Mobile Device Management: How to synchronize GAL contacts with iPhones & Android via MDM (e.g. Intune)
- Patricia Rips
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is the standard for many IT teams when it comes to device control, app management and security policies on iPhones and Androids. But what almost every MDM solution lacks is a reliable method for automated synchronization of the Global Address List (GAL) on mobile devices. This is precisely the gap that sync.blue® closes - seamlessly, GDPR-compliant and independent of the MDM system used.
To give you the best introduction to the topic, we answer the most important questions about GAL synchronization via MDM systems in this article:
Frequently asked questions about MDM:
What is mobile device management?
What MDM systems are there?
Why can't MDM systems such as Intune, Jamf or Relution synchronize GAL contacts on smartphones?
How can the Global Address List (GAL) be transferred to iPhones and Android devices in compliance with the GDPR?
Which tool enables the automatic synchronization of GAL Exchange contacts to managed mobile devices?
Is there an MDM-compatible solution for GAL sync without additional apps on the smartphone?
How does GAL synchronization between Microsoft 365 tenants via MDM work?
What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
Mobile Device Management describes the central management of mobile devices in the company - especially iPhones and Android smartphones. Whether BYOD, COPE or purely company-owned devices: MDM for iOS and MDM for Android enable IT to configure devices, manage apps centrally, roll out security policies and lock or delete devices as required.
However, hardly any MDM systems offer the option of automatically synchronizing Exchange contacts or transferring the global address list (GAL) directly to mobile devices.
What MDM systems are there?
Different MDM solutions are used in companies depending on the infrastructure - some of them specifically for Apple devices, others cross-platform. MDM with Intune (Microsoft Endpoint Manager), which is ideal for Microsoft 365 environments and is often used to manage iPhones via Intune, is particularly widespread.
MDM for Apple is also an important topic: tools such as Jamf or Relution are specially optimized for iOS and macOS and offer advanced functions for Apple device management.
Other common MDM platforms are:
These systems cover typical requirements such as device setup, app distribution, policy management and remote deletion.
Why can't MDM systems synchronize Exchange contacts on iPhones and Android devices?
MDM solutions such as Microsoft Intune, Jamf, Ivanti, Relution, baramundi, MobileIron or IBM MaaS360 enable the central management of devices, apps and policies - but they do not synchronize GAL contacts on mobile devices.
This leads to specific problems:
No mobile access to the global address list
Outdated or missing contacts on smartphones
Manual effort for employees
Insecure or inefficient contact management
IT teams therefore need a solution that integrates into existing MDM structures but finally solves precisely this one problem: GAL iPhone automatically synchronizes contacts - without manual steps, without additional apps on the device.
What is the solution for automated GAL sync on iPhones & Androids in MDM environments?
sync.blue® is the perfect addition for companies that work with MDM systems such as Intune, Jamf, Relution, baramundi or IBM MaaS360 (and others) - and at the same time need an automated, GDPR-compliant GAL sync on iPhones and Android devices.
The platform connects central contact sources such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, Exchange Online or Entra ID with managed mobile devices - without any additional app, completely agentless and independent of the MDM used.
Whether it's a BYOD strategy, COPE model or completely company-owned devices: sync.blue® ensures that all Exchange contacts are synchronized automatically - regularly, securely and centrally controlled.
What advantages does sync.blue® offer for MDM systems?
sync.blue® supplements existing MDM structures with precisely the function that was previously missing: automated and GDPR-compliant synchronization of the global address list on iPhones and Android devices.
The key benefits at a glance:
Up-to-date contact data available 24/7
GDPR-compliant and use of German data centers (ISO 27001)
Regular, automatic updates without manual effort
Various contact types can be synchronized (persons, companies & more)
Compatible with all common MDM systems (e.g. Intune, Jamf, Relution, baramundi, IBM MaaS360)
Contacts are displayed directly in the native address book
Ideal for MDM Intune iPhone & Android - can be used for BYOD and COPE models
Cross-Microsoft 365 Tenant synchronization possible, ideal for companies with multiple Microsoft 365 instances
This makes sync.blue® the ideal interface between contact source and mobile device - in any MDM environment.
How GAL synchronization works with sync.blue®
Register at https://app.sync.blue/
Select source - e.g. Microsoft GAL, Exchange Online, Entra ID
Define target - e.g. Intune-managed iPhones
Activate synchronization and share contacts with employees
Once set up, everything works in the background - with no extra effort for IT or users.
Conclusion: GAL contacts automatically and securely on every mobile device
MDM systems manage devices - sync.blue® manages contacts. The combination enables complete, automated and data protection-compliant management of the global address list on iPhones and Android devices - perfectly integrated into your existing infrastructure.
Test now for free and finally implement GAL synchronization via MDM easily and securely - with sync.blue®.
Helpful link on MDM:
About sync.blue®
sync.blue® is the leading tool for seamless synchronization of contacts across more than 80 applications and devices. The cloud solution offers both one-way and two-way synchronization and ensures efficient contact management. sync.blue® impresses with its extensive compatibility with numerous apps and relies on the highest security standards, including GDPR guidelines. The service is hosted in German data centers, which also contributes to data security.