How to Install Syncthing on Ubuntu 24.04

Install Syncthing

Install Syncthing. Installing Syncthing on Ubuntu 24.04 uses a couple of terminal commands. This installation process places the Syncthing software on your computer and sets up Syncthing to start automatically when you log in, making Syncthing ready to use right away.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install syncthing

Syncthing automatically starts on Ubuntu 24.04 when you log in. To set up Syncthing’s automatic startup, run the command `sudo systemctl enable syncthing@$USER.service`. This ensures Syncthing synchronizes files without manual intervention each time you start a session.

systemctl –user enable syncthing

Start or stop the Syncthing service whenever you need with these commands:

systemctl –user start syncthing
systemctl –user stop syncthing

Configure Syncthing

Set up a secure login for Syncthing’s web interface to keep your file syncing private. To do this, open Syncthing’s web address in your browser and go to its settings to create a username and password.

1. Open your web browser and go to http://127.0.0.1:8384.
2. Navigate to the Settings menu in the top right corner.
3. Click on the GUI tab.
4. Enter a unique username and a strong, secure password in the provided fields.
5. Click Save.

The interface will refresh and prompt you to log in with your new credentials.

Log in to the Syncthing portal

Log into the Syncthing portal through your web browser by visiting a specific address. If you can’t connect, make sure the Syncthing service is running and that you’ve correctly set up your username and password in the settings.

systemctl –user status syncthing

https://your-ip-address:8384

Enter the username and password you just created to log in.

Once you log in, click the “Actions” button and select “Show ID” on the top menu.

Copy the connection ID and use it to add a remote device.

Click “Add Remote Device” on the remote computer and enter the connection ID you copied from the other computer. Return to the original computer and confirm the request to connect.

Using GUI Wrappers

If you prefer not to use a web browser, you can install a GUI wrapper. These tools appear on your desktop taskbar and simplify managing your sync status. Look for “Syncthing GTK” or “SyncTrayzor” in your software center to streamline your daily management.

Conclusion

Syncthing is a free, open-source tool that lets you sync files between your own devices without needing a central server. It connects your devices directly, keeping your data private while allowing you to choose which folders sync in real-time.

• Open-source: A free solution for file synchronization.
• Direct Connection: Connects devices directly to keep your data private.
• Customizable: Choose specific folders and set limits to fit your needs.
• Real-time Sync: Files update automatically whenever you make a change.