Android: Turn Automatic Data Sync On or Off

Automatic data synchronisation controls whether Android keeps your Google or other cloud accounts updated in the background. When you change a contact, calendar entry or document online, the system only pushes that update to your phone if sync is active for the related account.

If sync is disabled, apps keep showing old data until you refresh them manually. This often happens after a factory reset, setting up a new account, or after someone turned sync off to save battery and mobile data.

You control the setting under Tap on Settings ➔ Tap on Passwords & accounts ➔ Enable or disable Automatically sync app data ➔ Tap on OK. Turning it on syncs all connected accounts at once; turning it off stops background updates for every account, not just one app.

If only a single app misbehaves while sync is otherwise on, check that app's own sync setting or its account permissions instead of the global switch. Disabling automatic sync entirely can extend battery life, but it also delays notifications, backups and calendar reminders until you sync manually or reopen the app.