Syncing Contacts With Microsoft Outlook.com
In this tutorial you will learn how to sync your contacts between Microsoft's webmail service at Outlook.com, Microsoft's Outlook desktop email client, and the Contacts Provider of a Google Android-powered smartphone.
Limitations
This tutorial assumes that (i) you already have an Outlook.com account, and (ii) your contacts were already added (or imported). This tutorial, therefore, will only focus on syncing those contacts.
Disclaimer
Apart from our standard disclaimer, it is also important to note the following:
Contact syncing is a two-way process. Changes made on your Android phone will be reflected in Outlook.com, and vice versa. However, if you delete a contact on one device, it will also be deleted on all other synced devices. Consider exporting your contacts as a backup before making large-scale changes.
If you are on a limited data plan, be aware that syncing large contact lists may consume data.
Syncing Contacts with Microsoft Outlook for Google Android-powered Devices
The easiest way to set up Outlook.com contact sync on Android, is to install the official Microsoft Outlook app from the Google Play Store, since the app provides a more integrated experience and can sync your contacts, email, and calendar all in one place.
Once installed, open the Outlook app and sign in with your Outlook.com account. Tap the profile icon at the top-left, then tap the gear icon to open . Tap your email address, then under , make sure is turned on.
Syncing Contacts with Google Android-powered Devices by Linking a Microsoft Account
Alternatively, you may also sync your Outlook.com contacts with your Android device, by linking your Microsoft account to the device.
In order to link your Microsoft account with your Android device, go to > > and select or (depending on your Android version).
Enter your full Outlook.com email address and password.
Your Android device will then sync your contacts, calendar, and email automatically.
You can control which items are synced by going to > > and toggling the sync options.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are experiencing sync issues, the following may be helpful.
My Outlook.com contacts does not sync
Before wasting your precious time and energy, you may first want to check whether Microsoft Outlook.com is currently experiencing issues (Microsoft Corporation, 2025). To do so, visit DownDetector for Outlook or the Microsoft 365 Service Health page.
Syncing contacts with Microsoft Outlook.com requires a stable internet connection. Ensure your device has an active internet connection.
To sync your contacts you must be signed into the correct Microsoft account. Check that you are signed in with the correct Microsoft account.
Your Microsoft Outlook app for Google Android may be out-of-date. Update the Outlook app to the latest version from the Google Play Store.
Sometimes you may need to force a sync. To do so, go to > , select your , and tap .
Remove and re-add the Microsoft account on your Android device.
Only some of my Outlook.com contacts are syncing
Sometimes you may notice that the total number of contacts at Outlook.com and those of your phone is not the same. You may, for example, only see 390 contacts on your Android device, while you have 417 on your contacts at Outlook.com.
Repeated tests have shown that "empty" contacts without email addresses or phone numbers will not sync.
If you continue to experience issues, Microsoft provides a detailed troubleshooting guide at their Outlook support page.
Footnotes
1. All instructions are based on Android 14 and the latest version of Outlook.com. Steps may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and software version. ↩
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References
Google LLC (n.d.) Add an account to your Android device [Android Help] https://support.google.com/android/answer/6079514
Microsoft Corporation (n.d.) Outlook help and learning [Microsoft Support] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook
Microsoft Corporation (2024) Add an email account to Outlook [Microsoft Support] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-an-email-account-to-outlook-6e27792a-9267-4aa4-ad84-e1a47d4ef38f
Microsoft Corporation (2025) Fixes or workarounds for recent issues on Outlook.com [Microsoft Support] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/fixes-or-workarounds-for-recent-issues-on-outlook-com-8c95d913-d96b-4065-9171-e1fa44b03ff5
📅 May 22, 2026
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