Directory Problem

Hello,

To clarify, when you say "directory" are you referring to The Contacts App on your iPhone? This sounds like your contacts may be saved to an account that is not enabled or not the one you are searching.

Use other contact accounts on iPhone - Apple Support

Manage and delete contacts on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If your iCloud Contacts, Calendars, or Reminders won’t sync - Apple Support

I hope this helps.

Do you know if you had saved them to iCloud? If you don't see iCloud in the list of accounts that could be why they are missing.

Use iCloud on iPhone - Apple Support

"Change your iCloud settings

Sign in with your Apple ID, then do the following:

1. Go to Settings  > [your name] > iCloud.
2. Do any of the following:

• • See your iCloud storage status.
  • Turn on the features you want to use, such as Photos, iCloud Drive, and iCloud Backup."

To find Contacts in the "Apps using iCloud" section you will need to select "Show All." Additionally, the last link from my previous reply has more steps to try if iCloud Contacts is already enabled but not showing.