today, tomorrow and in the weeks ahead.

This early roundup offers a look at the issues themselves and some steps to take if you do happen to run into iOS 9 problems on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

iOS 9 Problems Plaguing Users

The iOS 9 update is packed with new features but it’s also causing problems for some iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users.

The earliest iOS 9 problems were related to the iOS 9 download. The iOS 9 download failed for many users right at the initial release time forcing many users to install through iTunes. Those issues appear to have resolved themselves and you should now be able to download iOS 9 Over-the-Air through Settings without any problems.

We’ve also been seeing complaints about iOS 9 downloads getting stuck. This is a common issue with iOS upgrades and fortunately a quick reboot (hold down the home button and power button together until the device restarts) should alleviate those problems.

In the hours since the iOS 9 release, we’re starting to get a read on some of the initial problems plaguing iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users who took the plunge and downloaded iOS 9 today.

In addition to the various installation problems, we’ve also been hearing and seeing complaints about random freezing on iPad, a number of web-related bugs, issues with the Podcast application, problems with the speed of animations, issues moving from the iOS 9 beta to the public release, problems with screen rotation, problems with GIFs, and more. These just scratch the surface.

We expect the list to grow as the hours go on and as more iPhone and iPad users download and install the iOS 9 update. It’s only a little more than two hours old at this point.

Now, it’s important to note that we’re not pointing these out to nitpick. We’re pointing them out to generate discussion (fixes typically come from discussion) and to serve as a warning.

Remember, Apple never forces you to install iOS updates. Take your time with iOS 9 and install it when you’re ready. That could be later today or that could be later this month after the smoke has settled. It’s not going anywhere.

They’re Isolated

It’s important to note that as of right now, iOS 9 problems are isolated. It’s also important to note that we haven’t seen widespread complaints about the issues that normally plague iOS updates.

There are iOS 9 problems, we’ve established this, but none of them (for the moment) appear to be widespread. Typically, major widespread problems affecting millions jump off the page but other than those initial download problems, we haven’t seen any.

We’ve been using iOS 9 on an assortment of devices (iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPad Air, and iPad mini 2) and we haven’t run into any major problems or bugs in iOS 9. At least not yet.

We also haven’t seen many complaints about bad iOS 9 battery life, major performance issues on older devices, or connectivity problems. These are extremely common after major iOS updates.

The iOS 9 update is only a few hours old and we’re bound to see some of these issues emerge but this lack of volume is a great sign.

Again, it’s important to gather as much feedback as possible before installing major iOS updates. Complaints about iOS 9 will be loud and gain attention but it’s important to note the success stories as well.

How to Fix iOS 9 Problems

If you just downloaded iOS 9 on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and you’re already seeing problems, there’s no need to work yourself into a panic. At least not yet.

We’ve put together a list of fixes for common iOS problems that should help. These fixes include ways to improve iOS 9 battery life, fix poor Wi-Fi connectivity, and more. It’s a great starting point though we encourage you to branch out to other sites if these fixes don’t work or you don’t find your problem.

Apple’s Discussion Forums are always a great place to look for fixes for iOS problems. We’re already seeing users provide feedback there and that should continue for the foreseeable future. We’ve also found the MacRumors community to be a great resource so you’ll want to check there too.

You Can Downgrade to iOS 8.4.1

For the moment, you have another option at your fingertips. If iOS 9 isn’t performing on your iPhone or iPad, you can downgrade to iOS 8.4.1.

Apple is still signing on iOS 8.4.1. The company typically signs off for a week or two before pulling the cord. Once it stops signing off, the downgrade loophole will close up and you’ll be left with iOS 9 and iOS 9 alone.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide that will take you through the iOS 9 to iOS 8.4.1 downgrade process. Remember, if you’re coming from iOS 8.4 or older, you won’t be able to go back to anything older than iOS 8.4.1.

What’s Next

Apple hasn’t announced an iOS 9.0.1 update. And with no hero level iOS 9 problems jumping out at users, we may not see one for a few days, a few weeks, or ever. So, you’ll need to be extremely proactive if you do run into problems.

We do know that Apple has another iOS 9 update on the way. iOS 9.1 will be coming to all iOS 9 devices sometime in the next few weeks. We don’t have an official date but it looks like it will push in late October or November alongside the iPad Pro.

iOS 9.1 will bring new emojis but it should also bring bug fixes and security enhancements to the iOS 9 operating system.

