What are the setup steps to connect the Microsoft 365 Global Address List (GAL) to sync.blue® Adressbuch and start the first sync?

Create an Entra app registration for GAL access, then connect it in sync.blue®: in Microsoft 365 Entra Admin Center create an app registration, note the Tenant ID and Client ID, create a Client Secret, add the required API permissions (for internal users add User.Read.All and, if using group-based filtering, Group.Read.All; for organization contacts add OrgContact.Read.All), and grant admin consent; in the sync.blue® dashboard create a new connection with source Microsoft 365 – Azure Directory/Entra ID – Global Address List (GAL), enter the Tenant ID, Client ID, and Client Secret and optionally set a filter, select sync.blue® Adressbuch as the target, choose one-way direction from GAL to Adressbuch with the desired schedule, then click Save & sync now to start the first sync and populate the Adressbuch.

Which Microsoft admin roles and permissions must be granted for sync.blue® to read and write GAL contacts?

For sync.blue®, assign the Exchange Administrator role to the app’s service principal and grant admin consent for these permissions: to read GAL contacts, Microsoft Graph application OrgContact.Read.All (add User.Read.All and optional Group.Read.All if internal users or group filters are needed, or use delegated Directory.Read.All, User.Read and offline_access); to write GAL organizational contacts, Office 365 Exchange Online application permissions Exchange.ManageAsApp and full_access_as_app.

What security, encryption, and data residency measures does sync.blue® apply to GAL synchronization, and is the service GDPR-compliant?

sync.blue® runs GAL synchronization in German data centers and is stated by the vendor to be GDPR‑compliant with a data processing agreement (DPA) available; by default, no contact data is stored during sync unless address book hosting (CSV/XML/CardDAV/LDAP) is explicitly enabled; for specific security and encryption practices, consult the official sync.blue® documentation and DPA.

How are Adressbuch contacts made available to iPhone, Android, and desktop apps, and does sync.blue® support CardDAV, LDAP, and CSV?

sync.blue® Adressbuch contacts are provided via hosted CardDAV, LDAP, and CSV, enabling native availability across devices.

How often can GAL contacts be synchronized, and can one-way or two-way sync schedules be configured per connection?

With sync.blue®, Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) contacts can be synchronized on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly schedule, and both the sync direction (one-way or two-way) and the interval are configured per connection—allowing each connection to the sync.blue® Adressbuch to run its own one-way or two-way schedule.

Sync Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) contacts with sync.blue® Adressbuch seamlessly

Name: Sync Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) contacts with sync.blue® Adressbuch seamlessly
Brand: sync.blue®
Rating: 5 (34 reviews)

A contact sync between Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and sync.blue® Adressbuch offers enterprises seamless, software-free scheduled synchronization of contacts across all apps and devices. Flexible configuration enables one-way or two-way synchronization, supports multiple contact types such as individuals and companies, and allows unlimited connection setups. Enterprise-grade security and privacy standards are prioritized, with universal protocols like CardDAV, LDAP, and CSV ensuring broad compatibility and 24x7 accessibility. Existing contacts are reliably updated, and organizations can trial sync.blue® with ease at no initial cost.

Made in Germany

GDPR compliant

Proud of our customers

sync.blue® is successfully used worldwide by renowned customers from various industries.

Trusted by our users

Join our satisfied customers who trust sync.blue® for their contact synchronization needs.

How does contact synchronization work with sync.blue®?

sync.blue® is set up in just 3 steps:

Create a free sync.blue®
account. ⚙️

Link source and destination
from over 80 apps.

Provide your team with the
contacts - done! 🎉

Book demo

How syncing Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) with sync.blue® Adressbuch improves your contact management

Enjoy all these advantages when syncing your Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) contacts with sync.blue® Adressbuch using sync.blue®.

No software required

sync.blue® Adressbuch synchronization with Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) is fully cloud-based, requiring no software installation for users or admins. This accelerates deployment, reduces IT workload and maintenance costs, and keeps contacts continuously up to date across all devices. Enterprise-grade security, centralized management, and scalable reliability are maintained for consistent, compliant contact synchronization.

