If you rely on Microsoft Outlook for managing your contacts but want easy access to them on your Android phone, you're in luck - there are 4 ways to sync contacts from Outlook to Android directly. Then you can follow one method to import your Outlook contacts without any hassle.
- Part 1: Sync Outlook Contacts to Android via Settings
- Part 2: Import Outlook Contacts to Android via iReaShare Android Manager
- Part 3: Download Outlook Contacts to Android Phone via Outlook App
- Part 4: Move Contacts from Outlook to Android via Google Account
- Part 5: FAQs About Syncing Outlook Contacts to Android
Compare the pros and cons of the methods:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Using Settings App | 1. No extra apps needed 2. Integrates directly with the native Android contacts app 3. Provides an automatic, two-way sync, so changes on your phone update Outlook and vice versa |
1. May not work with all Outlook account types (e.g., POP/IMAP) 2. The setup process can be confusing depending on the phone's Android version 3. Potential for sync errors or conflicts |
| Using iReaShare Android Manager |
1. Offers granular control, allowing you to select Outlook contacts to import |
1. Requires an application to be installed on your computer 3. Cannot sync contacts automatically 4. The full features require payment |
| Using Outlook App | 1. Extremely easy to set up and use 2. Syncs contacts, calendar, and email all in one convenient application 3. Offers seamless integration with the broader Microsoft Outlook ecosystem |
1. Requires you to use the Outlook app for contact management 2. Contact syncing may not always be instantaneous 3. You must keep the app installed and running for the sync to continue |
| Using Google Account | 1. Considered the most robust and reliable method for long-term use 2. Syncs automatically and continuously after the initial setup 3. Your contacts are backed up to your Google account, offering an additional layer of security 4. Contacts are accessible from any device signed into that same Google account |
1. Involves a multi-step process (export from Outlook, import to Google) 2. This is not a direct sync; Google acts as an intermediary 3. Can lead to duplicate contacts if the initial import is not handled carefully |
Part 1: Sync Outlook Contacts to Android via Settings
The most direct way to sync your Outlook contacts is by adding your Outlook account directly to your Android phone's Settings. This method is straightforward and doesn't require any additional apps.
Here's how:
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Open the Settings app on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap on "Accounts".
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Tap "Add account" > "Exchange" (or sometimes just "Outlook" or "Corporate"). Then enter your Outlook email address and password.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to grant permissions and complete the setup. Make sure the Contacts toggle is turned on. Your contacts should begin syncing automatically. Then you can access your Outlook contacts on your Android phone.
Tips: If you are an iPhone user, you can also sync contacts from an iPhone to Mac without difficulty.
Part 2: Import Outlook Contacts to Android via iReaShare Android Manager
For those who want a more controlled and selective approach, a comprehensive tool like iReaShare Android Manager can be a great option. This software allows you to export your contacts from Outlook and then import them directly to your Android device with more granular control.
Main features of iReaShare Android Manager:
* Directly import contacts from Outlook to Android on a computer.
* Export Android contacts to a computer for backup.
* Import vCard files to Android without hassle.
* Back up and restore contacts in 1 click.
* Transfer messages, call logs, media files, apps, and more between Android and computer.
* Support most Android devices, such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Tecno, Google Pixel, TCL, Infinix, OPPO, OnePlus, Vivo, etc.
Download iReaShare Android Manager:
Download for Win Download for Mac
Here's how to copy Outlook contacts to Android via this software:
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Install iReaShare Android Manager on your computer, launch it, and then connect your Android phone to the computer with USB. If you want a wireless connection, you can click "Connect via Wi-Fi" and follow the on-screen guide to make it.
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Enable USB debugging on Android, and the software will recognize your Android device quickly. Then choose "Contacts".
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Click "Import" > "Import from Outlook", and select your Outlook contacts from your PC. After that, you can view your Outlook contacts on your Android phone.
Part 3: Download Outlook Contacts to Android Phone via Outlook App
The official Outlook app provides a seamless way to manage your emails, calendars, and contacts all in one place. By simply installing the app, you can have your contacts at your fingertips.
To get contacts from Outlook to Android via the Outlook app:
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Download and install the Microsoft Outlook app from the Google Play Store. Then open the app and sign in with your Outlook email address and password.
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Once logged in, the app will automatically sync your emails and calendars. To ensure your contacts are also accessible, tap the "Profile" icon (or your initials) in the top-left corner, and go to "Settings" (gear icon) and find the Sync contacts option.
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Tap on your account and make sure the "Sync contacts" option is enabled. The app will then add your Outlook contacts to your phone's native contacts list.
Part 4: Move Contacts from Outlook to Android via Google Account
This is a highly popular and effective method that uses your Google account as an intermediary. By syncing your Outlook contacts to Google, they will automatically appear on your Android phone, which is linked to that same Google Account.
Here's the guide:
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Export your Outlook contacts to a file. In Outlook, go to "File" > "Open & Export" > "Import/Export". Next, select "Export to a file" and choose "Comma Separated Values". Now, choose the contacts folder you want to export.
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Go to contacts.google.com on your computer and sign in with the Google Account linked to your Android phone. Click on "Import" in the left-hand menu.
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Click "Select file" and choose the ".csv file" you exported from Outlook. Then Google Contacts will import the contacts.
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On your Android phone, open "Settings" > "Accounts" > "Google". Ensure that the "Contacts" option is turned on. Your Outlook contacts, now in Google Contacts, will automatically sync to your phone.
Part 5: FAQs About Syncing Outlook Contacts to Android
Q1: My contacts aren't showing up after enabling sync, why?
This can happen if:
- Contact sync is turned off in account settings.
- Battery optimization is restricting the Outlook app.
- The Outlook app's permission of contacts isn't enabled.
- The wrong account is selected as your contact source in the Contacts app.
- Corrupted cache data can interfere with syncing.
- The network is unstable.
Q2: Will syncing delete my existing contacts?
No. Syncing adds Outlook contacts alongside your existing Google or phone contacts. They may appear in a separate "Outlook" group in your Contacts app.
Q3: Can I choose which contacts to sync from Outlook?
Not directly. Syncing usually pulls all contacts from your Outlook account. To limit which ones appear, edit or move contacts in Outlook first, then sync. But you can import your Outlook contacts first, and then manually delete the unwanted ones on your Android device.
Conclusion
No matter which method you choose, keeping your Outlook contacts synchronized with your Android device is a simple process. If you want to import and manage your contacts, iReaShare Android Manager will be a nice choice. It can also back up your contacts to your computer in 1 click. Anyway, each method has its own benefits. Select what you actually need.
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