How to Install Syncthing on Fedora Server

Syncthing is an open-source, cross-platform tool for synchronizing files between devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Installing Syncthing on a Fedora server is a straightforward process. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to install and configure Syncthing on your Fedora server.

Prerequisites

Step 1: Download Syncthing

First, download the latest Syncthing binary for your operating system from the official Syncthing website at https://syncthing.net/downloads. For Fedora, you'll need to choose the "Linux (64-bit Intel/AMD)" option.

You can use the following command to download the Syncthing binary to your Fedora server:

# wget https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing/releases/download/v1.18.2/syncthing-linux-amd64-v1.18.2.tar.gz

Note: Replace the URL with the latest Syncthing binary download link.

Step 2: Extract Syncthing

Next, extract the downloaded tarball using the following command:

# tar -xzf syncthing-linux-amd64-v1.18.2.tar.gz

Note: Make sure to replace the filename with the correct one for the version you downloaded.

Step 3: Move Syncthing to /usr/local/bin

Once extracted, move the syncthing binary to the /usr/local/bin directory using the following command:

# mv syncthing-linux-amd64-v1.18.2/syncthing /usr/local/bin/

Note: Replace the syncthing-linux-amd64-v1.18.2 directory with the correct version that you downloaded.

Step 4: Create systemd Service for Syncthing

To make Syncthing a system service, create a new systemd service file named syncthing.service using your preferred text editor with the following command:

# nano /etc/systemd/system/syncthing.service

Then, copy and paste the following content into the file:

[Unit]
Description=Syncthing - Open Source Continuous File Synchronization for %I
Documentation=man:syncthing(1)
After=network.target

[Service]
User=%i
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/syncthing
Restart=on-failure
SuccessExitStatus=2 3 4
RestartForceExitStatus=3 4

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Save and close the file.

Step 5: Reload systemd

To reload systemd and pick up the new service file, run the following command:

# systemctl daemon-reload

Step 6: Start and Enable Syncthing

Now that the Syncthing service is created and loaded into systemd, you can start and enable it with the following commands:

Start Syncthing:

# systemctl start syncthing@username.service

Note: Replace username with the username you want Syncthing to run as.

Enable Syncthing to start on boot:

# systemctl enable syncthing@username.service

Note: Replace username with the username you want Syncthing to run as.

Step 7: Access Syncthing WebUI

Syncthing comes with a web-based user interface that lets you monitor and manage your file synchronization. To access the Syncthing web interface, open your web browser and enter your server's IP address or hostname followed by port 8384, in the URL bar:

http://<FEADORA-SERVER-IP-ADDRESS>:8384/

Note: Replace <FEADORA-SERVER-IP-ADDRESS> with your Fedora Server's IP address.

You should see the Syncthing web interface, where you can configure folder sharing and other settings.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to install Syncthing on your Fedora server and run it as a system service. Now you can sync your files across multiple devices with ease using Syncthing.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!