This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by ByteKnight
Tired of juggling USB drives or trusting your personal files to someone else’s cloud? Syncthing is a free, open‑source, peer‑to‑peer file sync tool that puts you in control. It’s built for privacy 
, security 
, and flexibility — and it works seamlessly across devices.
What is Syncthing? 
Syncthing connects your devices directly, syncing files without a central server. Whether you’re keeping work documents aligned between your laptop and phone or sharing project folders with a team, your data stays private, encrypted, and entirely under your control. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and more — so your setup can be as simple or as cross‑platform as you like.
Why People Choose Syncthing
- Privacy First – No third‑party servers. Your files never leave your devices, and all transfers are encrypted with TLS.
- Open Source – Transparent, community‑driven, and licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0.
- Flexible Syncing – Pick the folders, choose one‑way or two‑way sync, and enable versioning to keep older file copies.
- No Accounts, No Subscriptions – Install, connect devices with a unique ID, and start syncing — no sign‑ups required.
How to Get Started 
- Download & Install – Grab Syncthing from syncthing.net for your desktop OS. On Android, find it on Google Play or F‑Droid.
- Connect Devices – Each device gets a unique ID. Share it securely to link them.
- Select Folders – Choose what to sync and set permissions (read‑only or read‑write).
- Let It Run – Syncthing works quietly in the background, keeping your files up to date everywhere.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by ByteKnight