Sync Obsidian Notes Across All Devices

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What We Will Cover in This Tutorial

  1. What Syncthing is and why you should use it – Learn how Syncthing can sync your notes and files without relying on cloud storage.

  2. How to install and set up Syncthing on different devices – Step-by-step installation for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPhone (Mobius Sync).

  3. How to sync files between devices – Setting up folders, connecting devices.

  4. Using Syncthing with Obsidian – Sync your Obsidian vault across multiple devices for seamless note-taking.

Introduction

This tutorial is for you if you want to sync your notes through out all your devices even if you are not using markdown or obsidian. Syncthing allows you to sync a folder (your files) through out all your devices wether iphone , windows, linux etc.... This tutorial is not for you if ..

Why I use Syncthing?

I use Syncthing to keep all my notes synchronized across my devices. This is important for me because I often take quick notes on my iPhone using Obsidian while on the go. Other times, I'm working on my laptop and need to capture ideas, save notes, or jot down thoughts. Syncthing ensures that all my notes are stored in one place—my Obsidian vault—so I can easily organize them later. Previously, my notes were scattered across different devices, making it hard to keep track of everything. Syncthing solves this problem by syncing my notes in real-time.

What is Obsidian?

Obsidian is a powerful note-taking application that uses Markdown (.md) for formatting. While it is not open-source, it is free to use and highly customizable. Obsidian is useful for developers, writers, and individuals who follow the Zettelkasten method for organizing thoughts. It provides flexibility, supports backlinks for idea connections, and has a vast community creating free plugins to enhance functionality.

What is Markdown .md?

Note: This blog page is created using Markdown :)

Markdown (.md) is a lightweight markup language used for formatting text using simple syntax. It allows users to create formatted documents with headers, bold and italic text, links, lists, and more, without needing complex formatting tools. Markdown is commonly used for documentation, note-taking (such as in Obsidian), and writing content for websites, as it easily converts into HTML.

What is Syncthing?

  • Syncthing is a free, open-source software that allows you to sync files between multiple devices automatically.
  • It does not rely on cloud storage, ensuring privacy and data control.
  • Works over the internet or locally on Wi-Fi for faster transfers.
  • Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone, and Android.

Why Use Syncthing?

  • No subscription fees – a free alternative to Obsidian Sync.
  • Peer-to-peer syncing – your data stays in your control.
  • Cross-platform compatibility – works on multiple operating systems.
  • Runs in the background – automatically syncs changes as they happen.

Installing Syncthing

Windows & macOS

  1. Download Syncthing from the official website.
  2. Install and launch the software.
  3. On macOS, Syncthing appears in the menu bar – click it and select Open Web UI.
  4. On Windows, locate and run Syncthing, then access the Web UI.
  5. If the Web UI does not open, check your system tray for the Syncthing icon and open it manually.

Installing Mobius Sync (Syncthing for iPhone)

Mobius Sync is an iPhone app that brings Syncthing functionality to iOS.

  1. Download Mobius Sync from the Apple App Store.
  2. Open the app and allow necessary permissions.
  3. Set up a local folder for syncing files.
  4. Follow the same steps as Syncthing to add remote devices and share folders.
  5. Ensure background refresh is enabled in iOS settings for continuous syncing.

Android and Linux

  1. Download Syncthing from the Google Play Store (Android) or install it from your Linux package manager.
  2. Open Syncthing and grant necessary permissions.
  3. Set up a local folder for syncing.
  4. Follow the same steps as Syncthing to add remote devices and share folders.

Understanding the Syncthing Interface

  • Web UI Overview:
    • This Device (Your Computer/Phone) is displayed on the left.
    • Shared Folders (Synchronized Directories) are shown on the right.
    • The default folder is present initially.

Setting Up a Sync Folder on Each Device

Windows/Mac/Linux

  1. Open Syncthing Web UI (http://localhost:8384/).
  2. Click "Add Folder".
  3. Folder ID: Enter a name for the sync folder (e.g., ObsidianVault).
  4. Folder Path: Select or create a folder on your system where files will sync.
    • Keep the folder path consistent across devices when possible.
  5. Example: ObsidianVault
  6. Click Save.

Android & iPhone

  1. Open Syncthing/Mobius Sync and go to Folders.
  2. Tap "+" (Add Folder).
  3. Choose a folder (e.g., Documents or ObsidianVault).
  4. Tap Save.

Connecting Devices

  1. On Device A, open Syncthing Web UI.
  2. Click "Actions" → "Show ID" to find the Device ID.
  3. On Device B, go to "Add Remote Device", enter Device A’s ID, and save.
  4. Accept the request on Device A.
  5. Repeat for additional devices.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues:

  • Ensure both devices are on the same network or have internet access.
  • Check firewall settings to allow Syncthing.
  • If devices do not discover each other, try adding them manually using their IP addresses.

Sharing Folders Between Devices

  1. Click the folder in Syncthing Web UI.
  2. Select Edit → Sharing.
  3. Choose the connected device(s) to share the folder with.
  4. The other device must accept the request.
  5. Files will now sync automatically.

How to Verify Syncing is Working:

  • Look for “Up to Date” status in the Web UI.
  • Manually trigger a rescan if files do not appear immediately.

Using Syncthing with Obsidian

  1. Open Obsidian.
  2. Locate your vault folder:
    • Click the vault name → Three dots → Show in system explorer.
  3. Add this folder to Syncthing.
  4. On another device, wait for Syncthing to sync the folder, then open Obsidian and select "Open Folder as Vault".

Best Practices:

  • Ensure all devices use the same Folder ID for the Obsidian vault.
  • Avoid making changes to the same note on different devices simultaneously.
  • Open and close Obsidian regularly to ensure proper syncing.

Conclusion

  • Syncthing is a free and private alternative to cloud sync services.
  • It works across platforms and keeps your data under your control.
  • If you encounter issues, check the Syncthing Community Forum.

Enjoy your synced files! 🚀