What Microsoft and Google tools put on the phone
An Exchange or Google Workspace account lets you look a colleague up from the phone. That doesn't put the directory in the contacts, and a calling colleague's name doesn't show. RingSync fills that gap, on iPhone and Android alike.
Three tools, three behaviours
On iPhone, an Exchange account queries the global address list when you search in Contacts. The directory isn't copied to the phone.
The Outlook app can save Outlook contacts to the Contacts app. Microsoft doesn't say whether the global address list is included and, on iPhone, asks you to set iCloud as the default account: the contacts then go to the employee's personal iCloud.
In Google Workspace, Google states that work contacts don't show as a list: you have to search for them.
What each tool puts on the phone
| Exchange account (iPhone) | Outlook "Save contacts" | Google directory | RingSync | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The directory is in the contacts | No, it's searched | Outlook contacts; the global address list isn't mentioned | No, it's searched | Yes: the whole directory, or the chosen groups |
| Name shown on incoming calls | Not documented by Apple | Yes, for saved contacts | Not documented by Google | Yes, even without a network |
| iCloud setting required | No | Yes, on iPhone | No | No |
| What the admin controls | The device's Exchange account | Turn the feature on or off (Intune) | What the directory shares | Who gets the directory, which contacts, how often, and remote erasure |
Information about Apple, Microsoft and Google tools comes from their official documentation, checked on 2026-10-14. It may have changed since. Trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Apple — Exchange accounts, Platform Deployment guide (checked 2026-10-14) · Microsoft Learn — Outlook for iOS and Android FAQ (checked 2026-10-14) · Microsoft — Save Outlook contacts to the iOS Contacts app (checked 2026-10-14) · Microsoft — Sync Outlook contacts on Android (checked 2026-10-14) · Google — Search for work contacts (checked 2026-10-14) · Google — Set up and manage the directory (checked 2026-10-14)
What RingSync adds
RingSync copies your Entra ID or Google Workspace directory into the contacts of iPhones and Android phones, and keeps it up to date. The caller's name shows in the Phone app, in WhatsApp or in CarPlay, even without a network.
It needs neither Outlook nor an Exchange mailbox. Someone who leaves disappears from the phones at the next sync, and the directory is erased from their own phone when you remove their access.
Common questions
Why aren't my colleagues in my contacts when I have an Exchange account?
The Exchange account lets you look a colleague up, not keep them in the list. The iPhone queries the directory at each search, without copying it.
Does RingSync replace Outlook or Exchange?
No. RingSync only handles contacts. Outlook and the phone's Exchange or Google accounts keep working as before.
What happens to personal contacts?
They are never changed. RingSync only touches the contacts it created, kept in a separate group on iPhone.
How much does it cost?
€9 per person per year on the Starter plan, €15 on Pro, €24 on Business. The 14-day trial is free and needs no credit card.
Put the directory in the contacts
Connect your directory and install the app on your phone. The trial lasts 14 days, no credit card needed.