Sync icloud contacts to Outlook for Mac 2011

Outlook for Mac is not compatible with iCloud for syncing contacts and calendars, because Microsoft still don't support the industry-standard, cross platform sync protocols iCloud uses.

See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2648915

You can export contacts as a vCard from iCloud.com. If Outlook supports the import of vCards, then you could import the contacts that way - but obviously it won't keep them in sync, so you're not benefitting from one of iCloud's best features.

You'd be better off using the applications iCloud is designed to work with.

Workaround is to sync Outlook with Mac native calendar, contacts (in Outlook got to Preferences and Sync services.

Once you have them on your Mac you can setup sync with iCloud.

Double sync but no problem.

TZ

That doesn't work to sync with iCloud, as the iCloud calendars are not stored locally, and do not sync via SyncServices.

To sync with iCloud, the calendars are stored on the iCloud server, and iCal/Calendars subscribes to them via CalDAV.

SyncServices is deprecated in OS X as of 10.7 Lion, and just doesn't work reliably any more and will be completely removed from OS X in a future update.

Julian,

I know what you are saying but it does work - OS 10.8.2 and Outlook 2011.

Outlook 2011 comes with built-in Sync Services and does sync all with native local Contacts and Calendar.
Then it all get synced to the iCloud. All happens in real time.

It also work the other way round. Just tested bith ways.

It will not work like that for much longer as you say. Such scenario does not make much sense and it takes a peculiar user to need this type of setup.

TZ

I don't see how that can be working, because iCloud doesn't sync "native local Contacts and Calendar" at all. As I mentioned, iCloud contacts and calendars are stored on the server and devices/computers subscribe to them directly. Making changes to locally stored contacts and calendars would make no difference to ones subscribed from iCloud.

Apple themselves say that if you want contacts and calendars NOT to sync with iCloud, then they need to be stored locally.

Still, if it does work for you, it must be a fluke, because technically, it shouldn't.

tzbikowski wrote:

Workaround is to sync Outlook with Mac native calendar, contacts (in Outlook got to Preferences and Sync services.

Once you have them on your Mac you can setup sync with iCloud.

Double sync but no problem.

TZ

That does not work!

Hi,

I have done what you've discribed in your article: I had my Sync services in Outlook on, then I activated my ICloud for Contacts in System preferences. All contacts were transferred to ICloud. However, I do not see these 2 accounts you are talking about in my Address book. I just have ICloud and all contacts are there. Where's this On My Mac thing then?

NatalieBark wrote:

Hi,

I have done what you've discribed in your article: I had my Sync services in Outlook on, then I activated my ICloud for Contacts in System preferences. All contacts were transferred to ICloud. However, I do not see these 2 accounts you are talking about in my Address book. I just have ICloud and all contacts are there. Where's this On My Mac thing then?

Save the effort Natalie, iCloud and Outlook for Mac will not sync anything except Mail, until Microsoft allow otherwise.

THIS WORKEF FOR ME

Combo of changing user name to front part of UserName@me.com no me.com.

and uses the below settings without IMAP in them

However, Outlook for Mac 2011 does support iCloud Mail. Follow the steps below to add your iCloud email account:

1. Start Outlook 2011.
2. On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
3. Click the plus ➕ sign in the lower-left corner, and then select E-mail.
4. Enter your E-mail Address and Password, and then click Add Account.
   Note: The new account will appear in the left navigation pane of the Accounts dialog box.
5. Enter one of the following in the Incoming server box:
   • mail.me.com (for me.com mail addresses)
   • mail.mac.com (for mac.com mail addresses)
6. Click to select Use SSL to connect (recommended) under the Incoming server box.
7. Enter one of the following in the Outgoing server box:
   • smtp.me.com (for me.com mail addresses)
   • smtp.mac.com (for mac.com mail addresses)
8. Click to select Use SSL to connect (recommended) under the Outgoing server box.

For more information concerning Office for Mac's iCloud compatibility, please see the following KB article:

Microsoft Outlook for Mac 2011 compatibility with Apple iC

Those settings are incorrect, here are the correct ones.

TZ, does that method still work for you?

Is there already a better way to sync outlook for mac with icloud, or maybe thru a sync with ical?

I tried to setup a sync between ical and outllok for mac calendar. Did not work. Could you give me a step by step to set thus up?