If you’re using iOS 8 on your iPhone or iPad, you may have noticed that the Phone app or Messages app shows recent contacts at the top. While this can be convenient, some users prefer privacy or simply don’t want their recent contacts displayed. Fortunately, iOS 8 allows you to disable recent contacts and suggestions.

This guide will walk you through how to hide or disable recent contacts in iOS 8 completely.

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Why Disable Recent Contacts?

Disabling recent contacts is useful when:

• You want more privacy on your device

• You frequently share your phone with others

• You don’t want suggested contacts in Mail or Messages

• You prefer to manually select contacts instead of relying on suggestions

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Step 1: Open the Settings App

1. Unlock your iPhone or iPad.

2. Tap the Settings app on your home screen.

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Step 2: Go to Mail, Contacts, Calendars

1. Scroll down and tap Mail, Contacts, Calendars.

2. This menu controls how contacts and email accounts interact with iOS features.

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Step 3: Disable “Show in Recents” (Recent Contacts)

Unfortunately, iOS 8 does not have a single toggle called “Recent Contacts,” but you can manage suggestions and recents through Mail settings:

1. Tap Contacts.

2. Look for “Short Name” and “Show in App Switcher” options.

3. Turn off Short Name to hide certain suggestions.

⚠️ Note: iOS 8 automatically stores recent contacts in apps like Messages and Mail. You may need to clear frequently used contacts by managing Mail or Messages.

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Step 4: Clear Frequently Used Contacts

1. Open the Phone app.

2. Tap Contacts → Recents.

3. Swipe left on any recent contact and tap Delete to remove it.

This clears recent call history and helps reduce auto-suggestions.

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Step 5: Disable Contacts in Spotlight Suggestions

iOS 8 can show suggested contacts when you swipe down for Spotlight Search. To disable this:

1. Go to Settings → General → Spotlight Search.

2. Scroll down and uncheck Contacts.

3. This prevents recent contacts from appearing in search suggestions.

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Tips for Maintaining Privacy

1. Regularly Clear Recents: Deleting recent calls and messages prevents auto-suggestions from showing.

2. Restrict App Access to Contacts: Go to Settings → Privacy → Contacts to control which apps can access your contacts.

3. Sign Out of iCloud (Optional): If you use shared iCloud accounts, logging out reduces synced suggestions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I completely remove recent contacts from iOS 8?
Yes, but it requires clearing recents and adjusting Spotlight and Mail settings, as there’s no single toggle for all recent contacts.

Q2: Will this affect my saved contacts?
No. Disabling recents only hides suggested or recent interactions, not your saved contacts.

Q3: Does this work in Messages as well?
Yes. By clearing recents and adjusting Spotlight and Mail settings, you reduce recent contact suggestions in Messages.

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Conclusion

Disabling recent contacts in iOS 8 helps maintain privacy and prevents unwanted suggestions in Phone, Messages, and Mail. While iOS 8 does not offer a single toggle to turn off all recent contacts, combining clearing recents, disabling Spotlight suggestions, and managing Mail settings provides the best results. Following these steps ensures your device displays only the contacts you want to see.