Resolve Exchange Contacts Not Syncing with Android Issue

Exchange ActiveSync is a client protocol that allows users to synchronize their Android device with Exchange Mailbox. It is a synchronization protocol, which is optimized to work simultaneously and lets Android users access their Exchange account email messages, calendars, contacts, and task.

Encryption Service which provides the mobile users a secured communication with the server. Users also configure Exchange ActiveSync to establish a communication between Android device and Exchange Server.

However, sometimes the Exchange ActiveSync service stops working due to various reasons. As a result, users acquire ‘Exchange contacts not syncing with Android’ issue. This condition can be very frustrating as not all Android devices are generated equally. There are different provider platforms, number of releases, and even different Exchange installations.

Thus, keeping these all issue in mind, we have come up with this editorial. Here, we are going to disclose some cases and the troubleshooting tips to resolve ‘Exchange contact groups not syncing to Android’ issue.

Well, there may several situations in which users get this issue and some most common cases are mentioned below:

#Case 1: Exchange Server Contacts not Synchronising After Lollipop Update

After updating the Android device version to Lollipop, users become unable to synchronize the contacts with Exchange Server. The Android device report that Emails, Contacts, and Calendars all are syncing properly. If the user creates a new contact on Exchange or on the Android phone then, it will not sync to the other.

#Case 2: Android Setup is Correct Even After this Contacts are Not Syncing

ActiveSync all the related permissions to establish the synchronization session between Exchange mailbox and mobile handset. Sometimes, while configuring Exchange Account on Android, users enable Exchange ActiveSync. However, even after enabling this option Outlook Exchange contacts does not get sync with Android device.

#Case 3: ActiveSync is Enabled from EAC but, Exchange Contacts are Not Syncing

By default, the ActiveSync is enabled for new user mailboxes and disabling it prevents the contacts from synchronizing with Android device. However, sometimes administrators enable the Exchange ActiveSync access from the Exchange Admin Center (EAC) to sync contacts and other data items. Still, Exchange contacts do not get sync with Android device.

#Case 4: Exchange Contacts are Disappearing from Android Device’s Contacts List

After adding a new contact in Android it disappears after a few minutes or hour/day from the device and also, does not gets sync with Exchange contacts. In this case, when users check the Android settings, they found them all ok. Still, contacts are not syncing.

#Case 5: Synchronization Issue is Acquiring Only with Contacts Information

In some cases, Exchange Contacts not syncing on Android contacts. On the other side emails and calendars syncs properly. If there is no issue with the desktop client even after that this issue is certainly possible.

Techniques to Resolve ‘Exchange Contacts Not Syncing with Android’ Problem

If you are getting the same issue then, there are only three probable reasons for this:

1. Exchange ActiveSync is disabled from Exchange Administration Center
2. Exchange ActiveSync option is disabled from Android Device Settings
3. Contacts option is disabled from Exchange ActiveSync Settings in Android

Important Note: Before executing the below techniques, it is essential to know that the Estimated time to complete the procedure is 2 minutes. Also, you need the assigned permissions for this.

#Approach 1: Enable Exchange ActiveSync via EAC

• Launch EAC and navigate to Recipients >> Mailboxes
• In the user mailbox list, highlight the mailbox for which you want to enable the Exchange ActiveSync and click on Edit icon
• Now, in the Mailbox Properties page, click on Mailbox Features
• Here, under the Mobile Devices, click on Enable Exchange ActiveSync
• Eventually, click on Save button to apply the done changes

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#Approach 2: Enable Exchange ActiveSync using PowerShell Command

To enable the Exchange ActiveSync, one can also use the PowerShell command. Run the following command to enable Exchange ActiveSync service:

Note: Here, Henna is the name of user mailbox.

Set-CASMailbox -Identity Henna@contoso.com -ActiveSyncEnabled $true

#Approach 3: Enable ActiveSync from Android Device

Note: Before executing the following guidelines, it is mandatory to add the ActiveSync License by your administrator which is to be genuinely authorized to your Email Address.

1. On your Android device, click on system Settings icon
2. Select Accounts and Sync option then, click on Add icon
3. Choose Exchange ActiveSync option to resolve Exchange contacts not syncing with Android issue
4. Here, enter your account credentials then, tap Manual setup
5. Now Provide the Following information
   • Enter Email address: Eg: abc@xyz.com
   • Server address: Eg: xyz.com
   • Domain: Leave this section blank
   • Username: Enter your email address again
   • Password: Password for your email account
6. Select This server requires an encrypted SSL connection option then, click on Next
7. To enable remote security administration, click Ok or Allow button
8. Select the services that you require to sync with the Exchange server then, specify how often you need to synchronize. Click on Next
9. Type a descriptive name for your account then, click on Finish the setup

Concluding Lines

Considering the user query ‘Exchange contacts not syncing with Android’, here we have discussed some simple and cost-efficient workarounds to resolve this issue. After analyzing their case, users can opt any solution as per the requirements. It is highly recommended that follow the guidelines sequentially and carefully to avoid any kind of data loss.