Description

do you want to update the contacts that were using this line ?

# How to Update Contacts When Managing Multiple Lines on Your iPhone

Are you seeing the prompt, “Do you want to update the contacts that were using this line to use your other line?” when you manage or switch SIM/eSIMs on your iPhone? This can be confusing, especially if you’re dealing with a dual SIM setup. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into how to handle this properly.

## Understanding the Message

When you see “Do you want to update the contacts that were using this line to use your other line?” it means your iPhone detects that certain contacts are linked to a SIM or eSIM line that might no longer be active or you’re looking to switch to another line for these contacts. This is common in scenarios where a secondary SIM has been removed or you’ve upgraded to a new primary line.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Update Contacts

### 1. Manually Update Contacts

Here’s how to manually update each contact to use your desired line.

#### Open Your Contacts App
Navigate to the Contacts app on your iPhone.

#### Select a Contact
Tap on the contact you want to edit.

#### Edit Contact
Tap Edit in the top right corner.

#### Change the Preferred Line
Scroll down to find the **Preferred Line** option and select the line you wish to assign to this contact.

#### Save Changes
Tap **Done** to save.

### 2. Bulk Update Contacts

Unfortunately, iOS does not provide a built-in bulk update feature specifically for preferred lines, but there are workarounds.

#### Use the Automatic Update Option
When you switch lines, your iPhone may prompt you to update the contact line automatically. If it does, tapping “Update” will change all contacts linked to the old line to the new line. However, this often only works at the time of switching lines through Settings > Cellular, and it may not cover all contacts.

#### Use Third-Party Apps
Consider using third-party apps like [Hapori](https://hapori.com/) which offer bulk editing features, including switching preferred lines. Be cautious and use trusted apps only.

### 3. Use vCard Import/Export

Here’s how to export your contacts, edit them on a computer, and then import them back.

#### Export Contacts
1. Go to Settings > Contacts > Import/Export > Export vCard.
2. Save the vCard to your desired location (Email, Cloud, etc.).
3. Open the vCard on your computer using software like Excel, Numbers, or a contact management tool.

#### Edit the vCard
Use the editing tool to change the phone numbers or tags to correspond to your new preferred line.

#### Import Back to iPhone
1. Go to Settings > Contacts > Import vCard.
2. Choose your edited vCard from your saved location.

### 4. Use Settings > Cellular

If you have a dual SIM, you can manage this via Settings.

#### Go to Cellular Settings
1. Open Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap on “Cellular Plan” or “Plan” depending on your iOS version.
3. If you see a prompt regarding contacts and lines, it’s likely your iPhone is asking you to update specific lines.

#### Update Contacts for the Current Line
1. Follow the prompt to update the contacts used by the currently active line.

### 5. Resolve the eSIM Issue

If you’re dealing with an eSIM that’s causing the recurring issue, follow these steps.

1. **Check the eSIM Tab:**
Go to Settings > Cellular > eSIM and remove the old eSIM if necessary.

2. **Delete eSIM Profiles:**
– Go to Settings > Cellular > eSIM > Tap the eSIM active profile > Tap the trash icon > Confirm to remove.
– If the same window pops up after reboot, repeat the above steps.

3. **Update Contacts Manually:**
After removing the eSIM, manually check and ensure contacts are linked to the correct line.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q. Can I update all contacts at once?**
A. Direct built-in bulk editing is not supported by iOS. However, using the export/import method or third-party apps might offer some level of bulk editing.

**Q. How do I choose which line to use by default?**
A. Under Settings > Cellular, you can select which SIM to use for default calls, messages, and data.

**Q. How do I remove an old SIM or eSIM line completely?**
A. Go to Settings > Cellular and either remove the specific SIM card or remove the eSIM via the eSIM tab.

## Additional Resources

Check out these valuable resources for more in-depth guides and troubleshooting tips:

– [Apple Community Discussion](https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255019282) – Specific thread for dual SIM questions.
– [MacRumors Foruam](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/had-an-esim-at-one-point-now-it-never-seems-to-go-away.2268655) – Discussion around issues with eSIMs.
– [Apple Support Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/edit-contacts-iph89a9c71d8/ios) – Learn more about editing contacts on your iPhone.
– [Joel Le Mena Tech Blog](https://tech.joellemena.com/tech/how-to-change-preferred-line-in-iphone-for-all-contacts) – Step-by-step guide for changing preferred lines.
– [Beebom How-to](https://beebom.com/how-fix-last-line-no-longer-available-iphone) – Fix for ‘Line No Longer Available’ issues.
– [Verizon Support](https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-220979) – Specific instructions for dual SIM preferences on iPhones with eSIM.
– [Reddit iPhone](https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/z3br8i/bulk_edit_contacts_for_preferred_line_ios_16) – Discussion about iOS 16 and bulk contact edits.
– [MacRumors Thread](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/with-esim-enabled-dual-sim-setup-how-to-manage-contacts.2159518) – More general discussion on managing contacts with dual SIMs.
– [Shoukhintech](https://shoukhintech.com/how-to-update-contacts-on-iphone) – Guide on updating contacts in bulk via vCard.
– [TechSynchron](https://techsynchron.com/how-to-update-contacts-on-iphone) – Step-by-step on how to update contacts on iPhone.

## Conclusion

Managing multiple lines on your iPhone can be daunting, especially when you encounter prompts like “Do you want to update the contacts that were using this line to use your other line?” Understanding the options and utilizing the right tools can streamline the process. By manually updating contacts, bulk editing using third-party apps, or utilizing vCard import/export, you can efficiently manage your iPhone’s contact lines.

Feel free to explore the resources mentioned above for more detailed guides and troubleshooting tips. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support if you need further assistance. Happy managing!