> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.wildmail.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.wildmail.io/activecampaign-academy/getting-started/organize-your-contacts/how-to-clean-up-your-contact-list.md).

# How to clean up your contact list

{% hint style="info" %}
In this section, you will find information on how to clean your lists and manage inactive users in ActiveCampaign.
{% endhint %}

### How to Clean Your Contact List

1. **Review Contacts**: Go through each contact and decide if they are still relevant.
2. **Delete Duplicates**: Remove any duplicate contacts to declutter.
3. **Update Information**: Ensure all contact details are up-to-date.
4. **Categorize Contacts**: Group contacts into categories for better organization.
5. **Backup Contacts**: Save a backup before making any changes.
6. **Use Tools**: Utilize apps or software to help manage and clean your contact list efficiently.

It's important to periodically clean your lists to keep only those who are **truly engaged** with what your business has to offer in your ActiveCampaign account.

:warning: Less engaged contacts directly impact the results of your email marketing strategy.

{% hint style="success" %}

* **Inactive Contacts:** In contrast, inactive contacts are those within your ActiveCampaign account, but not subscribed to any list. Therefore, you cannot send them emails or include them in your campaigns. 
* **Active Contacts:** These are the individuals within your ActiveCampaign account who are subscribed to one or more lists. In other words, they are the ones you can communicate with through your email marketing campaigns.
  {% endhint %}

### Inactive Contacts - How Do They Work?

You can add contacts indefinitely, but only pay for those subscribed to lists.

To convert an active contact to inactive, unsubscribe them from all lists, which is a way to clean the list.\
\
If you wish to reactivate an inactive contact, they must subscribe to a list. However, in some cases, depending on the reason for the unsubscription, it may not be possible to reactivate them.

Here is our step-by-step tutorial. :point\_down:

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPGpUQPaIvw>" %}

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to [email us](mailto:support@wildmail.io) for free assistance, we are happy to help you.&#x20;


---

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