Fix: Global Address List Not Working in iOS 26
After updating to iOS 26, many corporate users have discovered that they can no longer search their organization’s Global Address List (GAL) from the native Mail and Contacts apps. This critical issue, widely reported in an Apple Community discussion, can prevent you from finding contact information for colleagues, making it difficult to send emails or make calls. The problem is typically caused by a bug in the iOS 26 update that breaks the connection to Exchange servers, or a change in the Contacts app interface that removes the search functionality.
Why the Global Address List (GAL) Stops Working
The Global Address List is a centralized directory of all users within an organization, managed through a service like Microsoft Exchange. Your iPhone does not download and store the entire GAL. Instead, when you search for a contact in the Mail or Contacts app, your device performs a live “lookup” query to your company’s server.
The iOS 26 update appears to have disrupted this lookup feature within Apple’s native apps. Users report that the search box for the GAL is either missing entirely or fails to return any results, even when the Exchange account is properly configured and connected. This is a software bug, not an issue with your account or your company’s server.
How to Fix the Global Address List on iOS 26
While a permanent fix will likely require an update from Apple, these workarounds and troubleshooting steps can help you access your corporate contacts.
1. Use the Microsoft Outlook App
This is the most reliable and immediate workaround. The official Microsoft Outlook app for iOS has its own built-in GAL search function that is not affected by the iOS 26 bug.
- Download and install the Microsoft Outlook app from the App Store.
- Sign in with your corporate account credentials.
- When composing a new email, simply start typing a colleague’s name in the “To:” field. Outlook will automatically search the GAL and display matching results.
2. Verify the Correct Search Method in Contacts
Before assuming the feature is completely broken, ensure you are searching in the correct location within the native Contacts app.
- Open the Contacts app.
- Tap Groups in the top-left corner.
- Under your Exchange account section, make sure the Global Address List is selected.
- Return to the main contact list and use the search bar at the top to look for a contact. You must type at least 3-4 characters for the search to begin.
3. Check Your Exchange Account Sync Settings
For the GAL lookup to function, contact syncing must be enabled for your Exchange account.
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Select your Exchange account.
- Make sure the toggle next to Contacts is turned on (green). If it’s already on, try toggling it off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.
4. Re-add Your Exchange Account
Removing and re-adding your corporate account can sometimes resolve sync issues by forcing a fresh connection to the server.
- Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts.
- Select your Exchange account and tap Delete Account.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Return to Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap Add Account, and sign back in with your Exchange credentials.
5. Reinstall the Native Contacts App
If the Contacts app itself has become corrupted, reinstalling it from the App Store may restore its functionality for some users.
- Press and hold the Contacts app icon on your Home Screen.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App.
- Open the App Store, search for “Contacts,” and re-download the official Apple Contacts app.
6. Wait for an iOS Update
Since this is a known software bug, Apple is likely working on a fix. Keep an eye out for minor updates like iOS 26.0.1, as these often contain bug fixes for issues found in the major release.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Install any available updates.
If none of these solutions work, contact your company’s IT department. They may be aware of the issue and can check if any Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies are interfering or explore server-side solutions. For now, using the Microsoft Outlook app is the recommended solution.
