---
title: ABGetSharedAddressBook()
framework: Address Book
role: symbol
role_heading: Function
path: addressbook/abgetsharedaddressbook()
---

# ABGetSharedAddressBook()

Returns the unique shared ABAddressBook object.

## Declaration

```swift
func ABGetSharedAddressBook() -> Unmanaged<ABAddressBookRef>!
```

## Return Value

Return Value The address book for the logged-in user. You are responsible for retaining and releasing this object as needed.

## Discussion

Discussion Every application shares the address book for the logged-in user and this function returns it. If you call this function more than once or try to create a new address book, you get a pointer to the same shared address book.

## See Also

### Address Book

- [ABCopyDefaultCountryCode(_:)](addressbook/abcopydefaultcountrycode(_:).md)
- [ABHasUnsavedChanges(_:)](addressbook/abhasunsavedchanges(_:).md)
- [ABSave(_:)](addressbook/absave(_:).md)