Setup Guide - Sync Android via USB
DejaConnect USB vs Mass Storage Mode
CompanionLink now offers two methods to sync via USB: DejaConnect and Mass Storage Mode. This guide is for Mass Storage Mode.
DejaConnect USB is our new mode that allows CompanionLink to interface directly with the device without an external SD card. DejaConnect USB supports all devices with Android 2.1 or higher, including Android 3.0 and 4.0 devices.
Mass Storage Mode is our original existing sync mode. It works by mounting the SD card to the PC and allowing CompanionLink to sync with the database file. Due to underlying system changes, this mode does not work on Android 3.0+ devices.
Before proceeding, please make a backup of your database.
Quick guide
Download a printable version of this quick guide
Setup CompanionLink on your PC
- Download and install CompanionLink if you have not already done so. CompanionLink Downloads
- Run "CompanionLink Setup" from your desktop or start menu.
- Choose "Android" from the first drop-down option (Select the device you want to sync with...).
- Select "Direct via USB" from second drop-down option (Select your sync method...).
- Select your contact manager from third drop-down option (Select your PC or web database...).
- The Contact Manager Settings should automatically open.
- Select the database you wish to synchronize with (if applicable). How to configure your contact manager.
- OPTIONAL: Configure advanced settings.
Setup DejaOffice on your Android device
- Install DejaOffice from the Android Market (search for "DejaOffice"). Full installation instructions
- Open DejaOffice, then tap "Setup Wizard" and ensure that you select USB Sync as your sync method.
- OPTIONAL: Configure DejaOffice to sync with the native Android apps (within Setup Wizard).
How to sync
- Ensure CompanionLink is running on your PC.
- Connect your Android device to your computer with the USB cable. NOTE: Certain devices may require additional steps to connect via USB. Please check our Device-specific instructions.
- Open DejaOffice from your Android device, and tap "Sync".
- CompanionLink will begin the synchronization process on the PC automatically. When prompted, tap 'OK' on the device to complete the synchronization.
NOTE: If you are unable to synchronize, please review our Troubleshooting Guide.
The setup video below will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to sync with Android via USB.
Contents |
Install DejaOffice for Android
DejaOffice is a free application that can be installed from the Android Market. Simply search the Android Market for "DejaOffice", or visit http://www.dejaoffice.com/androidapp from your mobile device. For more details, view full instructions on how to install DejaOffice for Android.
Install CompanionLink
Install CompanionLink on your PC. Visit companionlink.com/downloads to download a 14-day free trial. For more details, view full instructions on how to install CompanionLink.
Registering CompanionLink
The 14-day trial software is fully functional. To register your paid license, enter the name and email address you used to purchase the software in the CompanionLink registration window (File > Register).
For more information, view full registration instructions.
Back up your data
CompanionLink cannot be held responsible for any data corruption or data loss that may occur in conjunction with our software. CompanionLink highly recommends backing up your PC database before performing a sync and on a regular basis.
Click here for instructions on backing up your database
Configure DejaOffice
1. Open DejaOffice, Select Setup Wizard
2. Select Next, then USB sync, and then Next
3. Certain devices must be configured for a specific USB connection type. To check and see if there are any specific settings for your device, visit our Device Specific Notes page.
4. Select the approximate number of contacts you have (or choose not to sync with the native database), and click Next. We do not recommend enabling DejaOffice sync with the native Android database if there are over 5000 contact records, due to performance and data integrity issues.
5. Android can store contacts/calendar data under multiple different "accounts" (such as a local phone account and a Google account). You must choose one account for DejaOffice to sync with.
6. Select the Android Calendar account you wish to sync with, and click Next. NOTE: The native Android calendar may not support all data fields. We recommend using DejaCalendar exclusively.
NOTE: If you choose a Google contacts or calendar account, it is recommended that you disable the sync between Google and your phone. Learn how to turn off Google Sync.
7. The "Wipe all records on Android" option in CompanionLink will purge (delete) all data from the phone, and reload all of your data on the next sync. We recommend enabling this option on your first sync if you have existing contact and calendar data in your phone that is present on your PC. This will help prevent duplicate records.
8. Select the shortcuts you wish to have placed on your Android desktop, and click Next. This gives you convenient, easy access to the DejaOffice applets you use most.
For additional help with DejaOffice, visit the DejaOffice Classroom.
Configure CompanionLink
1. Open the CompanionLink Setup icon from your desktop or start menu. The first time you open CompanionLink the screen will appear as below:
2. In the first dropdown please select Android.
3. In the second dropdown please select Direct USB sync
4. There will be a dialog that describes the USB sync, press Finish when done here.
5. In the third dropdown please select the database you wish to sync with.
Configuring your database settings
You will now need to configure CompanionLink with the database you wish to sync with. Each contact manager works a bit differently.
Configuration instructions for Microsoft Outlook
Configuration instructions for all other databases
Advanced settings and other options
These settings are optional, but you may want to take a look at these if this is your first sync. More info about advanced settings.
Perform a Sync
1. Connect your device in to the computer and select "Charge Only" as your USB connection type. Some devices may vary - see device specific notes.
2. Make sure CompanionLink is running on the PC.
3. Open DejaOffice and tap "Sync".
4. CompanionLink will automatically begin synchronization on the PC.
5. Wait until CompanionLink has finished synchronization, then tap "OK" on the device to disconnect from the PC.
6. It may take a few additional minutes for DejaOffice to complete synchronization with the native databases.
Troubleshooting/Errors
If you are unable to synchronize, please review our Troubleshooting Guide or if you are receiving any errors in DejaOffice visit the DejaOffice for Android Error messages page.
