Data is synchronized between a mobile device and a computing device over a wireless link. Synchronization operations are scheduled according to a synchronization schedule that is based on a current time of day. In one embodiment, the day can be divided into different time periods by the user. The user can also specify the frequency with which synchronization operations are to be performed during each specified period. Further, the user can specify an override schedule which overrides the ordinary synchronization schedule established by the user when override criteria are present. For instance, if the mobile device is roaming, the synchronization schedule will be dictated by the override schedule, which may sync much less often, or not until a specific user synchronization request has been received. The present invention can be embodied both as a method and as a apparatus. Also, the user interface associated with the present invention provides for user input to specify time periods during the day, synchronization frequency information, and an override schedule.