2 Simple Ways to Add New Contacts to an iPad

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Quick ways to add and edit contacts on an Apple iPad

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: November 15, 2023

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Adding Contacts Manually

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Syncing iCloud Contacts

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Video

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Q&A

Make sure you can always put a name to a face by storing contact details in your iPad’s Contacts app.

Things You Should Know

To add a contact manually, open the Contacts app. Tap "+" in the top-right corner.
Enter the phone number, first name, last name, and any additional information.
To sync iCloud contacts, go to "Settings" → tap your Apple ID → "iCloud" → "Show All" → toggle on "Contacts".

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Adding Contacts Manually

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1
Open the Contacts app. This looks like an address book with four tabs on the right side.
- Make sure to update your iPad.
2
Tap + in the top-right corner. If you don’t see the button, make sure you’re on the main Contacts page. You should see a list of your saved contacts.^{[1]
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- A new window will open.
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3
Enter the contact details. Similar to adding contacts on an iPhone, you can enter as much or as little detail as you’d like. To find contacts easily, be sure to add at least a phone number, first name, and last name.
- Tap add phone to enter a phone number.
- Tap Add Photo to enter a contact photo.
- You can also add birthdays, related names, social profiles, notes, and more.
4
Tap Done. This is in the top-right corner. Your contact will be added.
- You can also set your own contact information.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Syncing iCloud Contacts

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1
Open the Settings app. This looks like a grey cog icon.
- Use this method to sync contacts to your iPad from your iPhone, another iPad, or your Mac.
Tap your Apple ID. This will be at the very top of the page.
You can find this underneath Subscriptions.
This will expand the list of available apps.
5
Toggle on
“Contacts”. The switch should be green.
- Your iCloud contacts will be synced to your iPad. If you don’t see your iCloud contacts, repeat these steps on your iPhone to sync your phone contacts.
- Keep in mind that new contacts added to your iPad will be sent to your connected devices. Make sure to check you aren’t creating duplicate contact details before adding a new contact.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I send a message to a contact?

Community Answer

Select the contact, then there should be some separate options that include a phone, speech bubble, and a camera. To send a message from an iPad without cellular data, the receiver has to have iMessage. If the iPad has cellular data, you can send messages to iMessage addresses or phone numbers. After that has been cleared up, tap the speech bubble and it will display the messaging app with the contact's name in the top box. You can then type your message in the bottom text box and then hit send.

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Question

How do I add friends to Messenger by mobile phone number?

Community Answer

When you text someone, there is a pen and paper icon in iMessage. Select that and just type in the number.

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Question

How do I add a phone number that is Android on my iPad?

Community Answer

Connect to third party applications which allow talking/messaging that is available across Apple and Android.

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