According to one study, Outlook is the 3rd most popular email client among business users. As such, there’s a good chance you or your team use Outlook to manage your company contacts.

But what if you also want to access Outlook contacts on your Android smartphone?

That’s why, in this article, I will show you five ways to sync Outlook contacts to Android devices. We’ll also discuss the various problems you might encounter during the process.

Note: If you are using an iPhone, check out this article on syncing Outlook contacts to iPhone devices. We also have a complete guide on syncing the Global Address List to iPhone.

Key Takeaways:

1. There are 5 methods for syncing Outlook contacts to Android: 1) Using the Outlook app, 2) Copying contacts, 3) Exporting Outlook contacts to Google Contacts, 4) Using Microsoft Exchange, and 5) Using CiraSync.
2. CiraSync is the best tool for syncing Outlook contacts to Android devices.
3. Duplicated contacts, contacts not syncing properly, missing contacts, and no photo syncing are common issues when syncing Outlook contacts to Android devices.

Method 1: Sync Outlook Contacts to Android Using the Outlook App

To begin, you’ll need to grant Outlook the right to access your Contacts – this ensures there’s no challenge when synchronizing your Outlook contacts to Android. Once you’ve provided the necessary permissions, you’re all set to sync your contacts to your Android smartphone.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on syncing your Outlook contacts to your Android:

1. Launch the Settings app on Android and select Apps (or Applications).

2. Scroll down and click on “Outlook.”

3. Tap Permissions > Contacts > Allow.

Now that the necessary permissions are set, let’s get those Outlook contacts onto your Android. Start by opening the Outlook app.

4. Click on the Microsoft Office logo at the upper-left, followed by the gear symbol for Settings.

5. Choose the Outlook account containing the contacts you want to transfer.
6. Tap “Sync Contacts.”

Voila! Your Outlook contacts should now be visible in your Android’s native Contacts app.

Method 2: Copy Contacts from Outlook to Android Without Syncing

1. On your computer, open Outlook and go to File > Options > Advanced > Export.

2. Choose “Export to a file”

3. Select “Comma Separated Values.”

4. You’ll be prompted to select the folder you want to export. Select “Contacts.”

5. Save the CSV File.

6. Connect your Android device to the computer and move the CSV file to your phone.

7. This step will usually depend on the Android phone you are using. But the first step is to open the Contacts app > tap on the menu (three vertical dots) > and choose ‘Import or export contacts.’ Select the CSV file, and your contacts will be imported.

8. If you are using a Samsung phone, open the Contacts app and click the three-line menu on the left.

9. Click Manage Contacts > Import Contacts.

10. Choose “Phone or cloud storage” and select the CSV file. Your contacts will be imported.

Method 3: Export Contacts from Outlook to Google Contacts on Android

Importing Outlook contacts to Gmail was maybe possible, but that doesn’t work anymore. Instead, you have to import contacts to Google Contacts. Let’s see the steps:

1. Using the method described in Method 2, export your contacts from Outlook as a CSV file.

2. On your computer or Android phone, open a new tab on your browser > open Google (google.com) > click the nine dots menu (next to your profile picture) > and choose Contacts. You have to sign into your Google account if you haven’t yet.

3. On the left side, click “Import.” A popup will appear. Click the blue ‘Select File’ button and choose the CSV file. Your contacts will be uploaded to your Google Contacts.

Once synced, all the imported contacts will appear on your phone.

Method 4: Sync Outlook Contacts With Android Using Microsoft Exchange

1. Tap Settings on your Android device.
2. Select Accounts. This will open the Accounts settings. (See the image below.)

3. Choose Add Account > Exchange.
4. Type in your Microsoft Office 365 email address.
5. Tap Next.
6. Enter the password for the provided Microsoft Office 365 email.
7. Tap Next. Gmail will request access to your device. (See the figure below.)

8. Tap Review permissions, then Activate this device admin app.
9. Tap Done.

Method 5: Sync Outlook Contacts to Android Using CiraSync

Many professionals, from staff members to executives, need real-time access to essential contact details of colleagues, clients, vendors, and more — from their mobile devices. If you’re an Outlook user, syncing your contacts from your organization’s repository directly to your work or personal smartphone can be highly beneficial.

CiraSync’s web application offers a seamless solution, enabling real-time contact synchronization from your organizational database to your mobile device.

To sync your Outlook contacts to your Android smartphone via CiraSync, simply follow the steps outlined below:

1. Log into your CiraSync account. If you don’t have one, you can create one here.
2. Navigate to CiraSync in your computer’s web browser and log in.
3. Click the ‘+’ symbol within the ‘Contact Lists.’
4. Choose ‘Contact Source Type’. In this example, we’ll use the ‘Global Address List’ as the contact source

5. Select Active Directory Items on the CiraSync Dashboard.

6. Select the relevant contact sources.
7. Click ‘NEXT’ located in the top-right corner.
8. Choose a Target Smartphone User.
9. Search a name in the GAL field and select the user you want to set as a target.
10. Click ‘NEXT’ in the top-right corner.

Note: If you would like to use a ‘Contact Collection’ as a sync target, select the ‘COLLECTIONS’ tab and choose your desired collection. This will allow you to sync contacts with several users.

