[Fixed] Unfortunately Contacts has stopped Android phone error

The Unfortunately Contacts has stopped error is a bug affecting a lot of Android smartphones- specially Samsung devices like Galaxy S5, S4, Galaxy S6, S7, Note 4, Note 5 etc. Thus, one of the reasons for this contacts app error could be due to a Samsung Touchwiz bug. However, sometimes third party app may also interfere with the stock contacts or “people” app and lead to this error. Due to this error, users can’t open the contacts list to search, add or edit saved contacts. In the error message, the users only get the option to tap “OK” and the contacts app exits or force closes. Sometimes the error may also pop up while opening your dialer or call logs. Here are some possible methods to fix unfortunately contacts has stopped error on Android smartphones and tablets:

Screenshot of Android error: "Unfortunately, Contacts has stopped"

How to fix contacts app has stopped error caused by third party apps

You may have knowingly or unknowingly granted access to your contacts to multiple third party apps. Some apps known to link with contacts app include Facebook, Facebook messenger, Google +, Twitter, Contacts+ etc. Try uninstalling each of these apps and see if that solved the problem. You may not be able to completely uninstall some apps, in that case simply uninstall updates. To uninstall updates, go to Settings >> Apps >> All >> scroll down and select the app >> Tap “Unisntall Updates”. Also, make sure you have uninstalled any third party dialer from your device along with third party address book app.

Solution 2: Reset App Preferences

One of our readers, got the "contacts has stopped" error after her device received Android 6.0 marshmallow update. The problem was fixed by resetting app permissions.

Go to Settings >> Apps (application manager)
Tap on the three dots on the top right
Tap "Reset app preferences"
Optionally, also select "Reset default apps"

Solution 3: Clearing cache and data for Contacts app.

First make sure you sync your contacts to your Gmail account. Go to Settings >> Accounts >> Google >> Tap on your Gmail address >> Tap on “Contacts”. After your contacts is synced proceed to below steps to wipe cache from your Contacts app:

Go to Settings >> Apps >> All
Scroll down and select “Contacts” or “People”
Tap “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”
Reboot device and see if you still get that error

Solution 4: Deleting voicemail

Sometimes this error pops up when you have a lot of voicemail saved on your device. Many people forget that the deleted voicemails are actually in the “deleted” voicemail folder and you need to empty it to get rid of the voicemails completely. Deleting voicemails can also solve dialer force closing issues. If you don’t know how to delete voicemail on Android, here are the methods

Open Google Voice app
Select “Voicemail” (VM)
Now press menu or the 3 vertical dots on the upper right
Tap “Delete”

Solution 5: Change Date/Time format

Weirdly, many Samsung Galaxy smartphone users have fixed this contacts app automatically closing issue by simply editing the time format from the date & time settings. Here is how you can do that:

Go to Settings >> Data & time
Tap on “Use 24 hour format” or uncheck it if already is
Now also choose a different date format

Try opening the contacts app and dialer and check for the error.

One of the above methods will work for most users, but if you have any other methods to fix “Unfortunately contacts has stopped error” drop a comment below.