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Native Contacts in Mailbird Next

  1. Mailbird Next for Mac & Windows
  2. Mailbird Next Features
  3. Core Features
Avatar
Oliver Jackson
  • August 05, 2026 14:44
  • Updated

Mailbird Next Contacts is the native contacts experience in Mailbird Next. It lets you browse, search, create, edit, delete, and organize contacts and contact groups without opening a separate contacts app.

Contacts connected to Mailbird Next can also appear in autocomplete suggestions in the compose window, making it easier to address emails quickly.

⚠️ Note: iCloud Contacts, Apple Contacts, CardDAV, direct vCard/VCF import, and contacts from standard IMAP/POP accounts are not supported at this time.

πŸ‘₯ Enabling the Native Contacts App

You can enable the Native Contacts app from the Apps menu in Mailbird Next:

  1. Click the Apps Menu on the right-hand side of Mailbird Next, shown as nine small squares.
  2. Search for Contacts.
  3. Toggle the Contacts app to enable it.

After it is enabled, Mailbird Next adds a Contacts icon to the left-hand menu, as shown below. Just click this icon whenever you want to open your contacts.

πŸ”— Connecting Contact Accounts

To sync contacts from a supported account, make sure the account is connected for Contacts in Mailbird Next:

  1. Open the Contacts app from the left-hand menu.
  2. Open the menu in Contacts and choose Accounts settings.

  3. Select the email account you want to use.
  4. Go to Apps & Services.
  5. Enable Contacts for that account by selecting Connect this account, if available.
  6. If your provider asks for permission, approve contact access and return to Mailbird Next.

If your contacts do not appear immediately, wait a few moments for the first sync to complete. You can also use Refresh in the Contacts app menu or restart Mailbird Next.

βœ… Supported Contact Sources

Mailbird Next can sync contacts from supported Google and Microsoft account connections:

  • Google accounts, including Gmail and Google Workspace contacts.
  • Microsoft accounts, including Outlook.com and Microsoft 365 accounts when connected through Microsoft sign-in and available for Contacts sync.
  • Mailbird local contacts, which are stored locally in Mailbird Next and do not sync back to an external provider.

πŸ’‘ Info: If an account was added as IMAP or POP, it can send and receive email, but it will not provide contacts to the Native Contacts app. IMAP and POP only carry email data.

🧰 What You Can Do in Contacts

The Native Contacts app lets you manage common contact details and groups directly in Mailbird Next.

  • Browse contacts across connected accounts and local Mailbird contacts.
  • Search contacts from the Contacts app.
  • Create and edit contacts one at a time.
  • Delete contacts when they are no longer needed.
  • Create, edit, and delete contact groups where supported.
  • Add contacts to groups or move them between groups, depending on the account provider.
  • Sort and display names as First Last or Last First.
  • Use contacts in compose autocomplete when writing emails.

πŸ“ Contact Details You Can Manage

When creating or editing a contact, Mailbird Next supports common contact fields such as:

  • Name fields, including first name, last name, middle name, title, suffix, and nickname.
  • Email addresses and phone numbers.
  • Company and job title.
  • Birthday, notes, and custom dates.
  • Postal addresses.
  • Websites, instant messenger details, relationships, and custom fields.

🚫 What Is Not Supported Yet?

Some contact workflows are not currently available in Mailbird Next Contacts:

  • Direct vCard/VCF import from older Mailbird versions or other apps.
  • CSV contact import.
  • iCloud Contacts or Apple Contacts sync.
  • CardDAV contact sync.
  • Contacts from standard IMAP/POP accounts.
  • Exchange contacts for accounts connected as Exchange, where Contacts sync is not available in the current build.

πŸ› οΈ Troubleshooting Contacts Sync

If contacts are missing or the Contacts option is disabled, try the following:

  • Make sure the account is still connected in Mailbird Next.
  • Check that the account was added as a supported Google or Microsoft account, not only as IMAP or POP.
  • Open Accounts settings and confirm Contacts is enabled under Apps & Services.
  • Re-authorize the account if Google or Microsoft asks for contact permissions again.
  • Use Refresh in the Contacts app menu or restart Mailbird Next.
  • If you are trying to import a VCF file, import it into Google Contacts or Outlook first, then sync that account with Mailbird Next.

πŸ’‘ Still Need Help?

If the Native Contacts app is not working as expected, please contact our Customer Happiness Team here. Include your email provider, whether the account was added as Google, Microsoft, Exchange, IMAP, or POP, and what happens when you try to enable or sync contacts.

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