Upcoming Change: Older ActiveSync Versions No Longer Supported After March 1, 2026

Tags activesync

 

What’s Changing

Beginning March 1, 2026, Microsoft will no longer support Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync versions older than 16.1. This means that mobile email apps using outdated ActiveSync versions will stop syncing email, calendar, and contacts after this date.

Most modern apps already use ActiveSync 16.1 or newer, but some older or built‑in mail apps—especially on Samsung and Google/Android devices—may still rely on older versions.

If your device uses an outdated version, you’ll need to update your mail app or switch to a supported alternative to avoid losing access.

How This Affects You

If your mobile device uses an older ActiveSync version, you may experience:

  • Email not syncing

  • Calendar not updating

  • Errors when adding or accessing your mailbox

  • Prompts asking you to update your app or switch to a supported one

To stay connected, follow the steps below.

Option 1: Update Your Existing Mail App

For Samsung Devices (Samsung Mail App)

Samsung Email will support Exchange ActiveSync 16.1 starting with its February 2026 update, aligning with Microsoft’s March 1, 2026 deadline for Exchange Online.  The February 2026 update to the Samsung Email app will increase the minimum supported Android version to Android 10 OS. Ensure your devices update to this OS or higher.

How to Update

  1. Open the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.

  2. Search for Samsung Email.

  3. Tap Update (if available).

  4. Also update Samsung Device Services and Android System WebView, which the mail app depends on.

  5. Restart your device.

If your device is older and no updates are available, you may need to switch to Outlook Mobile.

For Google/Android Devices (Gmail App)

Gmail will be updated to support ActiveSync 16.1 before March 1, 2026, according to Microsoft.  Users should keep Gmail, Google Play Services, and Android OS updated.

How to Update

  1. Open the Google Play Store.

  2. Search for Gmail.

  3. Tap Update (if available).

  4. Update Google Play Services and Android System WebView as well.

  5. Restart your device.

If your device is running an older Android version that no longer receives updates, Gmail may not support the required protocol.

Option 2: Install the Outlook Mobile App (Recommended)

If your device cannot update to a supported ActiveSync version—or if you want the most reliable experience—installing Microsoft Outlook Mobile is the best option.

Why Outlook Mobile?

  • Fully supported and always up to date

  • Uses modern, secure Microsoft sync technology

  • Best compatibility with work email, calendar, and contacts

  • Same experience across iOS and Android

How to Install

On Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.

  2. Search for Microsoft Outlook.

  3. Tap Install.

  4. Open Outlook and sign in with your work account.

On iPhone/iPad:

  1. Open the App Store.

  2. Search for Microsoft Outlook.

  3. Tap Get.

  4. Open Outlook and sign in with your work account.

How to Know If You’re Affected

You may receive a notification from IT or see sync errors on your device. If you’re unsure, switching to Outlook Mobile is the simplest way to ensure uninterrupted access.

Need Help?

If you run into issues updating your app or installing Outlook Mobile, please contact CTS. We can help verify your device’s compatibility and guide you through the transition.

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