2022-2024 Audi MIB3 Outlook Contacts Not Accessible

Owners of various 2022-2024 Audi models equipped with the MIB3 infotainment system may experience difficulties accessing their Outlook contacts via the Multi Media Interface (MMI) when using an Apple iPhone. This issue, detailed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 23 17 2071056/1, specifically affects contacts that have been exported from the Outlook app on an iPhone.

Symptoms

Customers report the following issues regarding their phone's contacts within the Audi MMI system:

• "Only some of their phone's contacts are shown."
• "The customer is using the export function from the Outlook app on their iPhone. These contacts are not shown in the vehicle."

This means that while some contacts may appear, those specifically managed or exported through the Outlook app on an iPhone will not synchronize correctly with the vehicle's MIB3 system.

Technical Background

Audi attributes this problem to recent software changes within the Outlook application itself. These changes have led to restricted compatibility with the vehicle's Bluetooth function, which is responsible for synchronizing phone contacts with the MMI system. Essentially, the way the Outlook app now stores or exports contacts is incompatible with how the Audi MIB3 system expects to receive them.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has provided critical information regarding this issue that owners should be aware of:

• "Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied."
• "This problem is caused by a third party application and therefore cannot be resolved by Audi."
• "This concern is due to a third party system and is not covered by any Audi Warranty."

This explicitly states that this is not a defect in the Audi vehicle itself, but rather a compatibility issue with a third-party application (Microsoft Outlook on Apple devices). Therefore, Audi dealerships will not perform repairs for this specific concern, and any attempts to do so may not be covered under warranty.

Workaround / Owner Action

Since Audi cannot resolve this issue directly, owners are advised to use the following workarounds to access their Outlook contacts in their 2024 Audi e-tron or other affected models:

1. Integrate Outlook contacts into iPhone's phone book: Advise the customer to integrate their Outlook contacts directly into their iPhone's native phone book. This can typically be done through the iPhone's operating system settings by navigating to Settings -> Contacts -> Accounts -> Add Accounts -> Microsoft Exchange.
2. Use Apple CarPlay: Alternatively, customers can utilize Apple CarPlay. When connected via CarPlay, the iPhone's contacts, including those from Outlook that are integrated into the phone, will be accessible directly through the CarPlay interface on the MMI screen. This bypasses the direct Bluetooth synchronization issue with the MIB3 system.

These methods ensure that your important contacts are available for calls and navigation within your Audi vehicle, even if the direct MMI synchronization for your Audi e-tron Outlook contacts is not functioning as expected.

Additional Information

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 91 23 17 2071056/1), issued on July 24, 2023, provides guidance for dealership personnel regarding this customer concern. It clarifies that the issue stems from a third-party application and is not an Audi vehicle fault. The information contained within the TSB is subject to change, and technicians are advised to consult the latest service information.