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Apple Updates iMovie for iOS With 4K Support, 3D Touch, Keyboard Shortcuts, Much More

Apple has updated iMovie for iOS with the ability to edit and share 4K movies, 3D Touch support for the iPhone 6s, and much more.

With a streamlined design and intuitive Multi-Touch gestures, iMovie lets you enjoy your videos and tell stories like never before. Browse your video library, share favorite moments, create beautiful movies, and watch them on all your devices in iMovie Theater. And with the iMovie extension, it’s fast and fun to make every video more memorable — right in the Photos app.

What's New In This Version:
• Create and share movies at stunning 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) on compatible iOS devices *
• Create and share movies with 1080p HD video at 60 frames per second for smoother, more true-to-life action
• Use 3D Touch on iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus to quickly start a new movie right from the Home Screen
• Desktop-class performance on iPad Pro with the ability to edit multiple streams of 4K video and use shortcuts with the Smart Keyboard 
• Enhanced interface on iPad Pro with full-height Media Browser and pixel-for-pixel 1080 HD Viewer
• Connect a keyboard and use simple shortcuts to edit movies quickly
• Option to hide Media Browser while editing a movie
• Option to disable Ken Burns animation on a photo
• Redesigned Project Details view lets you watch movies and trailers before opening them
• Redesigned Video view lets you see more of your library while browsing videos and photos on iPad
• Improved Inspector controls with easy-to-read text labels on iPad
• Support for Slide Over and Split View when multitasking with the iMovie Extension for Photos
• Redesigned Audio browser in the iMovie Extension lets you easily browse and hear music
• Performance and stability improvements
• Support for Canadian French, Hindi, and Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong)

* 4K support is available on iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPad Pro

You can purchase iMovie from the App Store for $4.99.

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iPhone 6s vs. iPhone 6: 5 Things We Learned in July

Apple isn’t talking about the iPhone 6s just yet but thanks to a series of credible rumors in July, it’s clear that the company has new iPhones on the way. With July coming to an end, we want to take a look at some of the things we learned about the iPhone 6s and relate them to those of you who are thinking about buying the iPhone 6 right now.

Last year, Apple used the month of September as its iPhone launch month. There, the company debuted the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, two big screen iPhone models that took over the flagship role from the iPhone 5s. The two devices were released in late September and they immediately became two of the top phones on the market.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are still two of the best phones money can buy and tons of people are still looking into buying them even as rumors of a new iPhone swirl.

iPhone 6s rumors have been rampant in recent weeks as we’ve pushed closer to Apple’s usual iPhone launch window. We’ve seen rumors touch on everything from the iPhone 6s release date to the iPhone 6s specs. The new iPhone hasn’t been confirmed but we’ve already learned quite a bit about Apple’s plans for the fall.

Today we want to take a look at a few of the things we learned about the iPhone 6s in July. To us, these are the most important things you’ll want to keep in mind if you’ve been looking at buying Apple’s current 4.7-inch iPhone. Keep these things in mind as we exit the month of July and enter the month of August.

iPhone 6s Release Date

The first thing that we’ve learned in July is that the iPhone 6s is making progress behind the scenes but it’s probably not going to be coming to shelves in July or August.

The iPhone 6s has reportedly entered the production phase and Apple and its manufacturers are expected to ramp up that production in August ahead of an unknown release date. The company has also reportedly begun production of the chips that will appear inside the iPhone 6s.

n alleged iPhone 6s front panel recently leaked, a sign that production of the phone has begun ahead of its release alongside iOS 9 in the fall.

Nothing is confirmed but all signs point to an iPhone 6s release date in September with iOS 9 after several more weeks of production. Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to deliver 85 million to 90 million parts for the new models, a sign that the company expects big sales in 2015 and beyond.

If you’re looking to physically compare the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 6s, you probably have a few more weeks to go. Apple typically sends out invites a few weeks in advance so you probably won’t have to wait until the actual date itself to confirm the iPhone 6s launch.

iPhone 6s Specs

If you’re looking into buying the iPhone 6 now or waiting for the iPhone 6s release, you probably want to know how the two phones will compare to one another.

We don’t have a full iPhone 6s spec sheet but what we do have is a list of credible rumors that hint at some of the iPhone 6s’ most important specifications.

