Global address list not working in iOS 26 update

Still broken for the two devices I’ve tested on 26.1 - can work around it by changing to the Classic View in the Phone App. Only broken in the Unified View. We’re asking our people to either change the view or use the Contacts App. Or use Outlook to look up the GAL instead…

It’s annoying, but they have plenty of work arounds.

The new iOS is released: 26.0.1

The problem with searching in the Exchange GAL is not solved yet. Searching via the dedicated Contacts app still works.

It seems like the new iOS 26.1 fixes the Exchange GAL problem. That is good news

Try app Contacts. Works for me. Do not go and search via phone app.

I confirm that the solution from GiedriusD is working!

If the Contacts app is archived or deleted, it can be easily restored via the App Store. No configuration is needed - it works out of the box!

Thank you, GiedriusD!

M_Kronberg wrote:

Same here, works for a few devices maybe 5%, but all the others that have uppdate from iOS18 to iOS26 the GAL is not working with the exact same issue as Yakul84 describes...

We are using Ivanti EPMM as MDM solution.

Also thinking of stop the iOS26 update deploy, so far has about 100 devices updated but we have over 3000 more.

So your IT department didnt test the Public Beta before deploying?? Unforgivable. Heads should roll.

Since the update to iOS26, the search via the phone app in the global address list (Exchange) does not work. Via the detour of the Contacts app I can search for colleagues and I also see results. I have already deleted my Exchange account, set up again, deleted network connections, set up again, all without success. And I have installed iOS 26.1!! It doesn't work!!

In my company, Intune MDM forces all iPhones to upgrade to the latest iOS. Because of this, I have hundreds of complaining users, who can no longer search in GAL.

In the Combined View, in the Exchange Global Address List, there is no text box to search for an employee.

In the Classic View, the text box is visible but the search returns no results.

It's not working even if we remove the Exchange account from the Mail Settings and add it again. All other functions seem to work fine.

Same here, works for a few devices maybe 5%, but all the others that have uppdate from iOS18 to iOS26 the GAL is not working with the exact same issue as Yakul84 describes...

We are using Ivanti EPMM as MDM solution.

Also thinking of stop the iOS26 update deploy, so far has about 100 devices updated but we have over 3000 more.

Yes, this is also happening with IOS26 update.

global address list is not allowing search function at all.

Does anyone else also experience the constant "re-enter password" issue, where the end user gets signed out, but when signed back in MSauthenticator bypasses password entry, then hours later is signed out again?

Has anyone found any solution or work around with the GAL not working problem?

We are migrating emails to O365. For those still on iOS 18, re-entering password in the settings -> contact -> accounts will bring the GAL contacts. But those who have updated to ver 26, the re-enter password is not enabled or grayed out.

Are you using the native mail and contacts apps or Outlook for iOS?

Same here, thus the company uses Ivanti as MDM tool. No issues with iOS 18.7. Should we stop the update?

I have the same issue. Tried removing the exchange account and adding it again. Also looked in the contacts app but I still can't see any contacts in the GAL :/

The approach you suggested is working well for me too.

Thank you very much for your guidance.