If you wish to delete all contacts from your Android device, there is a quicker way than deleting them one-by-one. Just use one of these methods.
Method 1 – Clear Data on the Device
- Disable syncing by going to “Settings” > “Accounts“. Select your Google account and uncheck “Sync Contacts“. If you sync contacts with other apps such as Facebook or Twitter, be sure to disable syncing for those apps as well.
- Go to “Settings” > “Applications” > “Manage applications” > “All” > “Contacts Storage” and select “Clear data“.
Note: This will also clear other data like your recent calls and Favorites.
Method 2 – Delete All Contacts From Account You Sync With
If you don’t mind losing your contacts in your account as well as your phone, delete all of the contacts from the account your Android syncs with using your computer. For example, if you sync your Android with Google Contacts, sign into Gmail and follow these steps:
- From Gmail, switch from “Gmail” to “Contacts” on the left pane.
- Check the box at the top of the left row to select all contacts.
- Select “More” > “Delete contacts“.
The next time your Android automatically syncs with Google, they will be completely cleared.
David Wreathall says
Hi, a useful post. A belated query:
So, having deleted all the phone contacts, when I restart syncing with Exchange, I trust that it won’t delete all my contacts from there as well? That would be a disaster!
Thanks
Sondra says
I just did this on Android 5.1, and I would encourage you to be more clear that method 1 will erase all call history and voice mail.
mostafa says
thanks a lot, this article was very helpful.
thanks again.
vipin chowdary says
Thanx for your help. It helped me to erase all previous unnecessary contacts.