Managing your contacts list on your phone can sometimes be challenging, especially when dealing with stubborn ‘read-only’ contacts.
This in-depth guide will enlighten you on what read-only contacts are and how you can successfully delete them. We’ll also explore other alternative solutions to deal with these contacts.
What are Read-Only Contacts?
Read-only contacts are contacts that have been synced from various accounts such as your Google, Facebook, or Twitter accounts. These contacts are tagged ‘read-only’, which means they can’t be accidentally deleted or modified.
Although they’re beneficial for cross-platform connectivity, read-only contacts can sometimes be a bother, especially when you want to delete or edit them directly from your device.
How to Delete Read-Only Contacts
Follow these solutions to know how to delete read only contacts:
Method 1: Disabling Contact Sync
The first method to delete read-only contacts is by disabling the sync feature from the specific account from which the contacts originated.
Step 1: Go to your device’s ‘Settings’.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Accounts’ or ‘Users & Accounts’.
Step 3: Tap on the account (Google, Facebook, etc.) that has synced the read-only contacts.
Step 4: Locate the option for ‘Account Sync’ and turn off the toggle for ‘Contacts’.
Step 5: After disabling the sync, you might need to manually delete the remaining contacts.
Method 2: Deleting from Source Account
If the source account is identifiable, deleting the read-only contacts directly from there is another method.
Step 1: Log into the source account (Google, Facebook, etc.) from a web browser.
Step 2: Navigate to the contacts section.
Step 3: Manually select and delete the contacts.
Step 4: Once deleted from the source, the contacts should also disappear from your synced devices.
Method 3: Using a Third-party App
If manual methods are too cumbersome, third-party apps such as “Simpler Merge Duplicates” can assist in deleting duplicate or read-only contacts.
Step 1: Download and install the app from your device’s app store.
Step 2: Grant the app permissions to access your contacts.
Step 3: Use the app’s features to find and delete duplicate or read-only contacts.
Remember: Always use reputable third-party apps and thoroughly review their privacy policies before use.
Method 4: Clearing Data and Cache of Contact Storage
Sometimes, clearing the data and cache of your contact storage on your device might help in getting rid of read-only contacts.
Step 1: Go to ‘Settings’ on your device.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Apps’ or ‘App Manager’.
Step 3: In the list of apps, find and tap ‘Contacts Storage’.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Storage’ then ‘Clear Cache’ and ‘Clear Data’.
Be cautious as this will erase all your contacts. Make sure you have them backed up somewhere safe.
Conclusion
While read-only contacts serve a purpose by safeguarding contacts from accidental deletion or alteration, they can lead to an unnecessary clutter in your contacts list. The methods listed in this article should provide you with efficient ways to delete these contacts.
Ultimately, the choice between disabling contact sync, deleting them from the source account, using a third-party app, or even clearing your contact storage will depend on your preference and comfort level.
With these methods, you’re now well-equipped to regain full control over your contact list.
