Confused about Calendar and Contacts sync support with Google?

[xpseudonym]

Describe the bug I'm unsure whether microG is intended to support Calendar and Contacts sync with Google. From what I've found here: https://github.com/microg/GmsCore/issues/705#issuecomment-464712729 and other places, then support is considered 'out of scope'. However, my calendar does sync, but contacts does not at all - but, the default contacts app in /e/OS look as if it should sync (it reports my Google account, as does the Google contacts app).

So, if calendar is working, is that intended - and are there plans - for contacts to work? Or, is it still 'out of scope'?

If it's not a bug that contacts do not sync, what's the recommended work-around for contacts: use DavX5 or the instructions under 3.1.1 here: https://shadow53.com/archive/android/no-gapps/setup-guide/3/ and only following the procedure for contacts?

Thanks

To Reproduce Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Install /e/OS
2. Try to sync with Google calendar and Google contacts

Expected behavior Some indication of what microG intends (sorry, if that's under my nose somewhere)

System Android Version: 9 Custom ROM: https://leech.binbash.rocks:8008/e-os/pie//h815/e-0.17-p-20210607-CUSTOM-h815.zip https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-unofficial-p-f500-ls991-h81x-us991-vs986-e-os-bye-google-hello-privacy.4142021/post-83196371

[drrossum]

This is out of scope for MicroG, I think, but I use Google's own sync adapters for Calendar and Contacts. This has worked fine for me ever since very early versions of MicroG (2015).

Did you make sure to grant the required permissions for both apps?

You can see the sync status under the 'Settings -> Accounts -> Google' tab and issue a 'Sync Now' from there as well.

[xpseudonym]

Thanks @drrossum - I'm not sure I've got quite the same stuff under Settings -> Accounts ->... I don't have any tabs just a list of accounts, see screenshots: Obviously the Calendar shows up and I guess that's not a mistake... It's interesting that 'Keep notes' shows up - which does seem work - but, Drive doesn't show up - which also seems to work... And, that contacts doesn't show up - which doesn't seem to work...

So, if I were to install Google's own sync adapters, then presumably I would only install the Contacts sync adapter - it would be good to have some confirmation of that? Also, I would prefer to sync without Google, so I would prefer to use DavX5 - as here: https://www.davx5.com/tested-with/google/ Except that it's not supported and that it seems to do both Calendar and Contacts together and I only need Contacts so does that mean there may be some conflict between DavX5 and microG Google Calendar sync implementation?

It would be good to know that the Calendar syncing is intended and what the implications for Contacts syncing in the future are?

[drrossum]

MicroG does noth have a Calender sync implementation. You must have some other sync app installed that causes the "Calendar" and "Google Calendar" items to appear in your Google account sync list. Maybe it is the "Calendar subscriptions" one shown in the first screenshot?

You say 'contacts doesn't show up' but did you install the GoogleContactsSyncAdapter.apk? You can extract it from a OpenGapps or MindTheGapps tarball and then put it in the /system/app/ directory.

[mar-v-in]

Calendar sync works when using the Google Calendar app. Contacts sync works when using the Google Contacts Sync Adapter. Both of this is out of scope of microG, it works because these Google apps make it work.

If you don't want to use any of these proprietary Google components, you can also use DAVx5 to sync calendar and/or contacts.

[xpseudonym]

Thanks @mar-v-in, I think that clarifies things - let me just make sure...:

1. Both GoogleCalendarSync and GoogleContactsSync provide sync between Google and Android for their respective Google Android apps;
2. Google Android Calendar app also provides sync between Google and Android, but Google Android Contacts app does not provide sync between Google and Android;
3. DAVx5 app provides sync with Google for both Android Calendar and Android Contacts.

So, if I want to sync between both Google and Android for both Android Calendar and Android Contacts, I need:

1. GoogleCalendarSync and/ or Google Android Calendar app AND GoogleContactsSync and Google Android Contacts app;
2. DAVx5, probably (I guess) without GoogleCalendarSync and Google Android Calendar app AND without GoogleContactsSync but with Google Android Contacts app (if I want)

The permutations... I think I'll just bin all the Gstuff and go with DAVx5 and non-G contacts and calendar. BUT, the big disclaimer here https://www.davx5.com/tested-with/google/:

Synchronizing with Google accounts is not officially supported neither by DAVx⁵ nor by Google.

Does cause concern...

[MartinX3]

You can also use the pow(d)er of magisk sniiieeef https://github.com/dreamwhite/gsync_adapters_for_magisk

[HuM4NoiD]

@xpseudonym finally which permutation seemed to work? Is there a way I can avoid GoogleContactsSync but still get contacts synced?

[xpseudonym]

I think DAVx⁵ is doing it... Under Accounts I have entries for both: DAVx⁵ And, DAVx⁵ Address book For accounts I have with Google - but, not for long - since Google says it's going to break its contract with its Beta testers to provide Google Apps for free for ever!!! (So, there - Good By Google; Hello Nextcloud.)

[HuM4NoiD]

@xpseudonym I was only able to see davx5 account without the davx5 address book entry. I guess I'll ask about this somewhere else. This issue tracker is for microG. Don't wanna pollute it.

[drrossum]

IF you decide to sync your data with Google servers, why would you want to avoid using their own tool for that task? Genuinely curious!

• on Monday, 2022-02-14 01:38 -0800, Jugal Mistry @.***> wrote:

@xpseudonym I was only able to see davx5 account without the davx5 address book entry. I guess I'll ask about this somewhere else. This issue tracker is for microG. Don't wanna pollute it.

-- Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub: https://github.com/microg/GmsCore/issues/1509#issuecomment-1038863909 You are receiving this because you were mentioned.

Message ID: @.***>

[HuM4NoiD]

IDK, was just exploring alternatives.

[ilikenwf]

IF you decide to sync your data with Google servers, why would you want to avoid using their own tool for that task? Genuinely curious! * on Monday, 2022-02-14 01:38 -0800, Jugal Mistry @.> wrote: … @xpseudonym I was only able to see davx5 account without the davx5 address book entry. I guess I'll ask about this somewhere else. This issue tracker is for microG. Don't wanna pollute it. -- Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub: #1509 (comment) You are receiving this because you were mentioned. Message ID: @.>

In my case it is so I can use Calyx OS to provide updates to my parents' phones while also enhancing their privacy a bit. Baby steps...it's not right to expect my non technical parents to work around all things Google.

Before I even bother with this and just install LineageOS for them instead, can anyone confirm that the sync adapters still work please? @xpseudonym ?

[xpseudonym]

@ilikenwf I'm glad to say I've fully transitioned, so I no longer know much about Google's servers :)

[Hatzen]

I just installed davx5 for free with F-Droid on Iodé and it works like a charm syncing google calendar and contacts with microg.
There should be no difference for CalyxOS

EDIT: I guess this issue can be closed as everything works as intended. But maybe this can be mentioned in the readme somewhere.