How can we change the default contacts program used by phone/Whatsapp etc?

Also how can I delete entire database from current contacts program?

I've tried deleting data and cache and disabling, but it still shows old contacts in phone app.

Thx

    I think disabling the built in contacts app breaks contact scopes though.

      DEADCAT no it doesn't. The contacts app has nothing to do with contact storage, they are 2 different components.
      Edit: seems like it actually defaults for contact picking itself, but it doesn't alter previously added contact scopes.

          lawman Also how can I delete entire database from current contacts program?

          Settings > Apps > See all > (three dots) Show system > Contacts Storage > Storage and cache > Clear Storge

              Tried that.

              Can still see contacts from phone app

              Are you sure you don't have any other contacts provider in Settings > Password and Accounts?
              You can double-check where the contacts are loaded in the built-in Contacts app, then the upper-left menu button, they are listed under Accounts.
              The procedure I provided previously cleans the contacts in the "Device" account.

              This worked to delete

              Oggyo this worked to delete all thanks.

              I was deleting from contacts app instead of contacts storage

              Will try to change default now.

              Thanks

                DeletedUser69

                In disabled default contacts app as there is no option to change default app

                I installed fossify contacts and imported all contacts.

                When I go into phone app none of the new contacts show?

                Seems like system contacts storage is not connected to other contact apps?

                Any advice?

                Thx

                    lawman default Contacts app saves contacts to the phone storage that Fossify app should be able to detect without having to import anything. I tried to emulate the issue you are having but my Telephone app can see them, sorry I can't help you.

                      Iirc contacts used to be stored on older devices using SQL database if you wanted the true list. And i think accessing contacts that way doesnt work quite the same anymore.

                      If you do find your contacts list in a db file, dont delete it. It's apparently a no-no. some file explorer apps had capabilities, but this was years ago

                      well here's what I did.

                      Deleted the system database. This removed it from default contacts app but not fossify app.

                      I then deleted all the contacts from fossify app too, so now there are no contacts in either fossify or default app.

                      then I disabled default app and wrongly hoped this would link the remaining (fossify) app to contact system db.

                      I imported contacts into fossify app, but this doesn't seem to update the system db, as phone couldn't see the new contacts.

                      still trying to figure out a way to:

                      1. have another contact apps integrate with system db, other than default app which is quite useless.

                      2. need a way to merge local vcf with google account contacts, but remove all duplicates.

                      3. then i can remove local contacts from default app, and just use google account - otherwise it shows duplicates in default app.

                      not found solutions yet

                      such a simple task, but so hard in gos. Hope they streamline this somehow.

                        lawman I don't think this is a GOS issue. The more I read about Fossify apps, the more I think they're spaghetti code. Try a different contacts app and see if it works.

                          9 days later

                          I'm wondering. Is there a decentralized foss solution for synced Android contacts?

                          Possibly even more?

                          Thx

                          lawman
                          have another contact apps integrate with system db, other than default app which is quite useless.

                          I would use Tutanota's contact sync feature. It integrates well with native or third-party contacts app. However, you are now going to use the Tutanota app to add/delete/modify contacts details. Ask yourself if this is a deal breaker.

                          need a way to merge local vcf with google account contacts, but remove all duplicates.

                          Tutanota has a "merge" feature and ability export vcf for backups

                          then i can remove local contacts from default app, and just use google account - otherwise it shows duplicates in default app.

                          If duplicates show on the contacts app, try clearing cache and data from the contacts storage (the system app) and not in the contacts app

                          PS: I'm not shilling for Tutanota. I just found what works for me regarding contacts syncing.

                              10 days later

                              lawman If you're doing this on mobile, perhaps. However, in Tuta Desktop, if you hover you cursor to all contacts, a 3 dot button should appear. Go to the third option "Merge" to merge all duplicates. To delete all contacts on Tuta, click the box at the very top to select all contacts, and the thrash can should appear at the right hand side of the screen.