How does Google contacts work?

[spman]

I want to store contacts in my Google account.

I am wondering how does Google contacts work if I turn off mobile data?

Is it that Sync is a must to do so that Google account all contacts will appear in your phone and stored inside the phone, so you can use the contacts even if you cannot connect to the internet or turn off mobile data?

I heard of syncing, does it mean just turn on the "Sync" button at Samsung S4 dropdown notification menu and the Google account contacts will become same as the Google account contacts in the phone?

If I enter a new contact number in my phone, do I need to turn on mobile data?

Thanks.

 

[kate]

You can still see and access all your contacts stored on your phone when Sync and mobile data are off.

To Sync/update new contacts to your Google account you have to turn on Sync and have a data connection, either WiFi or mobile data. Then you can turn them off.

 

[spman]

When making a call to a contact we are actually accessing to the Google contacts that is on the phone (that are synced from Google account contacts) and not directly accessing to Google contacts in Google account?

When you are using/adding/deleting/editing Google contacts information on the phone, it is actually using the set of Google contacts in the phone (that are synced from Google account contacts) and not directly accessing to Google contacts in Google account?

 

[Crashdamage]

1. Yes, it accesses contacts on the phone.

2. Yes, it uses contacts on the phone.

 

[spman]

Do you guys turn on Sync and turn on Mobile Data all the time, or do you set some sort of schedule?

I am assuming turning on sync means turn on the "Sync" button at Samsung S4 dropdown notification menu correct?

 

[bjacks12]

I always have sync on. I don't always have mobile data or wifi on, but I usually do. You can still access your contact list when you're not online, but any changes made from the server side won't be reflected until you connect.

Yes, that sync button in the drop down enables it. For more specific controls, such as time intervals, go into Settings and then Accounts.

 

[spman]

I always have sync on. I don't always have mobile data or wifi on, but I usually do. You can still access your contact list when you're not online, but any changes made from the server side won't be reflected until you connect.

Yes, that sync button in the drop down enables it. For more specific controls, such as time intervals, go into Settings and then Accounts.

Where do you see specific controls, such as time intervals? I go into Settings and then Accounts, did not it there.

 

[Crashdamage]

Time controls for sync are not available by default on all phones. Some manufacturers add them, some not. My Nexus devices don't have them. No doubt there's apps that will add time/sync functions but I can't recommend one as I don't use any. Sync uses so little power and data I just don't worry about it..

 

[CaptainStarbuck]

I'll jump in here with a sort of related question on Contacts: It seems a phone has access to multiple Contact databases.

I have a gmail account linked to the phone and that account is associated at Google with other accounts. I'm always confused about how it links these accounts as far as finding contacts.

And when I connect my phone to my car via Bluetooth, it seems to be accessing at least two different Contacts databases. Where are these? Do apps have access to all of that data?

As a newb Android developer I understand Intents - I'm just wondering if somehow there might be multiple Activities of the Contact app responding to requests for Contact data, maybe with different databases ... if that's at all possible.

Thanks