How to Sort Apple Contacts by First Name on an iPhone

Easily organize your Apple iPhone contacts by first or last name

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 28, 2025 Tested

By default, iPhone contacts are listed and organized alphabetically by last name. If you'd rather sort your contacts by first name, you can easily do so in the Settings app. You can also change how contacts are displayed when receiving a call or checking their information. This wikiHow will show you how to sort your Apple contacts by first name using your iPhone.

Things You Should Know

To sort your contacts by first name, go to "Settings" → "Contacts" → "Sort Order" → "First, Last".
When you use the Contacts app, all contacts will be sorted alphabetically based on first name.
To change the display order, go to "Settings" → "Contacts" → "Display Order" → "Last, First".

Steps

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1
Open the Settings app. This looks like a grey cog icon. Make sure to update your iPhone.^{[1]
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- If needed, transfer contacts to your device, or back them up for safekeeping.
You can find this underneath Passwords and Mail.^{[2]
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This will be underneath Accounts.^{[3]
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4
Tap First, Last. There will be a blue checkmark next to it.^{[4]
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- Now, when you use the Contacts app, you should see names listed alphabetically by first name.
- You can also tap Display Order and select Last, First if you want contacts to display last names first when answering calls or viewing contact information.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I sort my contacts alphabetically?

Community Answer

It should sort your contacts alphabetically by default, but if you want to sort them by the first name instead of the last, you can do so by going to Settings and then to Contacts. Then there should be an option so change the sorting order.

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How do I move apps to another page on iPhone 6?

Community Answer

Hold onto the app block until it starts to shake. Drag it to where you want it to be, and let go. If you want it on the next page, hold it at the edge of the screen until it moves to the next screen.

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Question

How do I sort my contacts by the last name alphabetically?

Community Answer

That's the default. If not, just follow these instructions, but make the change inverted.

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