Lost Contacts on Android? Unraveling the Mystery and Solutions

Bianca Patrick
3 min readJun 22, 2023

What You Need to Know

  • The missing contacts issue: Understand the alarming problem of contacts suddenly disappearing from Android phones, leaving users perplexed and concerned about their data.
  • Sync problems and Google Play services: Explore the potential connection between the missing contacts issue and Google Play services, which may have undergone changes affecting contact synchronization.
  • Solutions and prevention: Find out about possible solutions, including re-syncing contacts, and learn how to safeguard your contacts with the Smart Transfer app to create backups for future protection.

A growing number of Google Pixel and Samsung users have recently encountered a distressing problem: their contacts have gone missing from their Android phones. Opening the Google Contacts app reveals a disheartening message stating, “No contacts in this account.” Although this issue may seem alarming, there is a glimmer of hope as contacts are still accessible through contacts.google.com.

The Missing Contacts Mystery

Android users have been bewildered by the sudden disappearance of their contacts, encountering a disconcerting “No contacts in this account” message in the Google Contacts app. Despite the panic, it is essential to highlight that the contact data remains intact and accessible through contacts.google.com, providing temporary relief while the issue is resolved.

Once the missing contacts issue on Android is resolved, it is crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your valuable contact data. To create a backup and prevent potential future occurrences, consider using the Smart Transfer app. Smart Transfer Inshare app offers a reliable and efficient solution for seamlessly transferring your contacts and other important data between Android devices. By utilizing the Smart Transfer app, you can ensure that your contacts are safely stored and easily restored in case such an issue arises again.

Sync Problems and Google Play Services

Attempts to restore or re-sync contacts from the affected Android devices have proven ineffective for many users. The missing contacts problem appears to be related to a sync issue, possibly connected to Google Play services. Notably, a recent change in Google Play services (version 23.20+) raised concerns, as disabling contact sync now results in the removal of previously synced contacts from Android phones.

Widespread Impact and Device Variability

Reports of missing contacts extend beyond Pixel devices, with users of various Samsung and other OEM phones also experiencing this issue. While the cause remains unclear, the widespread nature of the problem suggests a broader underlying concern tied to Google Play services.

Seeking Solutions and Contact Restoration

While awaiting further information from Google, affected users have attempted various solutions. Some have found success by navigating to the Settings app, selecting Passwords & accounts, accessing their [@gmail.com address], and toggling the Contacts sync option under Account sync. However, these solutions may not work universally, and users should exercise caution before making changes.

Summing Up

The disappearance of contacts on Android devices has understandably caused frustration and concern among users. As investigations continue, it is crucial to remain patient while Google addresses the underlying sync issue, potentially related to Google Play services. In the meantime, remember to keep your contacts backed up and consider exploring the Smart Transfer app for seamless file sharing and safeguarding your valuable data. Stay tuned for updates and solutions, and remember that even when contacts seem to vanish, they can often be recovered.

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Bianca Patrick

Bianca is a content creator & a passionate blogger. She is a professional tech blogger & an avid reader. She loves to explore topics related to tech.