Connecting to a Windows Computer

To copy files to or from a Windows PC, the app must find the computer on your network and the two devices must trust each other. You set up this trust once by scanning a QR code (pairing). After that, the app finds and connects to the computer automatically.

This page is about the Android app connecting to your PC, for a task or an upload. If instead you want SyncFolder on Windows to use this device as storage, see Mobile Sync Server.

Before You Start

  • Your device and the PC are connected to the same network (for example the same Wi-Fi router).
  • SyncFolder is running on the PC.
  • In SyncFolder on Windows, the Mobile Access & Sharing service is turned on and at least one shared folder has been added. Only the folders shared there are visible on your device.

Select a Computer

When you configure a Windows computer location, or when you upload files, the Select a computer page opens. While the app is Searching for your PC..., any discovered computers appear in the list with their name and network address.

  • Tap your computer to select it.
  • If your computer does not appear, either SyncFolder is not running on that PC, or your local Wi-Fi network blocks device discovery. In that case, tap Connect via QR code.
  • If a previously connected computer displays a ⚠️ sign and Not responding, verify that SyncFolder is running on it and that your mobile device is still registered there.

Connect With a QR Code

The first time you use a computer, or when the computer can't be found automatically, pair the devices with a QR code:

  1. On the PC, open SyncFolder, select the Mobile Access & Sharing service and choose Pair a new device. A QR code appears.
  2. On your device, the Scan QR code page opens (or tap Connect via QR code). Allow camera access if asked.
  3. Point the camera at the QR code on the PC screen.
  4. The app shows Pairing for a few seconds and then QR code verified. Authentication successful. Tap Continue.

The QR code is valid for a short time only. If pairing fails, show a new QR code on the PC and scan again.

How the App Finds Your Computer

The app first searches your local network. Some networks block this kind of search, for example guest networks or networks with several routers. The app can then look up the current address of a paired computer through the secure SyncFolder internet service. Only address information is exchanged this way. No files go through this service.

If the computer still can't be found, connect with Connect via QR code. The QR code contains the address of the computer.

When Access Is Removed

If you remove your device in SyncFolder on Windows, the app shows Authorization has been removed. You must scan the QR code again. Tap Scan QR code and pair again as described above.

Best Practices

  • Keep SyncFolder running on the PC: tasks with a Windows computer only work while SyncFolder is running there.
  • Fixed address: if your computer often can't be found, give it a fixed IP address in your router.