iOS · iPhone & iPad
How To Fix Not All Contacts Were Deleted, One or More May Be Read Only
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Answer
Usually, when trying to delete contacts on your iPhone, this error can occur as your contact list is backed up in your iCloud because of content restrictions or because the contact has to be deleted on another application first. If you want to delete a contact who has been created on WhatsApp for example, you should proceed to delete it in your WhatsApp application.
Delete Contact on Other Apps
Usually, when trying to delete contacts on your iPhone, this error can occur as your contact list is backed up in your iCloud because of content restrictions or because the contact has to be deleted on another application first. If you want to delete a contact who has been created on WhatsApp for example, you should proceed to delete it in your WhatsApp application.
Navigate to the contact and tap on Edit
Navigate to the contact and tap on Edit. You can then proceed to delete the contact from here.
Disable iCloud Contacts
In case this problem affects your normal contacts too, then open up your settings application. Here, tap on your Apple ID name and select iCloud.
In this list of applications, make sure to disable Contacts for now
In this list of applications, make sure to disable Contacts for now. This will prevent other devices associated with your Apple ID from having issues when deleting a contact.
Content & Privacy Restrictions
When this is done, head back to your main settings and tap on Screen Time. From here, go to your Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Under Contacts, make sure that Allow Changes is selected
Under Contacts, make sure that Allow Changes is selected. This will enable you to delete contacts in the future. You can then proceed to enable contacts to be backed up in your iCloud again.
iPhone Software Update
If nothing helps you out, navigate to your Software Update settings. Select to download and install the latest update in case there is one available to you.
Restart iPhone
You can then proceed to restart your iPhone. Restarting your device will restart all processes, which can in a lot of cases fix the error you are getting.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- What causes the "Not All Contacts Were Deleted, One or More May Be Read Only" error on my iPhone?. This error occurs when one or more of your contacts are saved in a location that doesn't allow for editing or deleting. This could be due to a syncing issue with your email account or a restriction set by the contact's owner.
- Is there a way to determine which contacts are "read only"?. Yes, there are a few methods you can use to identify which contacts are "read only". You can try searching for the contacts in the "Contacts" app and see if the option to delete them is available. If it isn't, then the contact is likely "read only".
- Can I still edit or delete "read only" contacts?. Yes, you can still edit or delete "read only" contacts, but it may require a few extra steps. In some cases, you may need to remove the contacts from the source they were imported from, such as an email account, and then re-add them to your iPhone.
- Can this error affect my ability to send messages or make calls?. No, this error does not affect your ability to send messages or make calls. However, it can become a nuisance if you're unable to clean up your contact list.
- Is there a more technical solution for fixing the "Not All Contacts Were Deleted, One or More May Be Read Only" error?. If the steps outlined in this article don't work for you, there may be a more technical solution available. You can try resetting your iPhone's network settings or restoring it from a backup. If these options don't work, you may need to seek help from our Discord server.