Google apps (such as Gmail and Calendar) synchronize with your Google account online. Other apps (such as Mobile Life Contacts and Facebook) sync with other services online.

This copies updates to your accounts online and on your phone, and it backs up your data online in case you upgrade or lose the phone.

What to expect

• The Sync icon in the status bar indicates that data is synchronizing.

• Turn off or reduce the frequency of synchronization to accounts you do not use often, in order to:

  • Extend battery life
  • Reduce data usage
  • Make internet and sync work faster

Resolution steps

To control sync settings for the device, follow these steps:

Android 4.0 / 4.1 / 4.2

1. From the Home screen, open the Settings menu.
2. Under Personal, touch Accounts & sync or Accounts.
3. To turn on or turn off Auto-sync
   • Touch the switch at the top of the screen.
     
     
                       HTC Sense                                      Samsung TouchWiz
     
     
     
     1. From the Home screen, tap the Menu key.
     2. Tap Settings.
     3. Tap the Connections tab.
     4. Tap Data Usage.
     5. Tap the Menu key.
     6. Check/uncheck Auto sync data.
4. Touch an account to adjust settings, turn on, or turn off sync.
   • MobileLife Contacts
   • Google (appears if set up)
   • Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (appears if set up)
   • Others, depending on apps installed
     
5. To synchronize all accounts manually, touch Sync all.
6. Press the Home key.

Android 2.1 / 2.2 / 2.3

1. From the Home screen, press the Menu key.
2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch Accounts & sync.
4. Under General sync settings, turn on or turn off:
   • Background data
   • Auto-sync
     
     
     
     
     
5. Under Manage account, touch an account to adjust settings, turn on, or turn off sync.
   • Exchange ActiveSync (appears if set up)
   • Google (appears if set up)
   • MobileLife Contacts / T-Mobile / T-Mobile Contacts
   • Others, depending on apps installed
     
6. To synchronize all accounts manually, touch Sync all.
7. Press the Home key.

Android 1.5 / 1.6

1. From the Home screen, press the Menu key.
2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch Data synchronization.
4. Turn on or turn off Auto-sync.
5. Touch an account to turn on or turn off sync.
   • Gmail
   • Calendar
   • Contacts
   • Others, depending on apps installed
        
     
        
6. Touch Menu.
7. To synchronize all accounts manually, touch Sync now.
8. Press the Home key when sync completes.