How to Extract Contacts from iPhone Backup [Top 3 Ways]

If you are in search of effective ways to extract contacts from iPhone backup, below are four quick and straightforward ways for extracting iPhone contacts from a backup.

By @May Last Updated September 4, 2024

While backing up your iPhone contacts is quite easy, the way to extract contacts from iPhone backup can be difficult. The traditional method of restoring from an iTunes or iCloud backup carries the risk of data loss because it overwrites existing information with information from the backup, so unless your device is new, this method doesn't work.

Luckily, this post will offer you a safer alternative way to help you extract iPhone contacts from a backup. Whichever method you choose, remember to back up your iPhone before proceeding and refer to the following ways to extract contacts from your iPhone backup, regardless of the risk of data loss.

Way 1. Extract Contacts from iPhone Backup Without Data Loss

When you have made an iPhone backup on your PC, you can extract contacts from the iPhone backup. Here consider using a secure iPhone management tool - AOMEI FoneBackup, which allows you to extract data (including contacts, messages, videos, photos, and various other iOS data) from your iPhone backup.

With the help of AOMEI FoneBackup, you can select and transfer the contacts you want without worrying about losing any of your existing data. Download it to your PC and follow the steps below to extract contacts from iPhone backup.

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Step 1. Launch AOMEI FoneBackup and connect your iPhone to your PC via a USB cable. Click Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone > Start Transfer to begin.

Step 2. Click the folder icon to preview and select the contacts from your iPhone backup > Finally, click Start Transfer to transfer contacts from your computer to your iPhone.

If you want to transfer contacts as well as photos, videos, messages, calendars, app data, and more in one click, this iPhone transfer tool can help you. Give it a try!

AOMEI FoneBackup
Free iPhone Data Transfer Software
  • Transfer unlimited files between iPhone and PC.
  • Easily move photos, videos, music, contacts and ringtones.
  • Fast transfer speed allows you to move 1000 + photos in 10 minutes.
  • Preview and select files as you like to begin the transfer.
  • Safe USB connections protect all your iPhone data from loss.
  • Support various iOS models and versions (iPhone 15/iOS 18).

Way 2. Extract Contacts from iTunes Backup[Data Loss]

If you used to back up your iPhone to iTunes, you can also extract contacts from iTunes backup. However, it is worth noting that using iTunes will wipe your existing data on your device. If you have created a full iPhone backup, here are the steps to extract your iPhone contacts.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.

Step 2. Right-click your iPhone in the device list > Select the most recent backup and click Restore Backup to continue.

Way 3. Extract Contacts from iPhone BackupviaiCloud Website

If you don't want to use a third-party recovery tool, another method is to pull your contacts from icloud.com. To utilize this method effectively, make sure your contacts are synced with iCloud before deleting any of them, or they won't be recoverable.

Before starting this process, confirm the sync status of your contacts in iCloud: >> Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > Navigate to iCloud > Tap Contacts > Ensure that Contacts is turned on.

Now continue with the following steps using the web browser on your computer:

Step 1. Visit icloud.com from your new web browser> Sign in to the iCloud website with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Click Account Settings under your name> In the Advanced section, select the Restore Contacts option > Select the most recent backup to restore.

Bonus Tip: Selectively Backup and Restore Contacts with AOMEI FoneBackup

Backing up your iPhone can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to managing and accessing your backup files. In this case, AOMEI FoneBackup, as one of the best free iPhone backup software, helps you accurately back up your iPhone data (such as contacts, photos, videos, songs, messages, and more) to a Windows PC.

Highlights of Using AOMEI FoneBackup to Selectively Backup and Restore Contacts: Preview and Selective Backup: With AOMEI FoneBackup, you can preview your contacts before backing them up and selectively choose which contacts to include in the backup. No Internet Required: AOMEI FoneBackup allows you to backup and restore contacts without the need for an internet connection, ensuring you can manage your contacts offline. Secure Encryption: With AOMEI FoneBackup’s Backup Encryption feature, you can create an encrypted backup iPhone to protect your information from unauthorized access.

Now download AOMEI FoneBackup for free and follow the simple steps to back up your iPhone on a Windows PC.

Download FreewareWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Click Phone Backup in the toolbar and go to Selective Backup > Get Started.

Step 2. Preview and select the contacts you want to back up, and then click OK to confirm your selection.

Step 3. Define the storage location as you like and click Start Backup to initiate the backup process.

When finished, visit My Backups on the toolbar to see a complete list of backup tasks. If you need to restore a specific backup, simply locate the required task and click the Restore button to start the recovery process.

The Bottom Line

By utilizing the 3 ways above, how to extract contacts from iPhone backup will become very simple. There are many iPhone backup extractors on the market, but it is vital to choose a safer one. Among these options, AOMEI FoneBackup cannot only extract iPhone contacts from a backup but also help you preview and backup your contacts easily. Why not give it a try? Download AOMEI FoneBackup and use it now!