Sync your apps with your Google Account

You can manage how your apps sync messages, email, and other recent data in your Google Account.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

What sync does

When your phone syncs, your Google apps refresh their data, and you get notifications about updates.

Which apps sync

By default, your apps made by Google automatically sync with your Google Account. You can turn auto-sync off or back on for individual apps made by Google. Whether other apps can sync varies by app.

See your Google apps that can auto-sync

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Accounts. If you don't see "Accounts," tap Users & accounts.
3. If you have more than one account on your device, tap the one you want.
4. Tap Account sync.
5. See a list of your Google apps and when they last synced.

Check your other apps that couldn't sync

Important: If an app doesn’t show in your phone’s Settings app under "Accounts," it can’t auto-sync with your Google Account.

For these other apps, look in each app’s settings menu for an option to sign in or sync. Learn how to change app permissions.

Turn off auto-sync

Turn off auto-sync for certain Google apps

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Accounts. If you don't see "Accounts," tap Users & accounts.
3. If you have more than one account on your phone, tap the one you want to sync.
4. Tap Account sync.
5. Turn off the apps you don't want to auto-sync.

Tip: Turning off auto-sync for an app doesn't remove the app. It only stops the app from automatically refreshing your data.

Turn off auto-sync for your Google Account

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Accounts. If you don't see "Accounts," tap Users & accounts.
3. Turn off Automatically sync data.

Tip: Turning off auto-sync can help save battery life. To start auto-sync again after your battery recharges, turn it back on.

Manually sync your account

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Accounts. If you don't see "Accounts," tap Users & accounts.
3. If you have more than one account on your phone, tap the one you want to sync.
4. Tap Account sync.
5. Tap More Sync now.

Tip: Manual sync refreshes your account data for all your apps made by Google, including any with auto-sync turned off.

Related articles

• If you're having issues syncing, troubleshoot syncing.
• To sync a different account, add or switch users.
• If you can't sign in to your Google Account, troubleshoot signing in.
• For more about your Google Account, see the Accounts Help Center.