docs.mlav.land

Sync folders between devices

3 min read

Here’s a step-by-step guide to synchronize a folder between two devices using Syncthing. Syncthing is a powerful, cross-platform tool for syncing folders between devices over Wi-Fi. It’s reliable, secure, and easy to use.

The following use case presents the synchronisation of a “Music” folder between a Macbook Pro and an Android device.

Step 1: Install Syncthing on Both Devices

  1. Install Syncthing on Your MacBook Pro

    • Visit the official Syncthing website: https://syncthing.net.
    • Download the macOS version and follow the installation instructions.
    • Once installed, launch Syncthing. The Syncthing GUI will open in your web browser.

  2. Install Syncthing on Your Android Device

    • Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
    • Search for and install Syncthing or Syncthing-Fork (a popular alternative with additional features).
    • Open the app and complete the setup wizard.

Step 2: Set Up SyncThing on Your Devices

  1. Set Up Syncthing on Your MacBook

    • Open Syncthing in your browser (usually at http://127.0.0.1:8384).
    • Add your music folder as a “Shared Folder”:
      1. Click Add Folder.
      2. Set the folder path to ~/kDrive/Common documents/music/Music.
      3. Name the folder (e.g., Music).
      4. Click Save.

  2. Set Up Syncthing on Your Android Device

    • Open the SyncThing app.
    • Go to Folders and tap the + icon to add a new folder.
    • Set the folder path to /storage/3531-3133/Music.
    • Name the folder (e.g., Music).
    • Save the folder.

Step 3: Connect the Two Devices

  1. Find Your Device IDs:

    • On the Syncthing interface on your Mac, go to Actions > Show ID. Note your Mac’s device ID.
    • On your Android device, open Syncthing, tap the menu, and find the Device ID.

  2. Add Devices:

    • On your Mac:
      1. Go to the Syncthing web GUI.
      2. Click Add Remote Device.
      3. Enter your Android device’s ID and give it a name.
      4. Save the configuration.
    • On your Android device:
      1. Tap Devices and click the + icon.
      2. Enter your Mac’s device ID.
      3. Save the configuration.

  3. Share the Folder:

    • On the Syncthing web GUI on your Mac, edit the Music folder settings.
    • Check the box to share the folder with your Android device.
    • On your Android device, accept the folder share when prompted.

Step 4: Configure Synchronization

  1. Set Sync Preferences on the MacBook

    • Open the folder settings in the Syncthing web GUI.
    • Configure the folder as follows:
      • Folder Type: Select Send Only (optional) if you want the MacBook to push updates but not receive changes.

  2. Set Sync Preferences on Android

    • Open the Syncthing app on Android.
    • Set the folder to Receive Only (optional) to ensure your Android device only receives updates from the Mac.

Step 5: Start Synchronizing

  1. Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Syncthing will start syncing automatically once connected.
  3. You can monitor the synchronization progress in the Syncthing interface on either device.

Backlinks