One of the most common issues I come across with business users and
Android smartphones is Exchange contacts and calendars not syncing. This can be
very frustrating, especially since not every Android device is created equally.
With different release numbers, different provider platforms (Motorola Motoblur
vs. HTC Sense vs. Samsung Galaxy), and even different installations of
Exchange, it can easily become a chore to keep this feature working.
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With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to walk through
some of the troubleshooting tips for syncing Exchange contacts and calendars on
your Android smartphone.
Correct account type
I have seen instances where users have set up their company email on
their phone as an IMAP or POP account. When this is done, the contacts and
calendars will either not be able to sync or will suffer from sporadic syncing.
When you set up an account on Android, depending upon the type of
Android device you have (HTC, Motorola, Samsung, etc.), the correct account
type might be called something different. Here are the correct types, according
to device manufacturer (all phones listed below run Android 4.0 or later):
Samsung: Exchange ActiveSync
HTC: Exchange ActiveSync
Motorola: Corporate Account
If you’re attempting to sync to an Exchange server with any type of
account other than the above, delete the current account and re-create the
account with one of the above types.
Make sure sync is set
During the setup of the account, you are asked what you want to sync
and how often you want to sync it. I’ve seen accounts set up with contacts
and/or calenders not included in the sync process. To make sure sync is enabled
for both contacts and calendars, do the following:
Open Settings
Tap Accounts and Sync
Tap on the Exchange account
In the Data and synchronization settings (Figure A), make sure
everything is checked
Tap Sync Now
Sync settings on a Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy S III.
If both are set, and your contacts or calendars are not syncing, do the
following:
Unset both
Tap Sync Now
Set both
Tap Sync Now
Make sure Exchange contacts are
displayed
With Android, you can set which contacts to display. You might find
that your Exchange contacts are hidden. To find out, follow these steps:
Open the Contacts app
Tap the menu button
Scroll down and select Contacts to display
Select Exchange
Now, you should see only your Exchange contacts. If they appear
correctly, go back and select All contacts, and see if they remain.
Create a new contact/appointment
from phone
I have also witnessed this strange fix. A client came to me with this
very problem. I went through all the motions of fixing the issue and nothing
worked. It wasn’t until I added a test contact and calendar appointment from
the mobile device that everything started working.
Blow away your account
Many wince at this idea — but remember, we’re talking Exchange, so you
won’t lose any data. If you have tried to set and unset your sync options and
it just won’t work, delete and re-add the account. Make sure you do this when
your mobile is connected to Wi-Fi, so the syncing will happen automatically (and
do so much more smoothly).
Third-party software
If all else fails, there are third-party software titles that will more
than likely help you around this issue. Two particular titles are better suited
for business users.
1. Missing Sync
Missing Sync works via USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. This tool helps keep
your Android in sync with your desktop Outlook. Don’t be fooled though, this
isn’t an ActiveSync solution. And while the Android app is free, the required
desktop client will set you back $29.95 (USD) for the personal edition.
Missing Sync allows you to sync:
Contacts
Calendars
Notes
Tasks
Bookmarks
Photos
Videos
Music
Call log
SMS/Text Messages
2. Touchdown
Touchdown is probably one of the best solutions for this issue. If
you’re looking for a single app to access your Exchange email, contacts,
calendar, and tasks, Touchdown is it. The app costs $19.99 (USD), but it’s a
highly configurable application for Outlook power users.
Touchdown features include:
Support for Email, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks (and Notes and SMS syncing
for Exchange 2010 servers)
Numerous options
Custom notifications
SD card support
Widgets: Email, Tasks, Calendar, Universal Widgets
Secure: TouchDown supports Exchange ActiveSync policies, such as PIN,
Remote Wipe, Data encryption and Storage card encryption of corporate data
Corporate Data Separation
S/MIME: Send and receive S/MIME signed and encrypted emails
I’ve seen plenty of instances where the built-in Android contacts and
calender would fail, and the Touchdown app would succeed every time.
No one wants to deal with syncing issues on a mobile device (especially
when you’re on the go). Give some of these fixes a try and see if they don’t
solve your contacts/calendar woes.
content from http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/smartphones
