syncthing(1)
Syncthing is a continuous file synchronization program that syncs files between devices over the network securely and efficiently.
Synopsis
syncthing [OPTION]... [--home=PATH]Description
Syncthing is a decentralized file synchronization application that keeps folders in sync across multiple devices without relying on a central server. It uses block-level syncing, compression, and TLS encryption to transfer only changed portions of files securely.
The daemon runs in the background and monitors watched folders for changes, automatically syncing them to connected devices. Configuration is managed through a web interface (default port 8384) or by editing the configuration file directly.
Syncthing supports selective synchronization, versioning, large file handling, and works across Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, and mobile platforms. Device discovery happens through local network broadcasts and public discovery servers.
Common options
| Flag | What it does |
|---|---|
-home=PATH | Use PATH as the home directory for configuration and database files (default: ~/.config/syncthing) |
-gui-address=ADDR | Set the GUI address to ADDR (default: 127.0.0.1:8384) |
-no-browser | Disable automatic opening of the web GUI in the default browser |
-logflags=FLAGS | Set log flags for output formatting (0-7; default: 2) |
-verbose | Enable verbose logging output |
-version | Display version information and exit |
-upgrade | Check for available upgrades and exit |
-reset-database | Reset the database and exit (removes file metadata but not synced files) |
-reset-deltas | Reset delta indexes and exit (forces full rescan) |
-audit | Print the entire configuration and exit without starting |
Examples
Start Syncthing daemon with default configuration; opens web GUI automatically
syncthingStart Syncthing in the background without opening the web browser
syncthing -no-browser &Start Syncthing using a custom home directory for configuration files
syncthing -home=/var/lib/syncthingStart Syncthing with the web GUI accessible from any network interface
syncthing -gui-address=0.0.0.0:8384 -no-browserStart with verbose logging and save output to a log file
syncthing -verbose -logflags=3 2>&1 | tee syncthing.logDisplay the installed Syncthing version number
syncthing -versionReset the database and restart Syncthing (forces file rescanning)
syncthing -reset-database && syncthingRestart Syncthing service when running as a systemd user service
systemctl restart syncthing@username