• Outlook User
  • Exchange Admin
  • Office 365
  • Outlook Developer
  • Outlook.com
  • Outlook Mac
  • Outlook & iCloud
    • Common Problems
    • Outlook BCM
    • Utilities & Addins

Synchronizing Outlook with a Smartphone

Slipstick Systems

› Outlook › Sync › Synchronizing Outlook with a Smartphone

Last reviewed on December 5, 2018     21 Comments

All newer smartphones can sync with Exchange server and Outlook.com accounts using either Exchange Active Sync (EAS) or Exchange Web Services (EWS). All you need to do is to set the account up on the phone as an Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, or Outlook.com account type.

See Sync calendar and contacts using Outlook.com for instructions to sync your appointments and contacts to a smartphone when you use a POP3 or IMAP email account.

Whether your phone can sync with multiple Calendar or Contacts folders depends on your phone's software. Apple devices can sync with all folders in your mailbox and you can disable sync on some of the folders. Android devices may not sync all calendar or contact folders, depending on the phone and software you are using.

A key issue when you are choosing synchronization software is whether it can synchronize only with your main Contacts and Calendar folders or with additional folders, including Exchange Server public folders.

iPhone | Windows Phone | Android | Tools
Palm | PocketPC | More Information

 

iPhone

iPhone (and iPad) users have choices when it comes to syncing with Outlook. They can use iCloud or iTunes to sync with Outlook if they dont use an Exchange account (including Outlook.com) to sync using Exchange web services. Many of the sync utilities listed at the end of this article will also work.

Syncing directly with the phone is the easiest method, but you need to have an Exchange server, Office 365, or Outlook.com account. Gmail calendar and contacts won't sync directly with Outlook, you'll need to export Outlook calendar and contacts to GMail or use a sync utility. If you need help configuring the account on your iPhone or iPad, see Configure Outlook.com account on iPhone or iPad.

If your device supports iCloud, it will sync calendar and contacts in real time. See iCloud sync issues for things you need to be aware of. iTunes installs an Outlook add-in and syncs calendar and contacts when you connect the iPhone to your computer, provided icloud support is disabled on your phone.

To sync tasks and notes, you may need to use a utility. See the Tools section for software. Exchange accounts, including Office 365 and Outlook.com accounts configured in the iPhone native app will sync Notes. If you use Outlook.com and Notes don't sync, choose Office 365 account type when you are setting it up on the phone.

 

Android

If you have an account with Exchange Active Sync  (EAS) or Exchange Web Services (EWS), which Outlook.com, Office 365, or Exchange server all support, you can sync over-the-air. To use EAS/EWS, you need to set up the account using the Outlook.com or Exchange account option on your device. This will allow you to sync calendar and contacts as well as email.

To set up a Outlook.com account, open the email setup and choose Exchange from the list of account types. If asked for a server name, use m.hotmail.com  or outlook.office365.com as the server name. Use your email address as the username. On some devices you may need to use a slash with the username: \alias@domain.com.

If you create the account as a POP3 or IMAP account, you will not get calendar and contacts unless you use a 3rd party tool, such as companionlink to sync with Droids when your Droid does not include sync software.

MyPhoneExplorer from the Andriod App Store will sync calendar and contacts (and more). Mobiledit is another option.

See Syncing Outlook with an Android smartphone for more information. See the Tools section for additional software.

HTC Androids

Sync Outlook Contacts and Calendar data with your HTC Droid Incredible using these steps.

  1. On the handheld, go to Home, Menu, Settings, Applications, Development and check USB debugging.
  2. Download and install HTC Sync Manager. (The Droid ERIS version works with the Incredible)
  3. Attach the Droid Incredible to the computer.
  4. The Sync Manager runs in the task bar - click Synchronize Now when you want to transfer your Calendar and Contacts data.

Alternately, you can use companionlink to sync with Droids.

 

Windows Phone

Windows Phone 7 and 8 do not sync with Outlook using a computer. You need to sync over-the-air with a Outlook.com or Exchange Server account or use a third party utility or service.

See the Tools section for software or Sync calendar and contacts using Outlook.com to use outlook.com with a POP3 or IMAP email account.

[addins name=olpda]

More Information

  • Synchronizing Microsoft Outlook on two machines -- The online sync services generally support PDAs.
  • Managing a PST for Two Different Computers
  • A Birthday or Anniversary Spans Two Days in a Calendar
  • Portable GAL - methods for getting a portable version of the Exchange Global Address List that you can import or sync

Synchronizing Outlook with a Smartphone was last modified: December 5th, 2018 by Diane Poremsky
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Print

Related Posts:

  • Syncing Outlook with an Android smartphone
  • The methods listed on this page use web services to keep your data syn
    Synchronizing Outlook using Web Services
  • View Shared Calendars on a Mobile Device?
  • Sync Google Calendar with Outlook

About Diane Poremsky

A Microsoft Outlook Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 1999, Diane is the author of several books, including Outlook 2013 Absolute Beginners Book. She also created video training CDs and online training classes for Microsoft Outlook. You can find her helping people online in Outlook Forums as well as in the Microsoft Answers and TechNet forums.

