How to Seamlessly Sync Google Apps Contacts with Gmail Contacts

Are you looking for a way to keep your Google Apps and Gmail contacts in sync? While there is no direct Google service that automates this process, you can leverage third-party tools and manual methods to keep your contact lists up to date. In this article, we will explore how to effectively manage and sync your contacts between these platforms, as well as discuss some popular tools that can make this process easier.

Why Sync Google Apps Contacts with Gmail Contacts?

Synchronizing contacts between Google Apps and Gmail can be crucial for maintaining a comprehensive and accurate contact list. This process ensures that all your important contacts are easily accessible and updated across all your devices. Moreover, it simplifies the management of your contacts and enhances your productivity.

Manual Methods for Syncing

While there's no direct integration between Google Apps and Gmail, you can still achieve synchronization through manual steps. One common method involves exporting and importing your contacts regularly.

Exporting and Importing Contacts

1. **Exporting Contacts from Gmail:** - Go to your Gmail account. - Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select "See all settings." - Navigate to the "Imports and Exports" section. - Click on "Export contacts." - Save the CSV or VCF file to your desktop or cloud storage service.2. **Importing Contacts to Google Apps:** - Log in to your Google Apps account. - Go to the Admin console. - Navigate to "Users and Licenses" and then to "Manage users." - Select the user whose contacts you want to import. - Hover over the contacts icon at the top and select "Manage Contacts." - Click on "Upload" to import the CSV or VCF file you exported from Gmail.

Note: This process might take a few minutes to complete.

3. **Regular Updates:** - Set reminders or create a routine to export and import your contacts regularly, such as daily or weekly.

Alternatively, you can set up a regular manual schedule to ensure your contacts stay in sync. Regular updates can help you avoid the hassle of duplicate contacts and missing important information.

Automated Solutions

For a more seamless and automated experience, you can use third-party applications like MonkeyContact. MonkeyContact is a powerful tool that allows you to find and manage contacts from multiple sources, including Google Apps and Gmail, without the hassle of synchronization or management.

Key Features of MonkeyContact

Unified Search: Easily search for your contacts within Gmail and across other social networks. Comprehensive Data: Access a wide range of contact information, including names, companies, locations, and more. Device Independence: Access your contacts on any device, whether you are on your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. Customizable Search: Find contacts by name, company, location, job function, or any combination of criteria.

To get started with MonkeyContact, visit its website for a demo and further information.

User Experiences and Feedback

Many users have shared their experiences with syncing Google Apps and Gmail contacts. Here are a few key insights:

User Experience 1: Regular Export and Import

One user has been using the method of exporting all Gmail contacts and importing them into Google Apps. This process involves:

Performing a regular export of all contacts. Handling any duplicates that may arise. Importing the contacts into Google Apps, which takes a few minutes.

According to this user, the process works well, but managing duplicates can be a minor inconvenience.

User Experience 2: Using Google Apps Premier Edition

For users with Google Apps Premier Edition, you can use the 'Last Sync' feature to sync contacts across multiple devices and computers. Additionally, you can sync contacts from Address Book to Gmail, which is a Mac-specific feature.

User Experience 3: Utilizing Other Tools

Some users have adopted a hybrid approach, using tools like Plaxo, LinkedIn, and Gist. These tools help manage and sync contacts across different applications. Another user found that Gist allows exporting contacts, which can be another solution to consider.

Conclusion

Syncing Google Apps and Gmail contacts is essential for maintaining a unified and accurate contact list. Whether you use manual methods, third-party tools like MonkeyContact, or other applications, there are several effective ways to keep your contacts in sync. Regular updates and the use of automated tools can greatly enhance your productivity and ensure that your contacts are always up to date.