Outlook on iOS (app), iPadOS (app), and Web: Contacts not syncing to/from iOS, iPadOS and MacBook Catalina

Greg Burns 1 Reputation point
2020-08-10T23:33:37.03+00:00

I am using Outlook using my Outlook email ID on Apple products in 3 locations: Outlook app on iOS (iPhone), Outlook app on iPadOS (iPad), and the Outlook web client on a MacBook Pro running Catalina. In all three cases, I setup an Exchange Server link in the local OS to my outlook ID. This has allowed me to have emails, calendars and contacts available to the OS.

I am having trouble getting contacts to sync to and from iOS, iPadOS and MacBook Catalina. I have an active Microsoft 365 Family subscription. Contact syncing is not working at all. I have the latest updates for iOS, Catalina and the Outlook app.

I have added my Exchange account details to Settings | Password & Accounts on iOS and iPadOS and to Settings | Internet Accounts on Catalina. After much futzing, I am able to sync email and calendar information to and from iOS and iPadOS (both directions) and to and from Catalina (both directions). So, I know the basic link to the Exchange Server is working. The account setting to sync Contacts is enabled in both locations.

How to I get contact sync to work to and from iOS, iPadOS and to and from Catalina?

Exchange Server Management
Exchange Server Management
Exchange Server: A family of Microsoft client/server messaging and collaboration software.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Lucas Liu-MSFT 6,171 Reputation points
    2020-08-11T05:37:10.09+00:00

    Hi Yaamon-0063, Only your Exchange account has this sync problem? Based on my knowledge, Exchange user sync the email, contact and calendar between Outlook and mobile device by using Exchange ActiveSync. You already sync the email and calendar, so please follow the steps below to check the contact's settings.

    1. Check the Outlook Web App policies
      1. Login to the EAC and select the permission.
      2. Select the Outlook Web App policies and select the policy you are using, click edit.
      3. Please check if you check the "Mobile device contact sync", "Exchange ActiveSync", "Contacts" and "All address lists" in the features page. 16905-2222.png
    2. Check the Outlook App settings on the mobile device.
      1. Check that access to Contacts is allowed for Outlook: Open the Settings app > scroll down and tap Outlook > Contacts and Background App Refresh should be on.
      2. In the Outlook app, go to Settings Outlook app settings > Tap the account that is not syncing > Tap Reset Account. Check to see if your account is syncing. If still not working? Delete and re-add your email account. For more information: Can't sync calendar and contacts with my phone or tablet
    3. According to my research, users could managed Exchange ActiveSync Profile improvements in iOS 13/iPadOS. You could choose the file type you want to sync. For more information: Managed Exchange ActiveSync Profile improvements in iOS 13/iPadOS

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