The functionality of today's smartphones running on the Android OS makes it possible to save phone book contacts on several media (on the iPhone the choice is somewhat reduced). This gives a lot of flexibility, but can cause unintentional loss of such data in a situation where we simply forget where exactly we saved the numbers. How can you see exactly where all the contacts are saved - in the memory of your mobile phone or on the SIM card? We'll tell you in our material.
Programs for restoring missing contacts
If the methods discussed above did not help restore contacts, you should remember how the principle of storing data on media works. When a contact is deleted or not displayed, it remains in the gadget's memory, only in the backup part, which can be overwritten.
If you understand where contacts disappear from a gadget, you can understand the principle of restoring them using third-party software. There are applications that scan the gadget's memory and restore lost information.
Android Data Recovery
This utility allows you to restore information through synchronization with a PC. The user needs to connect the Android gadget to the computer, then open the application and click “Recover”.
Then you need to select “Recover Android Data” to start the recovery process. In addition to contacts, the program is able to recover messages, photos and other files from the phone. The free version of the program is quite enough to restore contacts.
Directory Search
All that remains to be done is to find the folder with the corresponding data on your mobile device. Where are contacts stored in Android? They will be located in the contacts.db or contacts2.db document. These are the ones you will have to look for on your mobile device.
Where are contacts stored in Android? In order to copy the phone book from the device, you need to find the previously mentioned document. It is located in the data directory. You need to open the following chain of folders:
- data(2 times);
- com.android.providers.contacts;
- databases.
After this, in the last folder you need to find contacts/contacts2. This is the phone book. It can be copied, deleted or transferred to another device. Typically, this will require root rights. For example, using specialized programs. Among them are iRoot and KingRoot.
What SIM cards do operators use?
Russian users know SIM cards by their MiniSIM format. It is the one that is used most often. Mobile operators continue to issue such cards, despite the fact that almost all smartphones support NanoSIM.
In recent years, operators have been selling universal SIM cards. The subscriber can independently remove the SIM card of the required size from the plastic case.
What to do if the SIM card cannot be inserted into the phone
Since there are several types of SIM cards, the corresponding trays in mobile phones differ. For many years there was no other standard other than Mini-SIM. But time passed, and manufacturers tried to reduce the information chip as much as possible.
By 2022, almost all smartphones will have a NanoSIM tray. But what to do if the SIM card does not fit into this connector. Output 2:
- Contact the operator's office to replace the card with a newer one.
- Trim by hand.
Sync Android contacts with Google - where to find them
Many users enable synchronization of phone numbers with their Google account. In such a case, the information is saved to the linked account. You can check which email is attached in your account settings. To view your contacts, go to the mail website from your computer and log in to the same account. Further steps are presented a little higher.
To enable synchronization, you must:
Now the device will automatically synchronize information with your mailbox. The system not only records phone numbers, but also saves photos.
Once you've finished setting up, look at what other data you can synchronize with your mail. If necessary, enable the appropriate functions. All information is saved on Google Drive - a cloud service linked to your account. To disable synchronization, just uncheck the corresponding box in your account settings.
Displaying contacts on a smartphone and SIM card on some Android 9 models
On some phone models with Android 9, you can see where exactly your contacts are stored (in the device memory or on the SIM card), you can do this:
- Tap on the “Contacts” application icon;
- At the top right, click on the button in the form of three vertical dots (“Options”);
- In the menu that opens, select “Settings”;
- On the next page, tap on the “Contacts to display” option;
- Select the storage location for your contacts (phone memory or account memory);
- Now return to the list. The numbers that are stored on the media you selected will be displayed.
Possible causes of the problem
Gadget users save their contacts in the internal memory, since it allows you to enter additional information about the person (email address, place of residence, country, city, company, position). If the operating system is working properly, your data will be safe.
But why doesn't the device read the contacts on the SIM card? There are 5 common reasons:
- the user inattentively changes settings that he does not understand;
- the device was reset to factory settings, due to which the existing contacts were completely erased;
- a system failure that erases the directory;
- problems with synchronization - applies to owners who recently bought a new phone model;
- interference of virus programs in the operation of the system.
Check every point. You also need to know what methods will help you recover lost information.
A way to see where numbers are stored on a phone with Android versions 9 and 10
If you are using modern Android phones, then you will need to follow the steps below. The names of the buttons and the specifics of certain steps may differ on different phone models, but the essence is the same.
Do the following:
- Find the “Contacts” application icon on the desktop of your gadget and tap on it;
- In the window that then opens, click on the button with three dots located on the left in src=”https://rusadmin.biz/files/2021/02/three-dots-1.jpg” class=”aligncenter” width=”350″ height =»413″[/img] Select the menu button in the form of three horizontal lines on the left
- On the page that opens, click on the “All contacts” button.
