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Syncthing
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Syncthing?#

Syncthing is an open-source tool that performs continuous file synchronization between devices without the need for a centralized cloud service. All you need for two devices to find each other and start syncing is for Syncthing to be running on both devices and to decide which folders to sync.

Syncthing

Core features#

FeatureDescription
Decentralized syncFiles flow between devices; no reliance on a central “single point of failure”
Continuous updatesSynchronization is automatically triggered when a file is modified
Secure connectionsConnections are secured with authentication
Conflict handlingIf changes occur simultaneously, they are managed using versioning and conflict resolution principles
Web UI / GUIEasy to manage, including a browser interface
Cross-platformRuns on Linux, Windows, macOS, and other platforms

Security model#

In Syncthing, trust is based not so much on a “logged-in account” as on the device ID and the confirmation that “does this device belong to me?” When the same device ID is associated on both sides, synchronization proceeds based on that match.

Getting Started#

  1. Install / Start

    • Install Syncthing from the official website or your distribution’s package manager.
    • When the application opens, you’ll see the web interface (usually http://localhost:8384).
  2. Get a Device ID

    • Copy the Device ID value from the first device.
  3. Add the other device

    • On the second device, use Add Remote Device to enter the first device’s Device ID.
    • Complete the necessary “approve / trust” steps on both devices.
  4. Create a folder pair

    • Select the folder you want to pair (Local Folder).
    • Select which device(s) to pair with (Remote Device).
  5. Connection flow / network

    • If both devices are on the same network, it usually works automatically.
    • If there is NAT/Firewall, you can use port forwarding or (if necessary) relay options.

in short.. WHY?#

I can’t entrust my important personal files to a cloud service!

GO APP#

Syncthing
https://syncthing.net/
Author
Alp
Published at
2026-03-19
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Some information may be outdated