11. Specify Contact List Options. Enter a name for the contact list in the ‘Provide Contact List Name’ box. (See the image below.)

    

12. Click ‘SAVE’.

Final Steps:

13. You’ll be redirected to the sync summary dashboard. Click the return icon at the screen’s top-left to return to the CiraSync main dashboard. (See the image below.)

    

14. Tick the ‘Update Cache’ option under the ‘Sync Status’ section at the top-right of the dashboard and then Click ‘SYNC NOW’ to initiate a manual sync. (See the image below.)

    

And there you have it! CiraSync will now automatically populate your Outlook contacts in your Android smartphone’s contact list, making communicating with colleagues, clients, vendors, and more a breeze.

Why Should You Sync Outlook Contacts to Your Android Device?

When you sync your Outlook contacts to your Android phone, you carry your contacts wherever you go. This is helpful for business professionals who need to connect with colleagues, clients, and partners on the go.

Another reason is the unified contact management experience. Any changes made to contacts on one platform will reflect on the other. This ensures that your contact list stays updated, whether on your desktop or mobile, regardless of where you make changes.

The third reason is related to productivity. Consistent and updated information can improve the productivity of people who frequently toggle between devices. No more wasting time cross-referencing or manually updating contacts on multiple devices.

Common Issues When Syncing Outlook Contacts to Android

Users frequently encounter challenges syncing their contacts between platforms. Let’s delve into some of these common issues.

1. Duplicate Contacts:

One of the most frequently encountered issues with contact syncing is the duplication of contacts. Duplicate contacts can clutter address books, making it harder to quickly find the right contact information. This usually happens when:

• Contacts are sourced from multiple accounts/platforms with similar or identical entries.
• A sync error occurs, resulting in the same contacts being re-added.
• Restoration of contacts from backups overlaps with existing entries.

2. Contacts Not Syncing Properly:

Sometimes, despite attempts to sync, you might find that only some of your contacts transfer between devices or platforms.

Some causes could be:

• Incompatibility between sync software or operating systems (OS) versions.
• Inadequate storage space, leading to an incomplete sync.
• Incorrect account settings or permissions that prevent certain contacts from syncing.

3. Missing Contacts:

It can be alarming when some contacts disappear from the device after a sync. Potential reasons include

• Accidental deletion of contacts from one source, which then replicates to other synced devices.
• A malfunction during syncing where the process fails midway, resulting in contacts being neither here nor there.
• Filter settings might be hiding some contacts from view.

4. Normal Methods Don’t Sync Contact Photos:

Visual recognition aids in quickly identifying contacts, especially when dealing with vast lists. Yet, one of the most common syncing issues is that contact photos don’t always sync with their details.

The issue often arises because:

• Different platforms or applications handle contact photos in different ways, which may cause discrepancies during syncing.
• The size or format of the contact photo might not be compatible with the receiving device or platform.
• Sync settings might need to be more comprehensive to include the transfer of photos.

Troubleshooting Tips When Outlook Contacts Don’t Sync to Android Devices

If your Outlook contacts aren’t syncing to your Android device, it can disrupt your workflow and make it harder to stay connected. The good news is that in most cases, the problem can be fixed with a few simple steps. Below are troubleshooting tips to help you get your contacts syncing again.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Syncing requires a stable internet connection. Make sure your Android device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data and that the connection is strong. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data (or vice versa) to see if that resolves the issue.

2. Update the Outlook and Contacts Apps

Outdated apps can cause syncing problems. Go to the Google Play Store, search for Microsoft Outlook and your default Contacts app, and install any available updates.

3. Restart Your Devices

A simple restart can clear temporary glitches. Restart both your Android device and the computer or server hosting your Outlook account.

4. Review Outlook Sync Settings

Open the Outlook app on your Android device, go to Settings, click on the Microsoft Outlook App, click App Permissions, and press Contacts.

Ensure contact permission is set on “Allow.”

5. Delete and Re-Add Your Account

If sync settings look correct but the problem persists, remove your Outlook account from your Android device and then add it back. This refreshes your account’s connection and often resolves stubborn sync issues.

6. Clear Outlook App Cache and Data

Corrupted cache files can interrupt syncing. On your Android device, go to Settings > Apps > Outlook > Storage and choose Clear Cache. If that doesn’t help, select Clear Data (note: you’ll need to sign back into the app afterward).

7. Verify Your Account Type

Certain account types, such as POP3, don’t support contact syncing. For best results, ensure you’re using an Exchange, Outlook.com, or Microsoft 365 account, as these are designed for full contact synchronization.

Some Android devices automatically limit background activity to save battery power. While this feature is useful for extending battery life, it can prevent apps like Outlook from syncing contacts in the background.

Sync Outlook Contacts to Android Devices for More Convenience

Syncing your Outlook contacts with an Android device is more than mere convenience; it’s a strategy for improved productivity, organization, and streamlined communication.

Whether you’re a business professional relying on timely communication or an individual who values having organized information at their fingertips, contact sync offers tangible benefits. Choose the most convenient method and enjoy uninterrupted access to all your contacts, whether for personal or professional use.

FAQ on Syncing Outlook Contacts to Android