How to Use a Gmail Group on an Android Phone

1. Log in to Gmail on your computer. Use the same Google account that your Android phone accesses. Click the 'Contacts' link on the left. Click on one of the groups listed on the left or click 'Create a New Group.' Add contacts to the group so that your list is current. Wait a few minutes for the changes to sync with your Android phone.

2. Open the application launcher on your Android phone. Tap the 'Contacts' icon. Press the 'Groups' tab at the top of the screen to see the groups on your phone. At the top of the list will be groups that only exist on your phone; scrolling farther down will reveal the groups synced with your Google account. This feature exists in case you want to keep some of the information separate from your Gmail settings.

3. Long-press on one of the contact groups until a pop-up box appears. Choose to edit the group, send a message or send an email. If sending a message or email to a group, you can then choose the individual members of the group with a checklist before writing and sending the message. This way, you don't have to send an email to the entire group if you only want to communicate with a few members.

4. Press the 'Contacts' tab at the top of the screen and then press the button with a list icon on it. Tap 'More' and then 'Display Options.' Tap 'Google' to see the groups associated with your Gmail account. Tap the check box next to a group to enable or disable display. When the box contains a green check mark, those contacts will be displayed; a gray box indicates nothing is being shown from that group.