Sync Android Files to PC with FolderSync - A Simple Guide
FolderSync: Desktop-Like File Synchronization for Android
Typically, desktop applications such as Dropbox and Google Drive offer seamless folder synchronization across all your connected devices. However, their mobile counterparts generally provide only access to files stored in the cloud.
For Android users seeking true two-way synchronization, FolderSync presents a solution. This application enables the synchronization of files and folders to and from an Android phone, mirroring the functionality found in desktop sync clients.
How FolderSync Differs
Unlike standard cloud storage apps, FolderSync doesn’t limit you to cloud access. It actively synchronizes files, ensuring your phone’s storage is kept up-to-date with your other devices.
This capability is particularly useful for managing files locally and maintaining backups without relying solely on cloud storage.
Key Features and Benefits
- Two-Way Synchronization: Files are synced both to and from your Android device.
- Multiple Account Support: Manage various cloud storage accounts within a single app.
- Folder Selection: Choose specific folders for synchronization, offering granular control.
- Automated Scheduling: Configure synchronization schedules to run automatically.
Essentially, FolderSync bridges the gap between desktop and mobile file management, providing Android users with a more comprehensive synchronization experience.
The Advantages of Utilizing FolderSync
FolderSync presents a compelling solution for transferring data between Android devices and computers. While alternatives like Google Photos and Dropbox offer automatic syncing capabilities, they often fall short in terms of user control.
Google Photos, for instance, provides unlimited storage for Android photos, including camera captures, saved images, and screenshots. Users can even specify which folders are included in the synchronization process.
Similarly, Dropbox features automatic camera uploads, streamlining the process of backing up mobile photos. However, both services restrict users regarding the precise storage location of their files.
Granular Control with FolderSync
FolderSync distinguishes itself by offering exceptionally detailed control over the synchronization process. It empowers users to define exactly what is synced, the destination folder, the synchronization schedule, and a multitude of other parameters.
This level of customization is particularly valuable for individuals who require precise management of their data and storage.
FolderSync Versions: Lite vs. Pro
Two distinct versions of the application are available to cater to different user needs:
- FolderSync Lite: This is the free, ad-supported version. It is limited to two accounts and lacks advanced features such as sync filters and integration with Tasker.
- FolderSync Pro: Priced at $2.87, the Pro version removes advertisements and provides unlimited functionality.
It is recommended to begin with the Lite version to evaluate the application's capabilities. Should more advanced features become necessary, upgrading to the Pro version is a straightforward process.
Ultimately, FolderSync provides a robust and flexible solution for Android data synchronization, surpassing the limitations of more basic alternatives.
Setting Up FolderSync: A Comprehensive Guide
Initial configuration of FolderSync, like many applications boasting extensive features, can appear daunting. However, with a clear understanding of the process, setup can be remarkably straightforward. With repeated use, the procedure quickly becomes intuitive.
The initial stages of setup are relatively simple, guiding you through a basic introduction and allowing you to select a preferred startup screen. The choice made here is not critical, as it can be altered later within the settings menu.
You will first be prompted to choose the screen displayed upon application launch. Selecting the home screen is generally recommended, as it provides convenient access to all available options.
If your device utilizes an SD card or has its internal storage partitioned, FolderSync will require permission to access these areas. Tap the "External Storage Permission" button, choose the desired SD card or partition, and confirm your selection by pressing "Select". This grants FolderSync access to files it might otherwise be unable to reach.
The remaining options are straightforward: choose whether to automatically submit crash reports to the developer, aiding in app improvement; and then review the setup. Confirm your choices by tapping "Save" in the bottom right corner, and you will be ready to begin configuring synchronization settings.
The core functionality now becomes accessible, though the level of customization can be extensive. Before proceeding, it’s helpful to understand the terminology used within FolderSync:
- File Manager: This is the application’s integrated file browsing tool.
- Sync Status: This section displays the current synchronization activity and any encountered issues.
- Accounts: Here, you can add and manage cloud storage accounts, such as Dropbox and Google Drive.
- Folderpairs: This is where you define which folders are synchronized between your device and a remote location.
Synchronization can be initiated in two ways: manually or through the automated wizard. Both methods achieve similar results, but the manual option provides greater control over synchronization parameters, which is worth exploring. The wizard can be used for initial setup, after which you can refine the settings within the folderpair configuration.
Setting Up Synchronization Using the Wizard
The setup process, much like with other wizards, is generally quite simple. Begin by tapping the "Create new sync" button and assigning a name to the folder pairing—ensure the name is distinctive and accurately reflects the content being synchronized. For this instance, a folder pair for screenshots is being established.
Subsequently, a cloud account will need to be added. FolderSync is compatible with numerous popular services, including Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon Cloud Drive, Box, OneDrive, and several others. Select the "Add Account" button and choose the desired account, initiating the configuration procedure.
As with folder pairs, the initial step involves selecting a name. It’s advisable not to make this name specific to the action itself, as you might eventually add different folder pairs that synchronize to the same service. Generally, naming it after the service itself is a good practice. For instance, Google Drive can simply be named "Drive."