Scheduled sync

Scheduled sync automates updates from Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) to the sync.blue® Adressbuch at defined intervals, eliminating manual import/export tasks. Consistent, up-to-date contacts across teams, devices, and apps improve data quality and productivity while reducing duplicates and stale entries. Predictable synchronization windows support governance and performance planning, ensuring reliable enterprise contact synchronization at scale.

All contacts in all apps and devices

Syncing Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) with sync.blue® Adressbuch creates one up-to-date contact source available across all apps and devices, from Outlook and Teams to iOS, Android, VoIP, and CRM. Cross-platform synchronization eliminates manual updates and duplicates, enabling accurate caller ID and faster onboarding and offboarding for enterprise teams. Real-time, secure, bidirectional sync improves data quality, compliance, and productivity organization-wide.

1-way or 2-way sync selectable

Choosing 1-way or 2-way sync between the Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and the sync.blue® Adressbuch provides governance flexibility to keep GAL as the master or enable bi-directional sync. In 1-way sync, authoritative GAL data populates the sync.blue® Adressbuch, improving data integrity and standardized contact synchronization across enterprise endpoints. In 2-way sync, validated changes from the sync.blue® Adressbuch write back to GAL, increasing data freshness, reducing manual effort, and streamlining operations.

Create unlimited connections

Unlimited connections allow Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) contacts to sync with any number of sync.blue® Adressbuch instances, tenants, and business applications at enterprise scale. Updates propagate in real time across all connected address books and devices, ensuring consistent, accurate contact data with minimal administration. New subsidiaries and integrations can be added without limits or reconfiguration overhead, future-proofing scalable contact synchronization and reducing operational cost.

Different types of contacts can be synchronized (individuals, companies & more)

sync.blue® Adressbuch to Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) synchronization consolidates individuals, companies, departments, and vendors into one unified, searchable address book. Mapping and syncing of multiple contact types preserves categories, custom fields, and relationships, enabling accurate caller ID, segmentation, and CRM workflows. Enterprises gain consistent data quality, compliant role-based availability across devices and apps, and faster collaboration with a single source of truth.

Focus on security & privacy

Syncing the Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) with the sync.blue® Adressbuch improves security via encrypted transfer, least‑privilege access, and data minimization. GDPR‑aligned processes and auditability support enterprise compliance while maintaining one up‑to‑date corporate address book. Eliminating manual exports and shadow copies reduces data leakage risk and ensures only authorized users see current contact data across devices and apps.

24x7 available

sync.blue® Adressbuch provides 24/7 availability for contacts synchronized from the Microsoft Global Address List (GAL), enabling always-on access for global teams and time-critical workflows. Continuous, automated synchronization keeps entries current across devices, apps, and unified communications systems, reducing manual maintenance and preventing stale data. High reliability and uptime support business continuity, faster response times, and consistent communication with customers and partners.

Universal protocols available (CardDAV, LDAP, CSV)

sync.blue® Adressbuch uses universal protocols such as CardDAV, LDAP, and CSV so the Microsoft Global Address List can be consumed by diverse email clients, mobile devices, and CRM platforms. Standardized access ensures consistent, up-to-date contact data across on-premises and cloud systems. This flexibility speeds integration, simplifies migrations, and reduces vendor lock-in while maintaining reliable GAL synchronization.

Try for free easily

A free trial can be launched in minutes to validate Microsoft Global Address List (GAL)–to–sync.blue® Adressbuch synchronization, reducing risk and accelerating enterprise rollout. Core functionality can be tested with real mappings, showcasing automated updates, bidirectional sync, and consistent contacts across devices and apps. No upfront costs or contracts simplify stakeholder approval while confirming scalability, security, and compliance for large organizations.

Updates existing contacts

Automatic updates between Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and sync.blue® Adressbuch keep existing contacts accurate and consistent across systems. Changes to titles, phone numbers, and departments propagate promptly, improving communication and compliance. Reduced manual edits cut administrative effort and cost while boosting data quality and trust in the corporate address book.