- The media on which your contacts are stored will be displayed. Opposite each such medium there will be a number demonstrating how many numbers are stored on this medium;
- If you tap on one of these media, you will see a specific list of subscribers stored on this media.
Seeking help from specialists
Contacting a service center to restore contact information is easier than figuring it out yourself. Feel free to ask questions to the staff, as they are there to help users understand how the devices work.
A user who discovers partial or complete loss of contact information in their phone can contact the service center. During the reception, you should indicate the reason why Android does not recognize the contacts on the SIM card (if you managed to identify it yourself). This will make it easier to resolve the issue.
Don't be afraid if your smartphone doesn't read the contacts on your SIM card. It is enough to determine the reason why the data loss occurred. To solve the problem, use the suggested methods:
- synchronization;
- clearing cache memory;
- restore to factory settings;
- installation of third-party applications;
- downloading data from Google account.
To prevent losing lists, do not change settings on your device that you do not understand. Do not download dubious applications that can harm your smartphone. Also enable file synchronization to save information to the cloud.
Author: Mobilniy Operator
27-09-2021
Mobilniy Operator
Is it possible to see the location of contacts on iPhone
On Apple phones, subscriber numbers are usually stored in the memory of the phone itself or in iCloud. iPhones do not store their data on a SIM card.
By inserting a SIM card with contacts into your iPhone, you can transfer existing data from the SIM card to the gadget. To do this, insert the SIM card into your smartphone, and click on “Settings”, then on “Contacts”, and then “Import to SIM”.
Connecting a mobile device to a computer
First you need to connect the device to the computer. An original USB cable is used for this. When a device is connected, it is identified, for which drivers are needed. Some Android mobile devices are detected without special drivers, others are not.
For many phones and tablets, manufacturers create special programs that make it possible to transfer music and images. However, they cannot be used to open operating system folders in which the information in question is saved. The computer can also help you save the necessary data through backup. If you need an Android emulator, you can download it on our portal.
You can open a device folder only if it has been defined as a drive. In this case, the computer's operating system explorer opens, after which all information from the device's operating system will be available. It is worth considering that some folders may be hidden by default.
To read them, you must indicate that the computer can see system hidden folders. It is also possible to use special applications that see hidden folders.
Even if you manage to open the device directory, finding the file in which contacts are recorded will be quite difficult. This is due to the fact that all system folders are named differently. In this case, the required file cannot be opened using the usual method, since not all programs can read its extension.
How to see where numbers are saved on Android OS 8
On phones running Android 8, you can see where exactly the contacts are saved (in the SIM card memory or smartphone) as follows:
- Tap on the “Contacts” application icon;
- Next, click on the button with three vertical dots, which is located on the top right;
- Select the “Settings” menu item;
- On the next page, tap on the “Contacts to display” option;
- Select the source on which you want to check the availability of number locations (for example, SIM 1);
- Return to the list. The data whose media you selected earlier will be displayed;
Downloading data from your Google account
To conveniently use your phone with the Android operating system, create a Google account and enter a nickname that will serve as your email address. The peculiarity of the mail service is that after registration it automatically creates a copy of your contacts. The list is stored for a month.
Makes it easier to recover lost information on your phone. To restore contacts, you need to:
- Turn on your laptop or PC and log into your Google account.
- Find the icon with nine dots, scroll down and click on “Contacts”.
- Open the context menu, then select “Restore contacts”.
- A list of contacts that can be restored will open. In the filter, select the desired time period.
- Click on "Restore" and wait until the procedure is completed.
Now check if automatic contact list synchronization is enabled. For this:
- In your smartphone settings, find the “Accounts” section.
- Then select "Google".
- A page will open where you need to check the box next to “Contacts”.
Once you save your existing numbers, you don’t have to worry about data loss. Just go to the desired section and copy the list.
Where are the contacts on Android via a computer?
A database is a document where all information is organized. It does not catch the eye, because it is located in the root storage of the directory. If you want to find and remove it via PC, you will need a USB cable.
5 points that will help you determine where your contacts are located in Android via a computer.
- Connect the device via USB to a personal computer.
- Turn on the “File Transfer” mode.
- Move into the interior space.
- Open the folder in Android where contacts are stored - data.
- There you need to find a file called “contacts” or “contacts2”.
GMail
The phone numbers that a person has synchronized are visible on any device where this account is open. So if you log into your Google account from a computer or laptop, you can find the desired subscriber in memory.
Sync Android with Google - where to find contacts
One of the services is Google Drive. This is 15 gigabytes of free space where music, photos, videos, audio tracks and other files are recorded. The address book is also saved there. If there is a photo on the account in the book, it is duplicated, and when updating, the system will pull it up on its own.
