Microsoft Teams is a popular communication tool used by many Windows 11 users. Sometimes, users may face the issue where their contacts do not show up in the app. This can be frustrating and disrupt daily work.
Fortunately, this problem can often be fixed with a few simple steps. You don’t need to be an expert to try these solutions.
This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow instructions to get your contacts back in Microsoft Teams on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly to help you understand what to do and why.
Let’s start by checking some quick things before diving into the fixes.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential for Microsoft Teams to sync contacts properly.
- Sign in with the correct account: Make sure you are logged in with the right Microsoft or work/school account that has your contacts.
- Update Microsoft Teams: Using the latest version avoids bugs that could cause contact issues.
- Restart Teams and your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
Step 1: Restart Microsoft Teams
Before trying any complex fixes, close Microsoft Teams completely and open it again. This refreshes the app and may reload your contacts.
- Click on the Teams icon in the taskbar.
- Right-click it and select Quit.
- Wait a few seconds, then open Teams from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Restarting helps clear temporary errors or sync issues that prevent contacts from showing.
Step 2: Clear Microsoft Teams Cache
Teams stores temporary files called cache to speed up performance. Sometimes, cache gets corrupted and causes display problems.
- Close Microsoft Teams completely (use Task Manager if needed).
- Press
Win + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
%appdata%MicrosoftTeamsand press Enter. - Delete the contents of the following folders if they exist:
Cacheblob_storagedatabasesGPUCacheIndexedDBLocal Storagetmp
- Restart Microsoft Teams.
Clearing cache forces Teams to download fresh data from the server, fixing many sync or display issues.
Step 3: Check Microsoft Teams Permissions
Teams requires access to your contacts and other permissions to function properly. Incorrect permissions may prevent contacts from showing.
- Open Settings by pressing
Win + I. - Go to Apps > Installed apps and find Microsoft Teams.
- Click on Teams and select Advanced options.
- Scroll down to App permissions and make sure Contacts permission is enabled.
Enabling contacts permission allows Teams to sync your contact list from your account and device.
Step 4: Update Microsoft Teams
Outdated software can cause many bugs. Keeping Teams updated ensures you have the latest fixes from Microsoft.
- Open Microsoft Teams.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Check for updates.
- Teams will automatically download and install available updates.
- Restart Teams after updating.
Regular updates improve app stability and fix bugs related to contacts and syncing.
Step 5: Reinstall Microsoft Teams
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Teams can help by resetting all app files and settings.
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Microsoft Teams, click it, and select Uninstall.
- Go to the official Microsoft Teams download page: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app.
- Download and install the latest version of Teams.
- Sign in again with your account and check if contacts appear.
Reinstalling removes corrupted files and gives you a fresh start with the app.
Alternative Method: Use the Web Version of Teams
If the desktop app continues to have issues, try using Microsoft Teams on the web.
- Open a web browser (like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox).
- Go to https://teams.microsoft.com.
- Sign in with your Microsoft or work account.
- Check if your contacts appear there.
The web version uses a different interface and can help isolate whether the issue is with the app or your account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are my Microsoft Teams contacts not showing?
This can happen due to sync issues, outdated app versions, corrupted cache, or incorrect permissions.
Do I need admin rights to fix this issue?
Most steps don’t require admin rights, except reinstalling Teams might need admin privileges.
Will clearing cache delete my messages or files?
No, clearing the cache only deletes temporary files. Your chats and files are stored in the cloud and will remain intact.
Can a poor internet connection cause contacts not to show?
Yes, Teams needs a stable connection to sync contacts and other data properly.
Is it safe to reinstall Microsoft Teams?
Yes, reinstalling is safe and often recommended to fix persistent issues. You won’t lose any data since everything is stored online.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above methods and still face the “No Contacts Showing” error, consider the following options:
- Contact your IT administrator: If you use Teams through work or school, your admin might have restrictions or issues on the server side.
- Visit Microsoft Support: Go to Microsoft Teams Help & Support for official troubleshooting guides.
- Check Microsoft Service Status: Sometimes, Microsoft servers experience outages that affect contacts. Visit Office 365 Service Status to verify.
Conclusion
Issues with contacts not showing in Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 can disrupt your workflow, but most problems can be fixed easily. Start with simple steps like restarting the app and checking permissions. Clearing cache and updating the app often resolve syncing glitches. If needed, reinstalling Teams or using the web version are good alternatives.
Always ensure your internet connection is stable and you are signed in with the correct account. If nothing works, seek help from your IT administrator or Microsoft Support. Following this guide will help you restore your contacts and get back to smooth communication in Teams.