I use Notion as my daily note-taking app. However, since all data in Notion is stored entirely in the cloud, I’ve noticed that the app can be slow to load and update notes. I’ve also observed a lag in syncing updates between my laptop and phone.

As a result, I began searching for alternatives and found two options: Anytype and Obsidian. Anytype has a limit of 1GB of cloud storage. Additionally, I wanted an option that allows me to keep my notes in Markdown format, so I decided to use Obsidian.

Obsidian is a great tool, but I missed the sync feature that Notion and Anytype offer. When I checked Obsidian’s website, I found that it charges $4 per month for sync, which adds up to around 4,000 Rupees per year—too expensive for a sync feature, in my opinion.

Suddenly, the developer within me awoke, and I decided to build a setup for myself (time is less costly than money for me 🤪). But then I wondered if another developer might have already thought of this.

And yes, I was right!

I found a solution called Syncthing. Syncthing is a continuous file synchronization program. It’s encrypted, open-source, and uses an open protocol. It works with macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up folder sync between your Mac and Android phone using Syncthing:

Step 1: Install Syncthing on Your Mac

1. Download Syncthing:
   • Visit the Syncthing official website.
   • Download the macOS version of Syncthing.
2. Install Syncthing:
   • Open the downloaded .dmg file.
   • Drag Syncthing to the Applications folder.
3. Run Syncthing:
   • Open Syncthing from the Applications folder.
   • The first time you run it, your web browser will open to the Syncthing web interface.
4. Allow Syncthing through Firewall:
   • If prompted, allow Syncthing to accept incoming network connections in the firewall settings.

Step 2: Install Syncthing on Your Android Phone

1. Download Syncthing:
   • Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
   • Search for “Syncthing” and install it.
2. Run Syncthing:
   • Open the Syncthing app on your Android phone.
   • Allow the necessary permissions for storage and network access.

Step 3: Connect Your Mac and Android Phone

1. Find Your Device ID on Mac:
   • In the Syncthing web interface on your Mac, go to the “Actions” menu (three dots in the top right) and select “Show ID.”
   • Copy the Device ID.
2. Add Your Mac’s Device ID to Android:
   • On your Android phone, open Syncthing.
   • Tap the “Add Device” button (usually a “+” icon).
   • Paste your Mac’s Device ID and give it a name (e.g., “My Mac”).
   • Save the settings.
3. Add Your Android’s Device ID to Mac:
   • On your Android device, tap “Show Device ID” in Syncthing and copy it.
   • In the Syncthing web interface on your Mac, a dialog should appear asking if you want to add a new device (your Android device).
   • Paste the Android device ID if necessary and give it a name (e.g., “My Phone”).
   • Click “Save.”

Step 4: Set Up Folder Sync

1. Add a Folder on Your Mac:
   • In the Syncthing web interface on your Mac, click the “Add Folder” button.
   • Select the folder you want to sync.
   • Assign a label (e.g., “Sync Folder”).
   • Share the folder with your Android device by selecting its name under the “Sharing” section.
   • Click “Save.”
2. Add a Folder on Your Android Phone:
   • On your Android device, tap the folder icon with a “+” in Syncthing.
   • Choose “Receive Folder” if you want to receive the folder from your Mac, or “Send & Receive” for bidirectional sync.
   • Select a location on your phone where you want to store the synced folder.
   • Confirm by tapping “Add.”

Step 5: Start Syncing

1. Initiate Sync:
   • Both devices should now be connected, and the folder will start syncing automatically.
   • You can monitor the sync progress in the Syncthing interfaces on both devices.
2. Check the Sync:
   • Modify a file in the folder on your Mac, and you should see the changes reflected on your Android phone within seconds.

Step 6: Customize Sync Settings (Optional)

• Folder Settings:
  • You can adjust the sync settings such as file versioning, rescan intervals, and file ignore patterns through the folder settings in the Syncthing interface.
• Connection Settings:
  • You can also configure connection settings like enabling or disabling relay and global discovery if you’re on the same local network.

That’s it! You’ve successfully set up Syncthing to sync a folder between your Mac and Android phone.