check before: 2026-02-28
Product:
Exchange, Outlook
Platform:
iOS, mobile, Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting March 1, 2026, Exchange Online will block devices using Exchange ActiveSync versions below 16.1 for improved security. Organizations must update mobile devices and apps to EAS 16.1 or higher. Outlook Mobile is unaffected. Admins can identify outdated devices using a provided PowerShell command.
Details:
Updated December 16, 2025: We have updated the PowerShell example. Thank you for your patience.
Exchange Online ActiveSync Device Support Update
We're making a change to improve security and reliability in Exchange Online. Starting March 1, 2026, devices using Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) versions lower than 16.1 will no longer be able to connect to Exchange Online. EAS 16.1 was introduced in June 2016 and provides enhanced compatibility and security.
When this will happen:
This change begins taking effect on March 1, 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-12-18
updated:
2025-12-18
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Device Connectivity Loss
Devices using EAS versions lower than 16.1 will be unable to connect to Exchange Online, leading to potential email access issues for users.
- roles: IT Admin, End User
- references: https://aka.ms/EASVersionUpdate
Increased Support Requests
Users may experience confusion and increased support requests due to inability to access email, impacting helpdesk workload.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, End User
- references: https://aka.ms/EASVersionUpdate
User Productivity Decline
Users relying on outdated devices may face interruptions in email communication, leading to decreased productivity.
- roles: End User, Team Manager
- references: https://aka.ms/EASVersionUpdate
Compliance Risks
Failure to update devices may lead to non-compliance with organizational security policies, risking data breaches.
- roles: Compliance Officer, IT Admin
- references: https://aka.ms/EASVersionUpdate
Documentation Updates Required
Internal documentation must be updated to reflect the changes, requiring time and resources from IT staff.
- roles: IT Admin, Documentation Specialist
- references: https://aka.ms/EASVersionUpdate
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
Starting March 1, 2026, Exchange Online will no longer support devices using older versions of Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) below version 16.1. This change is like a neighborhood upgrading its security system. Imagine your office building decides to upgrade its security to ensure everyone's safety. They announce that only keycards issued after a certain date will work with the new system. Similarly, Exchange Online is upgrading its security, and only devices using EAS version 16.1 or higher will be able to connect.
If you're using mobile devices with native email apps to access your Exchange Online mailboxes, it's important to ensure that these devices are updated to EAS 16.1 or higher. For example, Apple devices running iOS 10 or later already support EAS 16.1, so they're like those new keycards that are already compatible with the upgraded security system. The Gmail app and Samsung Mail will also have updated versions available before the deadline, so they're preparing to issue new keycards to their users.
For other apps, it's a good idea to check with your device or application vendor to see if they need an update. It's like checking with your building manager to make sure your keycard will still work after the security upgrade.
If you're an admin, you can identify devices that need updating by running a PowerShell command. Think of this as making a list of employees who need new keycards. Once you have this list, you can communicate with your helpdesk and end users to ensure everyone updates their devices in time.
Remember, this change only affects Exchange Online and not Exchange Server. Also, if you're using Outlook Mobile, you don't need to worry, as it doesn't use EAS. It's like having a special pass that doesn't require a keycard at all.
To prepare, make sure all mobile devices and applications are updated to EAS version 16.1 or higher before March 1, 2026. Update your internal documentation and communicate the change to your team. If you need help, contact your device or application vendor. This way, when the new security system goes live, everyone will have the right keycard to access their email seamlessly.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 months ago ago
