Google Sync or Not

[sjdean]

I recently had to restore my settings and contacts etc after I factory reset the phone. I restored using that Rerware app.

It restored all the contacts to Gmail which I was a little miffed about, but then I started wondering whether I should be.

Certainly seems like a lot more work involved in setting up contacts and groups in Google Mail, and having to log onto a web interface each time to modify.

But without it, well, I'd be creating contacts on the phone and linking in all the different accounts.

What is the best method for storing contacts? Local phone, or Gmail, and why?

Ta
Simon

 

[takeshi]

As is always the case with "best": it's highly subjective. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. If you primarily use gmail then it makes sense to have gmail contacts since they're synced (effectively a backup).

I can't think of a reason to have phone-only contacts off the top of my head but I'm sure there are reasons -- perhaps if you're the tinfoil hat type.

All of my contacts are Exchange contacts. Once again, one size does not fit all.

Certainly seems like a lot more work involved in setting up contacts and groups in Google Mail, and having to log onto a web interface each time to modify.

Not sure what you mean. It seems like a lot more work to me to have to manually reload your contacts every time.

Once your contacts are in your Google account they're there for good until you delete them. You don't need to load them every time. From then on, just set up your device to sync with your Google account and the contacts will sync to the device. You don't have to log in to a web interface to modify them. Many just find that to be easier. You can modify your Google contacts directly on the device.

 

[milrtime83]

Once your contacts are set up in gmail they will always be there. If you get a new phone, all you have to do is activate it with the same email address and all your contacts will be there. And as takeshi said, any edits you make to contacts on the phone are also synced to gmail so you don't have to log into a website to make changes.

It is also a nice backup. If your contacts are only on your phone and it gets destroyed or lost, you could lose everything.

 

[violentlyseren]

You don't need to log into a google website to edit your gmail contacts. Edit them in whatever contacts app you prefer and let them sync. The changes will be automatic.

 

[captains]

when i go to accounts & sync my gmail always has a sync error, if i refresh my calendar, contacts and gmail will always return error of Sync is currently experiencing problems. it will be back shortly. anyone know a solution to this

 

[Mississippi213]

I recently had to restore my settings and contacts etc after I factory reset the phone. I restored using that Rerware app.

It restored all the contacts to Gmail which I was a little miffed about, but then I started wondering whether I should be.

Certainly seems like a lot more work involved in setting up contacts and groups in Google Mail, and having to log onto a web interface each time to modify.

But without it, well, I'd be creating contacts on the phone and linking in all the different accounts.

What is the best method for storing contacts? Local phone, or Gmail, and why?

Ta
Simon

Ta I done same thing and have been going crazy trying to get contacts back. went to gmail and contacts were not there either, even tried the restore but in gmail that option was'nt there. going to download the app you suggested and hope that does it.
TY

 

[Mississippi213]

IT WORKED!!! TY TY TY this is a life saver and I appreciate your post! downloaded the app rerware and now have all contacts back on my phone!
Have agreat day
John