Native integration in iPhone and Android

sync.blue® Adressbuch enables native integration on iPhone and Android so Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) contacts appear instantly in the default Contacts, Phone, Mail, and Messages apps. Real-time synchronization provides accurate caller ID, email autocomplete, and calendar invites across mobile workflows, even offline. This seamless contact synchronization improves enterprise productivity and data consistency without manual exports or separate apps.

Proven cloud platform

The proven cloud platform of sync.blue® delivers reliable, secure, and scalable synchronization between Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and sync.blue® Adressbuch. High availability and automated updates keep contacts consistently up to date with minimal IT maintenance. Encryption and granular access controls protect directory data while ensuring predictable performance for enterprise workloads.

Unified company phone directories

sync.blue® Adressbuch and Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) synchronization delivers a unified company phone directory accessible across desk phones, mobile devices, and collaboration apps. Users gain up-to-date caller identification, accurate phone numbers and job titles, and faster search with fewer duplicates and misdials. Continuous updates reflect new hires and changes everywhere, reducing manual maintenance and ensuring consistent contact data enterprise-wide.

Scalable contact sync

Scalable Global Address List synchronization between Microsoft GAL and sync.blue® Adressbuch handles large volumes and multi-tenant enterprise environments without performance loss. Automatic incremental sync keeps GAL contacts consistent across Microsoft 365/Exchange Online and connected apps with low latency. Administrative effort is minimized through centralized provisioning, bulk updates, and streamlined onboarding and offboarding during growth or mergers.

Minimizes manual IT effort

Automated two-way synchronization between Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and sync.blue® Adressbuch eliminates repetitive contact entry and lowers helpdesk workload. Centralized, policy-driven updates keep contact data consistent across devices and apps without manual CSV imports or custom scripts. Scalable provisioning and deprovisioning reduce IT effort while improving data accuracy, compliance, and enterprise user productivity.

Fast ROI

sync.blue® Adressbuch provides automated, scheduled synchronization with the Microsoft Global Address List (GAL), eliminating manual updates and lowering administrative effort for immediate time savings. Up-to-date contacts across phones, CRM, and collaboration tools improve caller identification and productivity. Rapid deployment, scalable provisioning, and minimal maintenance deliver a fast ROI for enterprise contact synchronization.

Try syncing Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and sync.blue® Adressbuch for free

Create your free sync.blue® account now and sync contacts between Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and sync.blue® Adressbuch immediately. No credit card required.

Popular use cases when syncing Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) and sync.blue® Adressbuch

Did you know all these interesting use cases when when syncing your Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) contacts with sync.blue® Adressbuch using sync.blue®?

About Microsoft Global Address List (GAL)

The Microsoft Global Address List (GAL) is an app developed by Microsoft that provides a comprehensive directory of contact information for employees within an organization. It allows users to access and search for contact details such as names, job titles, phone numbers, and email addresses. The GAL app is particularly useful for organizations with a large number of employees, as it provides a centralized and up-to-date resource for contact information. In addition, the cloud platform sync.blue® enables seamless synchronization of contacts with the Microsoft Global Address List (GAL). sync.blue® allows users to effortlessly update and manage their contact information, ensuring that it remains consistent and up-to-date across all platforms and devices. By syncing with GAL, users can easily access and share contact details with their colleagues, streamlining communication and collaboration within the organization.

About sync.blue® Adressbuch

sync.blue® Adressbuch is a powerful cloud-based solution designed for enterprise businesses seeking efficient management and synchronization of contact data. Built on the robust sync.blue® platform, this address book application enables seamless synchronization of contacts across various devices and systems. The integration of sync.blue® allows organizations to keep contact information consistent and up-to-date in sync.blue® Adressbuch as well as in supported CRM, ERP, and communication tools. Features include automated contact synchronization, centralized contact storage, user management, and strong data protection mechanisms. The service supports large-scale deployments, ensuring scalability and reliability for enterprises with complex contact synchronization requirements. By leveraging sync.blue®, businesses benefit from streamlined contact management processes, reduced manual effort, and enhanced data accuracy across platforms.