Connect Other Services (When Available)
What “connecting a service” means
Connecting a service lets Spanner work with information you already have somewhere else—so your Apps can be more helpful without you re-typing everything.
When you connect a service, you’re giving Spanner permission to use that service only for the things you approve. What your Apps can do depends on the service and the App you’re running.
Examples (in plain language)
- Bring information in: An App can pull in details you already have elsewhere (for example, items, dates, or notes) so you can track or summarize them in one place.
- Send information out: An App can save something you entered in Spanner back to a connected service (for example, adding something to a list or creating a record).
- Keep things in sync: Some Apps can refresh from a connected service so you’re seeing up-to-date information.
What “disconnecting” means
Disconnecting removes Spanner’s access to that service going forward. After you disconnect:
- Apps that relied on that service may stop updating, show less information, or prompt you to reconnect.
- Any features that needed that connection will no longer work until you connect again.
Before you connect: what to expect
- You’ll be asked to sign in: The service usually opens a sign-in screen so you can approve access.
- You’ll see what Spanner is requesting: For example, it may say it can “read” info (view) and/or “write” info (add/update).
- You stay in control: You can disconnect later, and many services also let you revoke access from their own security settings.
Connect a service
In Spanner, open Settings, then look for Connected services (sometimes shown as Connections).
Select the service you want to connect. If you don’t see it, it may not be available on your device or for that App.
Read the permission screen carefully. It typically explains whether Spanner can view information, add information, or both.
Tap Allow (or the equivalent). You’ll return to Spanner and the service should show as Connected.
Connect from inside an App (when prompted)
Some Apps will ask you to connect at the moment it’s needed (for example, the first time you try to use a feature that relies on another service). If you see a prompt like Connect to continue, follow the on-screen steps—Spanner will take you to the same approval flow.
Disconnect a service
In Spanner, go to Settings → Connected services.
Tap the service that shows as Connected.
Choose Disconnect and confirm. Spanner will stop using that service for any Apps.
How connected services affect your Apps
What you’ll notice when a service is connected
- The App may show a new section like Import, Sync, or From your account.
- You may see quicker setup (for example, suggestions or auto-filled information).
- Some Apps can create results in the other service (for example, saving a new entry).
What you’ll notice when a service is disconnected
- Previously imported information may stop refreshing.
- Buttons like Sync, Import, or Save back may be disabled or may ask you to reconnect.
- You may need to enter information manually again.
Disconnecting primarily removes access going forward. It doesn’t automatically erase information you already entered into Spanner or information that already exists in the other service.
If you’re trying to remove previously saved items, you may need to delete them separately in the place they live (in Spanner or in the other service).
Read means the App can look at information to help you (for example, to show it or summarize it). Write means the App can also add or update information in that service (for example, saving a new item).
If you don’t want Spanner to change anything in the other service, avoid approving write access when there’s a choice.
Common reasons include:
- You connected a different account than the one that has the information you expected.
- The App needs a specific type of access you didn’t approve.
- The service is temporarily unavailable or you’re offline.
Try disconnecting and reconnecting the service, then run the App again.
Often, yes. Many services provide their own security or “connected apps” page where you can remove Spanner’s access. This has the same effect as disconnecting: the App will stop working with that service until you connect again.
Good to know
- Connections are optional: You can still use many Apps without connecting anything—you may just do more manual entry.
- Connect only what you need: If an App doesn’t use a service, there’s no reason to connect it.