Subscribe
Notify of
21 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Jason Williams (@guest_217423)
January 8, 2021 11:16 pm
#217423

Ugh. No matter what combination of words I use in a search, I can never find instruction on how to make my Outlook account file away or delete items in my inbox back at the office when I'm using the mobile app in the field, and vice-versa.
Is there some sort of national security measure tied to this function?

0
0
Reply
Allen (@guest_215599)
July 15, 2020 3:50 am
#215599

Hi

I have a trouble with my outlook. I made the rule with outlook on computer. But i check mail via my phone, then i sign up outlook via computer, the mail is not at the folder, which i made the rule before.

Can you pls help me?

0
0
Reply
John (@guest_214759)
February 16, 2020 8:54 am
#214759

I have an HTC Touch HD PDA running windows mobile 6.1. It was happily synchronising OUTLOOK calendar, tasks and contacts with OUTLOOK on my laptop using a USB cable until last week when I downgraded my laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Now I just keep getting error on the desktop messages from Sync Centre.
Which product would be best to fix this issue? I'm getting quite desperate now that my phone and laptop are out of sync.

0
0
Reply
Karen Falandays (@guest_214309)
November 16, 2019 12:36 pm
#214309

Hi Diane,
I am unable to find a way to view Outlook notes on my Android

0
0
Reply
Diane Poremsky(@diane-poremsky)
Author
Reply to  Karen Falandays
November 20, 2019 12:33 am
#214331

Notes are not supported in on the android - although there might be some 3rd party apps that can sync them and the notes folder might sync as a mail folder.

0
0
Reply
Tom G (@guest_201616)
September 16, 2016 9:49 am
#201616

Syncing Outlook.com with Android is one thing but what about syncing Outlook Personal Folders like Personal Calendar and Personal Contacts to my Android phone?

0
0
Reply
Diane Poremsky(@diane-poremsky)
Author
Reply to  Tom G
September 16, 2016 11:54 am
#201620

That is not possible unless you use CompanionLink.

0
0
Reply
Robert van Loo (@guest_193741)
October 3, 2015 5:38 am
#193741

Since a week or so, my outlook.com agenda did not synchronize anymore with my android calendars (S-planner and Week Calendar, they both use the same background agenda). Between them (S-planner and Week Calendar) everything works smoothly. I synchronized without problems using an outlook.com account, but since a week or so it did not work anymore.

I removed all data from the calendars and from the agenda storage app, as this was indicated as a solution. Also, installing the official Google Agenda should help, so I did that too. Then, I press synchronize in the Google Agenda and .... it started synchronizing with my outlook.com agenda! But, it stopped mid-way.

Outlook.com has changed its android app (I have the new version). Does this cause the problems? Is the outlook.com server experiencing problems?

Or can I solve the problem at my end on my phone?

1
0
Reply
Diane Poremsky(@diane-poremsky)
Author
Reply to  Robert van Loo
October 11, 2015 12:54 pm
#193919

There have been issues plus they are migrating outlook.com to office 365 hosting. The outlook app calendar doesn't sync with the native apps like the old app did.

0
0
Reply
Julie Robertson (@guest_189974)
March 21, 2015 1:10 pm
#189974

Hello Diane,
I work remotely for a company several states away and rely heavily on the use of my phone for work. My company has set up an email account specifically for me using Outlook. I was able to sync my Galaxy smartphone up with my other personal and business email accounts (yahoo and gmail) with ease, but for some reason, every app I've downloaded from the Google Play Store won't recognize my Outlook account. I have just gotten started with the business, so right now, funding is very tight. I really need a trustworthy app that's either free or very inexpensive. Thank you.

0
0
Reply
kim (@guest_185852)
September 15, 2014 11:10 am
#185852

Thanks for your quick response. I added one account under settings, accounts, microsoft exchange active sync, and that is working correctly and syncing my calendar, contacts, and tasks with outlook.com. To add the pop email, I went to settings, add account, email, verizon.net (i also tried "other"), but i get the message "duplicate email account". It all worked before i had to delete the account and then re add it, because I stopped being able to receive emails for some odd reason.

0
0
Reply

Visit Slipstick Forums.
What's New at Slipstick.com

Latest EMO: Vol. 28 Issue 21

Support Services

Do you need help setting up Outlook, moving your email to a new computer, migrating or configuring Office 365, or just need some one-on-one assistance?

