Syncthing: Your Free and Open-Source File Synchronization Tool

In today's digital age, where cloud storage and file sharing are dominant, Syncthing stands out as an excellent open-source solution. It offers a decentralized approach to keeping your files synchronized across multiple devices. This guide will help you install Syncthing on different devices and showcase its outstanding privacy features.

Syncthing Documentation

Syncthing on GitHub

Setting up Syncthing on Different Platforms:

Android:

    - Install "Syncthing" from the Google Play Store.

    - Launch the app.

    - Grant necessary permissions for the app to access your files.

    - You'll be presented with your device ID, which you'll use to connect other devices.

Linux:

    - Download and install Syncthing for your distribution from the official Syncthing website

    - Start Syncthing: Typically, you can run `syncthing` from the terminal.

    - Access the Syncthing interface via your web browser: `http://localhost:8384/`.

    - Note your device ID on the right-hand side.

Windows:

    - Download and install SyncTrayzor for Windows 

    - Start Syncthing.

    - Access the Syncthing interface via your web browser: `http://localhost:8384/`.

    - Note your device ID on the right-hand side.

Mac:

    - Download and install Syncthing for macOS from the official website.

    - Start Syncthing.

    - Access the Syncthing interface via your web browser: `http://localhost:8384/`.

    - Note your device ID on the right-hand side.

iOS:

    - Syncthing does not have an official iOS app, but there are third-party apps like Möbius Sync that utilize Syncthing's protocol.

    - Install your chosen app and set it up.

    - Note the device ID provided.

To add a device:

- On Device A (like Android), tap "Add Device" or its similar option, then scan the QR code.

- Enter the Device ID of Device B (like Linux).

- On Device B, accept the incoming connection request from Device A.

- Both devices are now paired.

Sharing a Folder:

    - On Device A, choose a folder to share.

    - Share this folder with Device B by selecting it under "Share With Devices".

    - On Device B, accept the incoming folder share request.

    - The folder will now sync between Device A and Device B.

Syncthing doesn't store your data on a central server. Instead, it uses a peer-to-peer method for devices to communicate directly with each other. The data sent between your devices is secure and can only be accessed by the intended recipient. Since Syncthing is open-source, anyone can examine its code to make sure there are no hidden ways to access your data or harmful intentions.