Exchange ActiveSync: email, appointments and contacts on the smartphone.

What is Exchange ActiveSync?

Exchange ActiveSync, EAS for short, is a Microsoft protocol for mobile devices. It syncs email, appointments and contacts between server and smartphone and reports new messages without delay.

On the device the account type is usually called Exchange. There need not be an Exchange Server behind it: other mailbox services speak ActiveSync too, including Conbool Mail.

ActiveSync or IMAP?

IMAP only carries email. Calendar and contacts then need two more accounts via CalDAV and CardDAV. ActiveSync brings all three in one account.

Then there is setup: through Autodiscover the device finds the server on its own. Address and password are enough.

Setting up an Exchange account on iPhone

On iPhone and iPad setup goes through Settings:

1. 1Open Settings, then Apps, Mail and Mail Accounts.
2. 2Choose Add Account and select Microsoft Exchange.
3. 3Enter the email address, choose Configure Manually, then enter the password.
4. 4Select what to sync: Mail, Contacts, Calendars. Save.

Setting up an Exchange account on Android

On Android the menus differ by manufacturer, but the path is the same:

1. 1Open Settings, then Accounts or Passwords and accounts.
2. 2Choose Add account and select Exchange.
3. 3Enter email address and password. If the device does not find the server, enter the server address manually.
4. 4Confirm the requested permissions and choose what to sync.

Security on mobile devices

A smartphone is lost more easily than a computer. That is why the device should never hold the mailbox's main password, but a password valid only for that device.

If the device is lost or someone leaves, you revoke exactly that one password. All other devices keep working.