Synchronizing cPanel® Calendar, Contacts, and Email on Android with ActiveSync

ActiveSync (Exchange) is a protocol that allows synchronization of emails, contacts, and calendar appointments from a server to mobile devices.

Why Would I Want to Use ActiveSync?

Before ActiveSync support, Android mobile phone and tablet owners had limited options for connecting to cPanel calendars because Android does not natively support CalDAV. The best solution at that time was installing a third-party application that would act as an intermediary between the device's local calendar and a CalDAV server. However, this required each user to install and configure the app.

With ActiveSync, you can configure and synchronize your account directly on your mobile device, without needing any third-party apps.

This article will guide you through setting up an ActiveSync (Exchange) account on your Android device.

Setting Up ActiveSync (Exchange) on Your Android Device

1. Create a Mailbox:
   Before setting up an email account using ActiveSync (Exchange), ensure a mailbox is created. You can create a mailbox using this link. After that, go to cPanel’s Calendars and Contacts interface or the welcome email your administrator sent after signup to retrieve the calendar and contact configuration details.

2. Access Account Settings:
   Open your Android device’s Settings and tap the Accounts and Backup menu (on some devices, this menu may be called Accounts, Cloud and Accounts, or Accounts and Backup).

3. Add Exchange Account:

   • Choose the Accounts tab.
   • Tap Add Account at the bottom.
   • On the next screen, choose Exchange or Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.

4. Enter Email Address:
   The next screen will prompt you to enter your full email address (e.g., test@4xhost.com). Then, tap Set up manually.

5. Enter Password and Server Settings:

   • Enter the correct password for the mailbox.
   • After entering the password, press Next.
   • Fill in the required Exchange server settings. We recommend using secure SSL settings where possible. Use the following settings for your account:
     • Username: Your email address (e.g., test@4xhost.com)
     • Password: The password for the mailbox
     • Server URL: privateemail.com
     • Port: 2091
     • Security Type: SSL/TLS

6. Complete Setup:
   When all settings are entered correctly, name the email account you just added and tap Next to finish the setup.

7. Enable Push Updates (Optional):

   • Return to the list within the Settings app.
   • Tap the newly added account.
   • Tap Account Settings.
   • If prompted, select the account again.
   • Tap Sync Frequency, and change the setting to Automatic (Push).

Protip: When creating calendar events, ensure that you select the desired calendar from the menu, as the default might be another account you previously configured.

Your calendar events from your hosting account will now be visible in your device’s Calendar app. Any changes made to your schedule will show up automatically after syncing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Calendar Events Not Syncing:
   If calendar events created on your device do not appear on other devices, check if auto-sync data is enabled on your Android device:

   • Go to the Accounts menu in Settings and ensure Auto-sync data is enabled.

2. Duplicate Events in the Calendar:
   Duplicate events can occur due to the following reasons:

   • If you sync your account with multiple email apps, each app may add a copy of the event. If you notice duplicate events in different colors, this is likely the cause. To resolve this, unsync or log out of the account in all but one mail app.
   • Rarely, if your account exceeds its disk quota, multiple duplicate events may appear. You will need to reduce the account's disk space below the quota to resolve this.

Conclusion

With ActiveSync (Exchange), your cPanel calendars, contacts, and emails are now synchronized on your Android device, making it easier to stay connected and up-to-date with your schedules.

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, 4xhost support is here to help.