I back up data using an open source app, and I may never need Google Drive again

I’ve been rooting for Google Drive since its inception and have used it to back up all my personal data for years.

But recently, Google has begun changing certain policies to push users toward its subscription model. I began with a simple thought: What if there were another way to back up my phone’s data automatically?

That’s when I came across Syncthing and decided to give it a chance.

Why Syncthing is a great alternative to Google Drive

An open source alternative for backing up phones

There are several open source solutions you can try, but I prefer Syncthing.

If you haven’t heard of Syncthing, it’s an open source file synchronization tool that can communicate with your computer or NAS (Network Attached Storage).

It essentially works on a peer-to-peer framework and automatically syncs files between two or more devices.

It works with all major operating systems, including Android via a third-party app from the Play Store.

Syncthing discontinued its official app in 2024, but the Syncthing-Fork app from the Play Store is the one most trusted by the community.

I started using Syncthing-Fork on my OnePlus 9 Pro after I learned that phone backups are now included in the Google One subscription.

On top of that, Google Drive also removed support for automatic photo backups in its desktop app. It felt like Google was trying to squeeze you from all corners and make you spend more on the Google One subscription.

Thankfully, Syncthing was an easy solution I found after a quick search for alternatives on Gemini.

I currently use Syncthing with my phone and MacBook Pro to see if it’s reliable. And so far, I’m not disappointed.

But Syncthing only works when both devices need to communicate and are always online at the same time.

While my phone is always on and connected to the internet, the same cannot be said about my laptop.

However, when my laptop is on while working, it syncs my photos, videos, and folders that I’ve set up in the background.

However, for Syncthing to replace Google Drive for me, I will eventually need to set it up with my NAS.

Best of all, it’s free.

What takes the cake, though, are the data transfer speeds. Since both devices are on the same network, data transfers much faster than it would on Google Drive.

To be fair, uploading small files to Google Drive doesn’t take up too much time. But the moment you start backing up larger files, you start to feel the limitations of cloud storage.

The limitations of using Google Drive aren’t limited to transfer speeds; they also include storage space.

If you’re not subscribed to Google One, you get 15GB of storage, which can fill up quickly if you like to back up photos and videos.

Now that your phone backups are also included in this quota, you’ll eventually be forced to upgrade to a paid Google One plan.

Phone backups are a much larger size than documents. They include everything from photos and videos to WhatsApp backups.

Syncthing gives you full control of your backups

Live without any worry

Syncthing gives you plenty of options to set up according to your preferences. If you want a device to receive only data, that is possible.

You can even set up a two-way folder sync, but I would advise against that in case you delete a file by mistake.

Other options include restricting uploads to only when you’re connected to Wi-Fi and specific networks. When I set it up with NAS, I can also add the condition that my phone backs up only when it’s charging at night.

Needless to say, you can add as many devices as you want and set up different conditions for each.

But to get started backing up your phone, you will need to set it up first. Here’s how you can start using Syncthing on your phone:

                                Install **Syncthing-Fork**from the Play Store.

Download the corresponding app for the device you’ll use for backups from Syncthing’s website.
Grant all the necessary permissions for both apps.

                                On the Syncthing-Fork Android app, go to the **Devices**section and tap**+**to add a device.

                                Scan the QR code in the Syncthing app on your computer, or paste the**Device ID**into the**Syncthing Web GUI**and accept the connection on the other device.

Now that your devices are synced, set up the folder you want to back up.

                                Go to the **Folders**tab in Syncthing-Fork on your phone.

                                Tap**+**to create or share a folder.

                                Select your desired folder that should look like this: **/storage/emulated/0/YourFolderName**

Configure whether you want the folder to sync, send only, or receive only.

Why I may never use Google Drive again

After using Syncthing on my phone, up data.

I can upload pictures, photos, and documents daily to my computer or NAS and never have to worry about exceeding storage limits.

SyncThing’s initial setup isn’t as straightforward as using Google Drive, but it’s worth the hassle. When you’re fully set up, you don’t have to worry about your backups ever again.