First, the iPhone 6s is expected to retain the same 4.7-inch display as the iPhone 6. It’s also expected to keep the same screen resolution. No jump to Quad HD resolution this year it seems. The iPhone 6s display is however expected to feature something new.

Analysts continue to predict the arrival of Force Touch technology, the same tech that’s found in the Apple Watch and new Macbook. If true, it would likely allow iPhone 6s owners to use a hard press to open up new features within iOS and within certain applications.

There’s also been back and forth about the amount of storage on the iPhone 6s. Rumors have pointed to a16GB or 32GB base model. The iPhone 6 comes with a 16GB base model but for many people that isn’t enough, especially without expandable storage.

Apple is reportedly entertaining the idea of boosting the iPhone’s storage to appease consumers though it’s not clear if a deal will get done in time for the phone’s release.

The iPhone 6s is rumored to have a new processor and modem combination that could produce better battery life and faster LTE, a 12MP camera and a new 5MP FaceTime camera, iOS 9, and a design that’s in line with the all-metal form factor that Apple debuted with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

In other words, this probably isn’t going to be the iPhone 7. What it will likely be is a souped up version of the iPhone 6 with better cameras, a more efficient processor, and Force Touch technology leading the way.

iPhone 6 Will Be Getting Better, Not Worse

The iPhone 6 isn’t going to make the wait for the iPhone 6s release an easy one.

Thanks to the iOS 9 beta, we’ve learned that the update is going to be coming with some impressive features including improvements to battery life. That’s not all either. The slideshow below goes into detail about the iOS 9 features we’ve found to be the most exciting.

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iOS 8.4.1 Release: 5 Things Not to Expect

The iOS 8.4.1 update is confirmed for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch though its specific release date remains out of reach. With Apple silent, we want to help set your expectations and today we take a look at what we expect from the iOS 8.4.1 release for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

In late June, Apple released a brand new iOS 8 update. The update, iOS 8.4, follows in the footsteps of iOS 8.3 though its aim is vastly different than its predecessor. Instead of a massive list of bug fixes and new emojis, the iOS 8.4 is focused on Music and iBooks. two huge platforms.

The iOS 8.4 update brings enhancements and fixes to iBooks and it also delivers the new Music app that features a new UI, a streaming music service and Beats 1. Those who download and install the iOS 8.4 update gain access to a free three month Apple Music trial. It’s an update that we, and many others, have been using for the past three weeks.

iOS 8.4 isn’t the end of the road for iOS 8 though. No, Apple is planning to roll out another iOS 8.4 update in the form of iOS 8.4.1. The iOS 8.4.1 is currently available to developers in the company’s paid beta program and it will remain there until the company is ready to push it out to the general public.

Apple’s next iOS 8 update arrived without a release date and that’s left many people with questions. We don’t have all of the answers but we do have a ton of experience with incremental releases like iOS 8.4.1. Today, we want to help set your expectations and tell you about a few things we don’t expect from the iOS 8.4.1 release for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

Early iOS 8.4.1 Release Date Details

Do not expect to find out when Apple plans to release the iOS 8.4.1 update.

We rarely see rumors pinpoint release dates for small updates like iOS 8.4.1. Not like that matters. iOS release date rumors have been wrong in the past. Software release dates are moving targets that are heavily dependent on testing behind the scenes. If testing goes bad, the release date can move.

Apple only announces iOS release dates when it debuts software on stage next to new hardware. We’re not expecting iOS 8.4.1 to share the stage with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus so we’d expect Apple to release the software whenever it’s ready. That could be tomorrow, that could be August 28th. We simply don’t know and probably won’t know.

This is precisely why we recommend keeping your eyes peeled. This is why we recommend preparing for the iOS 8.4.1 update now. The update will likely appear out of thin air so you’ll want to be ready.

Release Day Server Problems

Do not expect the iOS 8.4.1 release date to cause a stir in the minutes immediately after its release.

We were extremely nervous in the minutes leading up to the iOS 8.4 release date on June 30th. Apple appeared to have cooked up a perfect storm of trouble. It announced iOS 8.4 on stage at WWDC alongside Apple Music. It confirmed a release date ahead of time. It even confirmed the release time. This had all the makings of a disastrous release day but Apple’s servers handled the heavy load.

