This post is part of a series about how to sync your contacts across multiple address books. Visit our sync center for a full list of our how-to guides.
With the recent introduction of Microsoft Outlook 2011 for Mac, many users are wondering how to keep their contacts and address book in sync between Mac Address Book and their Apple iPhone.
Read on for a quick walk-through guide on how you can set this up.
Preparation: Start with a Back Up
As always before running any sync operation, make sure you back up your contacts in case something goes horribly wrong. For Microsoft Outlook, you can back up your contacts by selecting File > Export > Contacts to a list.
Step 1. Open Sync Services in Outlook Preferences
Open Sync Services by navigating to Outlook > Preferences.
In the menu, select Sync Services.
Step 2. Select the accounts you’d like to sync
NOTE: You should probably be careful here of any third-party sync services you have turned on. This can result in all sorts of issues like duplicated contacts or incorrectly merged contacts.
This will present you with multiple options, including calendar, contacts, tasks and notes. Microsoft Outlook can sync with Apple Address Book, iCal and MobileMe. Select the option you’d like and Outlook will keep your contacts in sync.
Step 3. Connect your iPhone to your Mac
Take out the connector cord provided with your iPhone, and connect it with your Mac. Connecting it will automatically load up iTunes.
On the left hand navigation of iTunes, there is a section called Devices. The name of your iPhone should be listed there. Click into that if you’re not already there.
Step 4. Set up contacts sync between your iPhone and Mac Address Book
On the top navigation, navigate to Info, which is directly to the right of Summary.
The second option down is to Sync Address Book Contacts. Check this box.
If you’d like your Address Book Contacts to overwrite the contacts on your iPhone, you can also scroll further to Advanced. Under this section, you can check the Contacts to Replace information on this iPhone.
Step 5. Start your sync
Once you’ve completed setup, click the Apply button on the bottom right and iTunes will begin your sync. Based on how many contacts are being changed, iTunes may show you a few popups about a significant number of contacts being changed or conflicts arising. Follow their wizard to resolve your merged details, and you’ll be all set.
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