Your default expansion method controls which Microsoft API ContactMonkey uses to expand distribution lists into individual recipients for counting and tracking. ContactMonkey supports two methods: Graph Backend and Exchange Online Admin Backend. Because each method supports different list types, switching methods is often the quickest fix when a recipient count looks wrong.
To set the default expansion method:
- Organization default (ContactMonkey Admins and Owners) — applied automatically to new users.
Using automatic expansion? If automatic distribution list expansion is enabled for your account, ContactMonkey picks the right method for each list for you and the Default expansion method section is hidden. You don't need to follow these steps. See How to Use Automatic Distribution List Expansion for Outlook.
Before you begin
- Both the Graph Utility Account and the Exchange Admin Utility Account must be connected and showing as Active in Settings → Integrations. If only one is connected, there is nothing to switch to. See Setting Up Distribution List Expansion.
- To change the organization default, you need Administrator or Owner permissions in ContactMonkey.
Which method should I choose?
Pick the method that supports the list types your organization sends to most often.
| If you mostly send to… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Dynamic distribution lists | Exchange Online Admin Backend |
| Lists containing shared mailboxes | Exchange Online Admin Backend |
| O365 Groups (Modern Groups) or O365 Dynamic Groups | Graph Backend |
| Static distribution lists, security groups, or universal groups | Either method |
For the full list of supported list types, see Distribution List Types and Expansion Support.
Change the organization default (Admin)
Role: ContactMonkey Administrator or Owner
- Click your name at the top right of the ContactMonkey dashboard
- Click Settings
- Click Integrations
- Click Show Details on either the Graph Utility Account or Exchange Admin Utility Account card
- Under Default Expansion Method, select Exchange Admin Backend or Graph Backend
Your selection is applied automatically to all users.
Confirm the switch worked
After switching, check that your list now expands correctly:
- Add the distribution list to the To field of your email
- In the Web Add-in, click Count Recipients
- Compare the count with the number of members you expect
Admins can also run a Test Count from Settings → Integrations → Graph/Exchange Online → Show Details; results are emailed to you.
Count matches: The selected method supports your list.
Count still looks wrong: Your list type may not be supported by either method. See Troubleshooting Distribution List Expansion for next steps, including CSV upload and List Management.
EWS is being retired. The EWS Utility Account is deprecated as of October 1, 2026, so it is no longer available as an expansion method. If your organization still uses EWS, see Migrating from EWS to Exchange Online Admin API.