We didn’t experience any abnormalities on the iOS 8.4 release date and we were able to download and install the software across all of our devices in a reasonable amount of time.

By comparison, the iOS 8.4.1 update is a small update with very little publicity and a tiny change log. We don’t expect people to flock to this update on its first day of availability. And even if we do see interest in iOS 8.4.1 pick up, Apple’s servers have proven that they can carry a heavy load.

Tons of iOS 8.4.1 Problems

While we do expect to see iOS 8.4.1 problems emerge both on and after the iOS 8.4.1 release date, we do not expect there to be any widespread iOS 8.4.1 problems. This is precisely why Apple is running a beta for this small update.

Apple’s iOS 8.0.1 update did not go through a beta process before its release last year. If it had, maybe Apple would have caught the Touch ID and cellular data problems that plagued iPhone 6 owners immediately after its release. Since then, Apple’s put its iOS updates under the microscope so blunders like that never happen again.

Will the iOS 8.4.1 beta catch every single problem? Probably not. iOS updates always come with their own collection of issues. While we do expect it to bring problems, we don’t expect it to bring massive widespread issues to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users.

Apple’s got a solid foundation going thanks to the iOS 8.3 and iOS 8.4 updates and we don’t expect it to crack with the release of iOS 8.4.1. Still, you’ll want to wait for the dust to settle before installing it. Most of you will want to wait a few hours, at least, before you download and install the update.

Early iOS 8.4.1 Jailbreak Details

Do not expect any early iOS 8.4.1 jailbreak details to emerge.

Right now, you shouldn’t expect anything other than a waiting game. The iOS 8.4 jailbreak is alive and well but as we told you, there’s a chance that Apple’s iOS 8.4.1 will rain on its parade. We probably won’t know for sure until Apple releases the final version of the software.

We’d start preparing as if it will break it though. iOS 8.4.1 won’t have much on board making it a prime candidate for jailbreak buster duties.

Surprises

Finally, don’t expect any surprises from the iOS 8.4.1 update.

Don’t expect it to deliver a bunch of features. Don’t expect it to arrive for the iPhone 4. Don’t expect it to be released on a weekend. Don’t expect Apple to stray from its 9AM-10AM release time.

Our guess is that this will be a very straightforward bug fix update that helps Apple prepare for the iOS 9 release in the fall. Don’t expect much.

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Apple Releases First Public Beta of iOS 9

Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 9 for download.

iOS 9 is full of enhancements you’ll appreciate every day. Your apps become more essential. New multitasking features on iPad make you even more productive. Siri can do more than ever, and new proactive suggestions help you get things done before you ask. And improvements at the foundation of the operating system enhance performance, battery life, and security.

To get the beta, you must sign up to be part of the Beta Program on the Apple Beta Software Program website.

Sign Up

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How to enable Cydia Substrate on the iOS 8.3 jailbreak

If you’re jailbroken on iOS 8.3, you’ve likely been frustrated by the lack of Cydia Substratesupport up until now. As you’re no doubt aware of by now, Cydia Substrate hasn’t worked on iOS 8.3 due to a fix that needs to be implemented by the folks at TaiG.

The good news is that the fix is out, and I’ve confirmed that it works. If you’ve jailbroken your device with the TaiG 2.0 tool yesterday or earlier today, you can use a simple .deb file install to fix Cydia Substrate in just a few minutes.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to install the TaiG 8.3 Untether .deb on your jailbroken iOS 8.3 device and fix Cydia Substrate.

Note: Your device must already be jailbroken with the TaiG 2.0 tool.

Step 1: Install iFile from Cydia

Step 2: Force close Cydia

Step 3: On your iOS 8.3 device, go to our download page

Step 4: Tap the TaiG 8.3 Untether.deb download

Step 5: Tap open in iFile

Step 6: Tap Install

Step 7: Reboot your device after the install completes

That’s all there is to it. Now go enjoy all of the compatible jailbreak apps and tweaks that rely on Cydia Substrate! We’ll be back with a full tutorial for the TaiG 2.1 jailbreak tool for Windows a bit later.

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TaiG 2.1 Jailbreak Utility Leaks, Fixes Cydia Substrate

The TaiG 2.1 jailbreak utility for iOS 8.3 has been leaked and it fixes Cydia Substrate.

The build was found on TaiG's website by reddit user seiterseiter1.

