2022-2024 Audi MIB3: Outlook Contacts Not Showing in MMI

If you own a 2022-2024 Audi equipped with the MIB3 infotainment system and use an Apple device, you might have noticed that your Outlook contacts are not fully accessible via the MMI. This issue, specifically concerning Audi MIB3 Outlook contacts, is addressed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 23 43 2071056/2, issued by Audi on November 1, 2023. This bulletin supersedes an earlier version, TSB Group 91 number 23-17, dated July 24, 2023.

Symptoms of Inaccessible Outlook Contacts

Owners experiencing this problem typically report one of two key symptoms:

• "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."

Essentially, contacts that are exported directly from the Outlook app on an iPhone are not properly recognized or displayed by the Audi MIB3 system, leading to incomplete contact lists in the vehicle's MMI. This directly impacts the usability of your Audi MIB3 Outlook contacts.

Why Outlook Contacts Aren't Showing

The technical background for this issue points to recent software changes within the Outlook app itself. These changes have resulted in restricted compatibility with the vehicle's Bluetooth function, specifically how contact data is handled. When the Outlook app's export function is used, it stores contacts in a format that the Audi MIB3 system cannot properly interpret or display. This is not an issue with the Audi vehicle's hardware or software, but rather a third-party application compatibility challenge.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has provided clear guidance regarding this issue, emphasizing that it is not a vehicle defect:

• "Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied." This means owners should not attempt to troubleshoot or repair the vehicle's MIB3 system for this contact display issue.
• "This problem is caused by a third party application and therefore cannot be resolved by Audi." The root cause lies with the Outlook app, not the Audi system.
• "This concern is due to a third party system and is not covered by any Audi Warranty." Since it's a third-party software compatibility issue, it falls outside the scope of Audi's warranty coverage.

Workarounds to Access Your Outlook Contacts

While Audi cannot directly resolve the third-party app's compatibility, they offer two effective workarounds for owners to ensure their Outlook contacts are accessible in the MMI:

1. Integrate Outlook Contacts into iPhone's Phone Book: The recommended method is to integrate your Outlook contacts directly into your iPhone's native phone book. This can be done via your iPhone's operating system settings:

   • Navigate to Settings.
   • Select Contacts.
   • Choose Accounts.
   • Select Add Accounts.
   • Choose Microsoft Exchange and follow the prompts to sync your Outlook contacts. By doing this, the contacts are stored in a way that is compatible with the Audi MIB3 system.

2. Use Apple CarPlay: If your Audi is equipped with Apple CarPlay, you can use this feature to access your Outlook contacts. CarPlay mirrors your iPhone's interface, allowing direct access to contacts and other phone functions through the MMI display.

By using either of these methods, you can bypass the compatibility issue with the Outlook app's direct export function and ensure your Audi MIB3 Outlook contacts are fully available for calls and navigation.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10245536