Fixes to Outlook Contacts Not Syncing with iPhone [Guided]

We can store and manage contacts with Outlook and we can easily access the data anywhere. Now you are trying to sync Outlook contacts to iPhone via the Outlook mobile app or via Settings, however, you just find that the Outlook Exchange/Outlook 365 contacts not syncing with iPhone. Well, don’t be too worried, just keep reading to learn some about why this problem can be caused and how to fix it.

► If you just switch from Android phone to new iPhone 16, you can refer to this How to Transfer Contacts from Android to iPhone guide to move your contacts.

Why won't my Outlook Contacts sync with my iPhone?

Why did your Outlook exchange contacts not syncing with iPhone? The issue is usually caused by a misconfiguration or configuration of the iPhone and Outlook.

If you upgrade your iOS or Outlook app, you may restore some of your original configurations to the original and cause Outlook contacts not syncing with iPhone XR and more.

How to Fix Outlook Contacts Not Syncing with iPhone

The following are all the potential solutions that you can try to troubleshoot the Outlook contacts not syncing with iPhone problem.

Solution 1. Restart Your Device

You can always try to restart your device when you meet any iDevice-related problem.

Solution 2. Enable Contacts Sync of Outlook

To let Outlook contacts sync with iPhone, you should add the Outlook account in iPhone Settings and then enable the Contacts sync. Go to have a check whether you have set it properly.

1. Go to Settings > Scroll down and tap Accounts & Passwords.

2. Tap Add Account > Choose Outlook.com (Exchange).

3. Enter your email address or phone number and tap Next > Enter your password, then tap Sign in.

4. Tap Yes to allow iPhone permission to access your Outlook data.

5. Turn on Contacts sync > Tap Save to confirm.

Solution 3. Set Outlook as Default Account

If Outlook is not the default account of contacts, the Outlook contacts not syncing to iPhone problem may occur. Go to Settings app > Choose Contacts > Tap Default Account > Tap Outlook/Exchange to set it as the default account.

Solution 4. Turn on the Access to Contacts for Outlook

Go to Settings app > Scroll down a little to find Outlook and tap it > Tap Contacts > Make sure the Background App Refresh is turned on.

Solution 5. Reset Your Account

If your Outlook contacts not syncing with iPhone Outlook app, you can try to reset your account. Go to Outlook app > Tap Settings > Select the account that is not syncing > Tap Reset Account.

Does the problem still exist? Try to re-add your account: Settings > Tap the account > Tap Delete Account > Delete From This Device > Add your account again.

Solution 6. Check the Internet Connection

The Outlook contacts not syncing to iPhone problem may occur due to the poor Internet connection. So please make sure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or you may choose to use the cellular network. To refresh the Internet connection, you can turn off/on Wi-Fi or utilize the Airplane mode.

Bonus Tip: An Easy Way to Backup iPhone Contacts and More

From the above, we have talked about how to fix the Outlook contacts not syncing with iPhone issue. And here in this part, I’d like to introduce another way to help you backup your iPhone contacts. Although you can save your contacts with Outlook, it’s always a good choice to have more backup plans.

AOMEI FoneBackup, a professional PC-based iOS backup manager, provides an easy iPhone data backup & restore solution.
◆ It lets you backup all contacts in one-click or only the selected contacts as per your needs.
◆ It will not erase the existing contacts or any other data on the device during the restore.
◆ Besides contacts, it also supports messages, photos, music, videos, etc.

How about giving it a try? Download AOMEI FoneBackup on computer and follow the steps to backup your contacts to computer.

1. Open AOMEI FoneBackup > Connect your iPhone to computer via USB cable.

2. Click Phone Backup > Choose Selective Backup option > Click Contacts icon to view and select the contacts you want to backup > Click OK to continue.

4. Select the storage path to save your contacts > Click Start Backup button to make it.

When the process is finished, you can check the backup task on the My Backups screen. Here you can choose to locate, browse, restore, or delete the backup contacts.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to fix the Outlook contacts not syncing with iPhone problem. Does this passage solve your problem? If so, you could share it to help more people. If you have any other questions or ideas, leave them in the comment section to discuss with us.