CHINESE VERSION WORKED FOR ME AFTER DOING A RESTORE IN ITUNES. CAN CONFIRM THIS INCLUDES SUBSTRATE FIX

Please note that this version was likely being tested and may not be ready for prime time. While users have successfully installed it, do so at your own risk.

There's also a .deb file which can be installed via iFile for those who have already jailbroken. You can find the downloads below:
● Chinese Version
● English Version (May be down)
● DEB File

We'll let you know as soon as the official versions are available to download.

Please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or RSS for updates.

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How to Remove Duplicate Contacts on the iPhone (iOS 8)

This guide will show you how to remove duplicate contacts on the iPhone with iOS 8. This works with all current iPhones from the iPhone 4s up to the iPhone 6 Plus. If you only need to get rid of a few duplicate contacts on the iPhone you can do this manually in a few seconds, but if you need to fix dozens you’ll want to use an app that can remove all your duplicate contacts on the iPhone at once.

Duplicate iPhone contacts happen when you add multiple accounts like a personal Gmail account, an iCloud account and a work account that may all include the same contact with slightly different information. You can try to move all of your contacts to one single service, but that is not a practical solution for everyone.

We’ll show you how to remove duplicate contacts on the iPhone running iOS 8. You don’t need your computer to do this, just the iPhone in your hand.

You don’t need to delete one of the contacts, instead we will merge the two contacts into a single instance on the iPhone. You can even merge triplicates if you have the same contact in your address book several times. This is a fast and easy solution to cleaning up your iPhone contacts and address book.

We’ll start with the manual way to remove duplicate contacts from the iPhone on iOS 8. The directions are very similar for iOS 7. If you need to remove a lot of duplicate contacts and you don’t want to do this one by one, you can buy a cheap app to merge many contacts all at once.

How to Remove Duplicate Contacts on the iPhone (iOS 8)

If you only need to remove a few duplicate contacts, this is the best way to go about it. You won’t actually remove any contacts. Instead we will merge contacts so that you have all the information in one place without re-typing it. This will also keep the contacts on your other email accounts as they are now, so you don’t need to worry about losing something.

You need to open the Contacts app on your iPhone. This is often inside the Extras folder. If you don’t see it you can tap and pull down on the middle of your iPhone home screen to open a search box and then type in contacts. 

On this screen you will see your contacts and you may quickly spot duplicates that need fixed. Tap on one of the contacts to open it. If the names are spelled slightly different, start with the one you want to keep.

Tap on Edit in the upper right corner then scroll down until you see link contacts with a green plus sign next to it.

Tap on link contacts and then scroll to the other contact or search for the other contact using the search bar at the top. The contact you are currently editing will show as gray, while the others are black.

Find the duplicate iPhone contact and link it.

Tap on the second contact and then tap on Link in the upper right corner. The next screen will put you back to the edit contact page and you will see Linked Contacts showing the two are connected. If you need to link another contact to this same contact tap on link contacts again.

If you need to unlink contacts, tap on the red minus sign.

Tap Done to exit to the contact entry and then tap on the back arrow to go to your contacts where there should now be only one entry. If you need to remove other duplicate contacts from the iPhone, start over using the directions above.

How to Bulk Merge Duplicate Contacts on the iPhone

If you need to fix a lot of duplicate contacts on the iPhone running iOS 8 at the same time, and you don’t want to perform the steps above over and over, you can buy an app that merges your contacts for you with a few taps.

You can download the Cleanup Duplicate Contacts app for free, which will analyze your contacts for duplicates. You need to pay 99 cents to gain access to the bulk removal option, but we cleaned almost two dozen contacts for free.

Search for duplicate contacts on the iPhone with this free app.

When prompted allow access to your contacts. You don’t need to allow notifications.

Tap on Analyze and when prompted we chose to allow for merging between sources so that we only see one entry for a contact even if they are in our work contacts and personal contacts.

After it detects the duplicate contacts, you can choose which ones you want to merge and which you don’t by unchecking next to the names. We stopped it from merging two people who share a home phone number and a father and son who share the same name.

Tap Merge and the app will fix the duplicates or you. This moves the contact info to one contact instead of linking the contacts like the manual options.

The app did not detect a Josh Baker and a Joshua Baker with different phone numbers. Users can configure what level of matching is needed. The app also backs up your contacts before the clean up if you create an account.

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