Syncthing — Peer-to-Peer Sync Without a Cloud

Why Syncthing

• Private: devices discover each other and exchange data over encrypted connections (TLS); your data isn’t stored on third-party servers.
• Resilient: LAN-fast at home; can relay if needed when you’re remote (you can disable relays if you want LAN-only).
• Transparent: web UI shows what’s syncing and why.

Quick start (two devices)

1. Install Syncthing on both (desktop packages available; on Android use Syncthing-Fork).
2. Open the web UI (usually http://127.0.0.1:8384).
3. Copy the Device ID from Device A and add it on Device B (and vice versa).
4. Create a folder on A → share it to B → accept on B → pick a local path.
5. Drop a file in the folder on A → watch it appear on B. Done.

Recommended settings

• Versioning: enable “Staggered file versioning” for safety (keeps old copies when files change).
• LAN-only mode: if you want purely local sync, disable “Use relays” and “Global discovery.”
• Ignore patterns: add .stversions, OS temp files, etc., to keep noise out.
• Resource limits: cap upload/download if you share a tight connection.

Verify it’s private

1. Open the **Connections** panel — you should see direct connections (LAN) or encrypted relay when remote.
2. Run your OS network monitor: you’ll only see traffic between your devices (or to a relay if enabled), never to a cloud storage provider.

Get Syncthing

• syncthing.net
• GitHub