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Outlook Email App for Android will not sync Contacts

Anonymous
2025-06-08T01:36:48+00:00

Hello Microsoft Community,

Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

Android 14 fully updated

Build number U2UUIS34.40-108-3-2

I like the Outlook Email for Android app, and I have tried it many times over the last 3-4 years. However, on every occasion I have tried it I have been unable to get the app to work with my contacts list and I have gone back to using another email app that is so much easier to get working.

I have just tried again over the last two days trying an extensive range of "fixes" that I have found some of which are listed below

  1. **Check App Permissions** – Go to your phone's **Settings > Apps > Outlook** and make sure **Contacts** access is enabled.
  2. **Enable Contact Sync in Outlook** – Open the Outlook app, go to **Settings**, select your email account, and ensure **Sync Contacts** is turned on.
  3. **Reset Your Account** – In Outlook, go to **Settings > Tap your account > Reset Account** to refresh the sync.
  4. **Remove & Re-add Your Account** – If the issue persists, try removing your email account from Outlook and adding it again.
  5. **Update the App** – Check the Play Store for any updates to Outlook and install them.
  6. **Restart Your Phone** – Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve syncing issues.

If none of these step’s work, you might find more troubleshooting tips [here]

(https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook_com/forum/all/outlook-app-for-android-does-not-sync-contacts/2ddf09b0-2f52-4e43-a09c-f6a93bcc4964) or here.

I have tried several tips from the links above.

Nothing I have tried has worked to allow Outlook to access all of my contacts in my Android device.

I do have Outlook webmail on my desktop PC and use Outlook in Office on my desktop.

I can send emails to some contacts that do show up when I start typing in a name, and I think that might be because I have sent an email to them, had email from them that I have replied to.

Any thoughts and advice embraced. Outside of that it's a give it away scenario, I've spent huge time on this and as Einstein reputedly said, ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’

NZ'er

Outlook | Outlook for mobile | Outlook for Android | For business

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-13T06:41:49+00:00

    Hello Sam and the Community forum,

    My sincere thanks for taking the time to reply to my recent post.

    After a very long time of trying, I might have got to the bottom of the issue. It would seem that the internet/email provider I use, does not have a system that has Exchange ActiveSync as part of its setup. As this is not available, my phone cannot sync contacts and calendar.

    I have gone back to using another email app that will inter-react fully with my phone.

    I would like to see a stronger message from Outlook for Android when trying to sync during setup. Something like "your email provider does not support Exchange ActiveSync and Outlook will not be able to display contacts, calendar events （and whatever else is effected). This could stop others like myself going down a very dark tunnel for days,

    Regards

    P

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-12T20:21:01+00:00

    Hello Pete,

    Thank you for posting the query in the community forum!

    As per the description given in the query you are unable to sync your Android contacts with the Outlook app despite enabling permissions, toggling sync settings, and trying multiple resets and reinstalls. The app only shows contacts you've previously interacted with via email.

    Here’s what you can try next:

    1. Clear App Cache and Data: Go to Settings > Apps > Outlook > Storage and tap Clear Cache and Clear Data. Then reconfigure your account.
    2. Ensure Outlook is Set as Default Contacts Provider: Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Contacts app and set it to Outlook (if available). Some Android versions require this for full sync.
    3. Use Exchange ActiveSync Instead of IMAP/POP: If your account is set up as IMAP or POP, contacts won’t sync. Remove the account and re-add it using Exchange ActiveSync. Can't sync calendar and contacts with my phone or tablet
    4. Check for Device-Specific Restrictions Some Motorola devices may restrict background sync. Ensure Battery Optimization is disabled for Outlook under Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization.
    5. Review Microsoft’s Mobile Troubleshooter: Troubleshoot Outlook mobile issues

    Hopefully this help to sync android contacts with the Outlook app.

    Once resolved, feel free to mark this thread as Answered and Helpful.

    Your persistency is admirable.

    Sincerely,

    Sam | Microsoft Community Moderator.

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