You will then enter your cloud storage service credentials by pressing the "Authenticate Account" button. After logging in, remember to click the "Save" button located in the bottom right corner; otherwise, all entered information will be lost, and the process will need to be restarted.
Following account selection, tap "next" to define the synchronization type. Three primary options are available:
- To local folder: Data is transferred from a cloud storage folder to the Android device.
- To remote folder: Data is transferred from the Android device to a folder within your cloud storage.
- Two-way: Data is kept synchronized between the device and the service.
In this example, a folder pair will be created to transfer all screenshots from the Android device to Google Drive, therefore, the "To remote folder" option will be selected.
On the subsequent screen, you will designate the folder to be synchronized and its destination. The "Remote folder" option allows you to select the folder from your cloud storage service—simply tap the blank area to access the folder picker. Once the desired folder is located, tap the green checkmark in the lower right corner. A new remote folder can be created using the plus sign in the upper right.
The procedure is identical for the local folder, but this time you will choose the folder on your device that you wish to synchronize. In this case, the screenshots folder, located in Pictures/Screenshots on the phone, will be synchronized. Tap the "Next" button when finished.
The subsequent and final screen of the wizard allows you to manage scheduled synchronization options. To enable a scheduled sync, check the "Use scheduled sync" box and select the desired interval. Numerous options are available, ranging from short intervals like "every 5 minutes" to "every 12 hours," as well as daily, weekly, monthly, and advanced settings. Selecting the "advanced" option allows for the specification of exact days and times for synchronization.
The wizard is now complete—your folder pair should be configured. To access more advanced features, such as instant synchronization, you will need to manually edit the folder pair.
Configuring Advanced Folderpair Settings
After a folderpair is established, modifications can be made by navigating to the menu – accessed by tapping the three lines in the upper left corner – and selecting "Folderpairs." Subsequently, tap on the desired folderpair, such as the "Screenshots" example.
Within this interface, all previously configured options – including account details, synchronization type, remote and local folder paths, and scheduling parameters – can be adjusted. Furthermore, access to more sophisticated functionalities is provided, encompassing sync behaviors, connection preferences, notifications, and specialized settings for advanced users. While these options may initially appear complex, each section will be examined individually.
Synchronization Options
A wealth of features are available here, but enabling "Instant sync" is a practice I consistently recommend. This instructs the application to continuously monitor the folderpair and immediately transfer new files to the designated remote location.
Additional options present powerful capabilities depending on the specific use case. For instance, "Delete source files after sync" can assist in conserving storage space on the mobile device. In the case of screenshots, once transferred, they may no longer be needed on the device itself, preventing unnecessary storage consumption.
Pay close attention to the selections at the bottom concerning "Overwrite old files" and handling "If conflicting modifications" occur. The former allows choosing between "always" or "never" overwriting existing files, while the latter defines the application's behavior when file conflicts are detected. A common approach is to simply "Overwrite oldest" files.
Connection Preferences
This section offers granular control over Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. FolderSync can be configured to utilize Wi-Fi for synchronization, restrict syncing to specific networks (identified by their SSIDs), or permit synchronization over mobile networks. While syncing on any Wi-Fi network is acceptable, consuming mobile data is undesirable, so those options are typically disabled. Unless an unlimited data plan is in place, a similar approach is advised.
Notification Settings
Should you desire to be informed of all FolderSync activity in the background, this is where those settings are managed. Provided operations proceed without issue, I prefer to remain unburdened by notifications. However, I do wish to be alerted in the event of an error. Therefore, I generally enable only the "Show notification on sync error" option, maintaining a clean notification area when everything functions correctly.
Advanced Configuration
Most of these options can safely be left at their default values. However, to minimize battery consumption, consider enabling the "Only sync if charging" option. While I have used FolderSync for an extended period without observing significant battery drain, this remains a useful setting for those prioritizing battery life.
Upon completing the folderpair editing process, remember to click the "Save" button located in the bottom right corner. Failure to do so will necessitate a complete re-configuration of all settings.
Initiating Synchronization and Utilizing the FolderSync Widget
There are instances where automatic folder synchronization isn't desired. Instead, users may prefer to manually control when their folder pairs are synchronized. Several methods exist to achieve this, the most straightforward being the "Sync" button located on the folder pairs page.
While this button is accessible for each individual folder pair, synchronizing multiple pairs simultaneously is most efficiently done using one of the provided widgets.
Begin by navigating to your device’s home screen and performing a long press. Select the "Widgets" icon, then scroll down to the "Foldersync" section. Here, you’ll find three widget options: Shortcut, 1x1, and 3x1.
The Shortcut widget offers customization, allowing you to designate a specific folder pair for synchronization, open a preferred folder, or quickly access a particular FolderSync page.
The 1x1 and 3x1 widgets function as simple "sync all" commands. Tapping these widgets immediately initiates synchronization for all configured folder pairs. The 1x1 widget provides no visual feedback during synchronization, unless notifications are enabled in the settings. However, the 3x1 widget displays the synchronization status after activation.
This explanation represents only a basic overview of FolderSync’s capabilities. The application is remarkably versatile, offering a range of features to suit both simple and complex data synchronization needs between your Android device and a cloud service.