When trying to sync files between your devices, you usually have to rely on cloud-based services. Even if your devices are sitting next to each other, with a cloud solution, your files have to travel to the other end of the world and then back for your devices. Plus, you’re handing your files to a third party. That’s where Resilio Sync can help.
Resilio Sync is a great solution for syncing files between most devices you use every day. The only difference is that it creates a BitTorrent-like P2P network between your devices, so your files stay on your devices. You can sync files between your Linux and Windows computers, smartphone and tablet. And the best part is that it’s absolutely free to use.
Also read: Easily Sync Files Between Windows and Android Phone Without Going Through the Cloud
Install Resilio Sync
For Windows and macOS users, you can simply download the installer and install it on your computer. For Linux users, the site provides deb and rpm files that you can download to install on your machine. Arch Linux users can find it in AUR.
Resilio Sync works better as an always-on service. To have it autostart instead of having to run it manually, run the command (in Linux):
sudo systemctl enable resilio-sync
For security purposes, Sync doesn’t run under your account, but as the restricted “rslsync.” To make it work under your user account, you have to add yourself to the “rslsync” group and vice-versa. You can give it access rights to your files and allow your account to access whatever it syncs with:
sudo usermod -aG USERNAME rslsync sudo usermod -aG rslsync USERNAME
Finally, you’ll have to create its folder and set up proper rights for it:
mkdir sync sudo chmod g+rw sync
Share your content
Unlike the versions for, say, Windows, that come with a GUI, the Linux version only comes with a web interface. Access it by firing up your favorite browser and visiting 127.0.0.1:8888.
Start by entering the username and password you’ll use to access Sync.
Change the default “rslsync” to the alias you’d like to show up when you’re sharing content with others. Click “Get started.”
Click on the “+” symbol on the top left and select “Standard folder” to share any folder in your filesystem.
Select the folder you want to share.
While on the “Link” tab, if sharing with others, you may want to leave your folder as “Read Only.” If sharing between your devices or with people you trust, change it to “Read & Write.”
If sharing between your own devices, it’s easier to use a “Key.” Move to the “Key” tab and copy either the “Read & Write” or “Read Only” key. Then, on your other devices, click on the “+” icon to add a new folder, but this time choose “Enter a key or link” and paste your key to add your shared folder to them. You’ll also have to select a local folder where your folder’s contents will be mirrored.
Finally, for sharing with mobile devices, it’s easier to use the “QR code” option. The mobile version of Sync has an extra “Scan QR code” option. Choose it, and when your camera pops on your phone or tablet, scan the QR code on your computer screen.
And that’s it. When Sync detects other devices (“peers”) are accessible, it will start syncing your files between them. You can add as many folders as you wish and share them between different computers or contacts. No “cloud” needed! If you are still insistent on using the cloud, here are some of the best cloud storage services to use.
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