An apparatus (20) and methods are provided for providing Instant Messaging (IM) in a wireless communication system. The apparatus (20) comprises an IM data storage device (22) configured to store first IM contact data associated with an IM client and an IM server (24) configured to access the IM data storage device (22) and retrieve the first IM contact data associated with the IM client. The apparatus (20) is further comprised of an IM access portal (26) in operable communication with the IM server (24) and configured to access second IM contact data associated with the IM client and transmitted to a wireless device (29) of the IM client during a prior wireless connection. The IM access portal (26) is further configured to perform a comparison of the first IM contact data and the second IM contact data and transmit difference IM contact data (54) to the wireless device (29) of the IM client that is produced with the comparison of the first IM contact data and the second IM contact data.