Subscribe to Exchange Messaging Outlook






Our Sponsors

CompanionLink
ReliefJet
  • Popular
  • Latest
  • WeekMonthAll
  • How to Remove the Primary Account from Outlook
  • Adjusting Outlook's Zoom Setting in Email
  • Uninstall Updates in Office 'Click to Run'
  • Move an Outlook Personal Folders .pst File
  • Save Sent Items in Shared Mailbox Sent Items folder
  • Create rules that apply to an entire domain
  • View Shared Calendar Category Colors
  • How to Create a Pick-a-Meeting Request
  • Outlook's Left Navigation Bar
  • Use PowerShell to get a list of Distribution Group members
  • Create a rule to delete spam with no sender address
  • Open Outlook Folders using PowerShell or VBScript
  • Cannot add Recipients in To, CC, BCC fields on MacOS
  • Change Appointment Reminder Sounds
  • Messages appear duplicated in message list
  • Reset the New Outlook Profile
  • Delete Old Calendar Events using VBA
  • Use PowerShell or VBA to get Outlook folder creation date
  • Outlook's Left Navigation Bar
  • Contact's Display Bug
Ajax spinner

Newest Code Samples

Delete Old Calendar Events using VBA

Use PowerShell or VBA to get Outlook folder creation date

Rename Outlook Attachments

Format Images in Outlook Email

Set Outlook Online or Offline using VBScript or PowerShell

List snoozed reminders and snooze-times

Search your Contacts using PowerShell

Filter mail when you are not the only recipient

Add Contact Information to a Task

Process Mail that was Auto Forwarded by a Rule

Recent Bugs List

Microsoft keeps a running list of issues affecting recently released updates at Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Outlook for Windows.

Outlook for Mac Recent issues: Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Outlook for Mac

Office Update History

Update history for supported Office versions is at Update history for Office

Outlook Suggestions and Feedback

Outlook Feedback covers Outlook as an email client, including Outlook Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows clients, as well as the browser extension (PWA) and Outlook on the web.

Use Outlook.com Feedback for suggestions or feedback about Outlook.com accounts.

Other Microsoft 365 applications and services




Windows 10 Issues

  • iCloud, Outlook 2016, and Windows 10
  • Outlook Links Won’t Open In Windows 10
  • Outlook can’t send mail in Windows 10: error Ox800CCC13
  • Missing Outlook data files after upgrading Windows?

Outlook Top Issues

  • The Windows Store Outlook App
  • The Signature or Stationery and Fonts button doesn’t work
  • Outlook’s New Account Setup Wizard
  • Outlook 2016: No BCM
  • Exchange Account Set-up Missing in Outlook 2016

Repair PST

Convert an OST to PST

Repair damaged PST file

Repair large PST File

Remove password from PST

Merge Two Data Files

Sync & Share Outlook Data

  • Share Calendar & Contacts
  • Synchronize two computers
  • Sync Calendar and Contacts Using Outlook.com
  • Sync Outlook & Android Devices
  • Sync Google Calendar with Outlook
  • Access Folders in Other Users Mailboxes

Contact Tools

Data Entry and Updating

Duplicate Checkers

Phone Number Updates

Contact Management Tools

Diane Poremsky [Outlook MVP]

Make a donation

Calendar Tools

Schedule Management

Calendar Printing Tools

Calendar Reminder Tools

Calendar Dates & Data

Time and Billing Tools

Meeting Productivity Tools

Duplicate Remover Tools

Mail Tools

Sending and Retrieval Tools

Mass Mail Tools

Compose Tools

Duplicate Remover Tools

Mail Tools for Outlook

Online Services

Productivity

Productivity Tools

Automatic Message Processing Tools

Special Function Automatic Processing Tools

Housekeeping and Message Management

Task Tools

Project and Business Management Tools

Choosing the Folder to Save a Sent Message In

Run Rules on messages after reading

Help & Suggestions

Outlook Suggestion Box (UserVoice)

Slipstick Support Services

Home | Outlook User | Exchange Administrator | Office 365 | Outlook.com | Outlook Developer
Outlook for Mac | Common Problems | Utilities & Addins | Tutorials
Outlook & iCloud Issues | Outlook Apps
EMO Archives | About Slipstick | Advertise | Slipstick Forums
Submit New or Updated Outlook and Exchange Server Utilities

Send comments using our Feedback page
Copyright © 2023 Slipstick Systems. All rights reserved.
Slipstick Systems is not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

wpDiscuz

Sign up for Exchange Messaging Outlook

Our weekly Outlook & Exchange newsletter (bi-weekly during the summer)






Please note: If you subscribed to Exchange Messaging Outlook before August 2019, please re-subscribe.

Never see this message again.

You are going to send email to

Move Comment