A little clarity. A lot more in sync.

Answers to your questions about setup, syncing, and licenses.

24 questions

Getting started

Which computers does SyncKeeper support?

SyncKeeper supports Windows and macOS, including Windows to Mac, Windows to Windows, and Mac to Mac. Android and iOS are not supported.

How do I create my first Sync Space?

Install SyncKeeper, read and accept the license agreement, and activate with your purchase email and license key. Choose your theme and language, then open Sync Spaces. Pick a sync mode, choose two folders, set your rules, and create the Sync Space. Syncing starts after creation when the folders and connection are available.

Can I sync two folders on one computer?

Yes. Choose This computer for both sides of the Sync Space. You can sync folders on different drives, such as C:\folder-A and D:\folder-B, or use directly attached external storage. Keep the drives connected while syncing.

Is SyncKeeper a full computer backup?

No. SyncKeeper synchronizes folders and provides Recovery for protected changes. It does not create a system image, clone your drive, or replace an independent backup. Recovery depends on your retention and deletion settings.

Devices & connections

How do I connect Windows and Mac?

Install and activate SyncKeeper on both computers. In Devices, show an invitation on one computer and enter its six-digit code on the other. Compare the verification words before approving. Keep both apps running on a network where they can reach each other. The same process works between two Windows computers or two Macs.

Where do I add a shared folder?

Add the folder directly on the computer that owns it, under Devices → View device → Shared folders. The other computer can view and select that shared folder when creating a Sync Space, but cannot add a folder on your behalf. Sharing authorizes the trusted computer to use that folder without another approval. Depending on the sync mode, it can add, replace, or remove files. Only share folders with a computer you trust.

Why can’t the other computer be reached?

Keep both apps open and confirm that the invitation shows the correct network address and port. The same Wi-Fi name does not guarantee devices can communicate: guest networks, phone hotspots, VPN adapters, and firewall rules can block connections. On macOS, allow SyncKeeper’s network access in Privacy & Security when prompted. Allow SyncKeeper through the firewall rather than turning the firewall off. If discovery fails, try the invitation’s manual address.

Can I use a NAS, or sync when a computer is offline?

Mounted NAS and network folders can be used while the share is accessible to the computer running SyncKeeper. SyncKeeper is not a NAS server application. Transfers between computers require both apps to be running and reachable; an offline or sleeping computer cannot receive files. SyncKeeper does not include an internet relay or direct Google Drive or OneDrive cloud-service integration.

Sync & automation

What is the difference between the four sync modes?

One-way sends new and changed files from the source to the destination. Two-way reconciles changes from either folder. Real-time watches for changes automatically, with one-way or two-way operation. Mirror makes the destination match the source, including removing destination-only items under its deletion rules. Review your deletion settings before starting.

Does Run check changes on both computers?

For a two-way Sync Space in Smart mode, yes. Starting Run or Sync now on either computer checks changes on both sides. Operating device first is a separate setting for manual two-way runs: the computer you start from becomes authoritative, so it can replace changes or restore files deleted on the other side. Scheduled and real-time runs keep Smart behavior; one-way and Mirror keep their source and destination rules.

Can changes sync automatically in both directions?

Yes. Choose two-way operation under Real-time sync, or enable two-way real-time sync in an existing two-way Sync Space. Either computer can change this setting. If the other computer is offline, the setting shows as waiting to sync until it reconnects. Automatic transfers need both apps running and the folders reachable.

Can I schedule syncs and choose which files are included?

Yes. One-way, two-way, and Mirror tasks support daily, weekly, monthly, one-time, interval, and event-trigger schedules, including monthly week and date choices. Wake and after-task power actions depend on the operating system and its permissions. File inclusion masks, file and folder exclusion masks, subfolder, hidden-file, and system-file options control what participates. Empty folders can sync too.

Safety & Recovery

What happens if both copies of a file change?

Smart two-way sync compares changes with the previous sync. A change on only one side can move automatically, and identical content does not need conflict review. Competing edits that cannot be reconciled safely remain a conflict. Open Activity → Conflicts to choose what to keep; do not assume the newest timestamp always identifies the correct copy.

What happens when I delete a synced file?

In Smart two-way sync, deletion of a previously synced file can propagate to an unchanged copy on the other side. If the other copy was modified, the deletion remains a conflict. Large deletion batches require confirmation. Mirror follows the source; other modes follow their configured deletion rules. Recovery is the default destination for protected removals, but Settings can switch to permanent deletion. Operating device first changes manual two-way behavior, so check that setting before running.

How do I restore a replaced or removed file?

Open Activity → Recovery, find the protected version, and use its restore action. Recovery copies remain subject to retention and available storage. Add 30 days extends an item’s retention and can be undone. Permanently deleting Recovery items, including Remove all, cannot be undone. Files removed with permanent deletion enabled are not protected by Recovery.

Do my files pass through Odeysoft servers?

No. File content transfers directly between trusted computers over an encrypted connection. Folder configuration, history, and protected copies stay on the computers you use. License activation, update checks, website purchases, and support are separate services and may require an internet connection. Never send private file contents or a full license key when sharing a diagnostic report.

Licenses & payments

Does Yearly renew automatically?

No. Yearly is a one-time payment for 12 months. Renew manually when you need to. The 12-month term starts when your paid license is issued.

How many computers can I activate?

Each purchase includes one license for one computer at a time. To sync two licensed computers, purchase a license for each. Windows and macOS use the same license format.

How do I receive my license after payment?

After Stripe confirms your payment, your license appears on the purchase page and is sent to your checkout email. Activate SyncKeeper with that email and the license key. Keep the purchase page open until your key is ready.

Do I need to activate, and is a trial included?

The standard SyncKeeper installer requires you to accept the license agreement and activate with your email and SKP license key before using the app. Request a trial through Get Trial: verify your Gmail address, then submit the request. One trial per Gmail address; additional requests from the same IP address may need approval. Yearly and Lifetime plans are also available. Check Settings → License for your activation and access details.

Who can help with payment, license email, or refund questions?

Payment takes place on Stripe’s hosted checkout. If a paid purchase has no license yet, keep the result page open, check your email’s spam folder, and contact support with the checkout email and payment reference. Never send card details or your full license key. Contact support about refund eligibility and the terms that apply to your purchase.

Updates & support

How do I update SyncKeeper?

Open Settings → Update to check for a newer version. Only install updates from a trusted SyncKeeper source.

Can I change the language and theme?

Yes. Choose English, Simplified Chinese, or Malay (Malaysia), and a light or dark appearance. You can change these preferences in Settings after setup.

What should I send when asking for help?

Describe what you expected, what happened, and the steps to reproduce it. Include both computers’ operating systems, SyncKeeper versions, the sync mode, and the exact error or Diagnostic ID if shown. A Diagnostic ID helps match an error to a diagnostic record; it is not a remote-access code. Review exported reports before sharing, and remove sensitive paths, file contents, email addresses, and license keys.

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