How to Fix Sync Issues for an Android Phone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Modern smartphones no longer sync to your computer directly, but rather to servers provided by a company. In the case of Android, these are Google's Cloud services.

Normally, everything you save on your phone is automatically saved and refreshed regularly, making it easy to work on larger maintenance tasks, like importing, editing, or deleting a lot of contacts.

If your phone stops automatically updating, it can become very frustrating. This guide will help you through checking the settings on your Android Smartphone to be sure everything is setup right, and will keep you up-to-date.

2. Restart

1. Hold down the power button on your Android device.
   Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
2. A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
   

If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.

• If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.

3. Google

1. Open your browser, Chrome.
   

1. In the address bar at the top, type in google.com, then push Enter or Return.
   

1. Make sure the Google page comes up. Type in something to search for, then push Enter or Return.
   

1. Make sure your search results come up.
   

4. 3rd Party Apps Check

Your Android phone can sync with a very, very large selection of different services, all provided by different developers, as well as with Google's servers.

This guide is focused on the Google Play Services. This includes:

• Phone contacts
  

• Photos
  

• Chrome browser bookmarks
  

• Gmail-provided Email
  

• Messages, Hangouts, Duo, Voice apps
  

• Google Home
  

• Google Assistant
  

• Other apps provided by Google directly.
  

Other services, such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are handled directly by those companies, not by Google Play Services.

If you are having problems with the way another service is syncing, it is best to reach out to the App's developer, instead.

5. Google Sync

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   

1. Select Accounts.
   

1. Select Google from the list of accounts.
   

1. Make sure the e-mail address at the top is the one you expect. For each Google service, make sure the slider is set to the right for On.
   

6. What's next?

7. What's next?

8. My Internet Doesn't Work

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.