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How to Sync Your Obsidian Notes Privately Across Windows, iOS, and Android

Nitin Ahirwal / March 31, 2025

TechnicalProductivitySelf-HostingPrivacy

🔥 Introduction

Are you fed up with syncing your Obsidian notes through services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Obsidian Sync? I was too. iCloud gives you just 5GB free before charging, Google Drive won’t sync to iOS devices, and Obsidian Sync costs $4/month—all while storing your data on someone else’s servers. I wanted a solution that’s free, private, and lets me control my notes across my Windows PC, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone. That’s where SyncThing and Tailscale come in! 💡

SyncThing is a free, open-source tool that syncs files directly between your devices—no cloud needed. Tailscale adds a secure, private VPN to keep everything safe, even over public Wi-Fi. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every single step to set up a private, secure syncing system for your Obsidian notes across Windows, iOS, and Android. It’s detailed enough for beginners, so grab your devices and let’s dive in to take back control of your notes! 🧠

🛠️ Setting Up Your SyncThing Server

The SyncThing server is the hub that holds and shares your Obsidian vault. I’ll use Proxmox (a virtualization platform) on a mini HP PC, but you can use any always-on computer—like your Windows PC—if you don’t have a home lab.

âś… Step-by-Step:

  1. Choose Your Server Device:

    • Option 1: Use Proxmox on a dedicated machine (e.g., a mini PC). You’ll need Proxmox installed—download it from proxmox.com and follow their setup guide if you don’t have it.
    • Option 2: Use your Windows PC as the server (skip to Step 5 if so).

  2. Log Into Proxmox:

    • Open a browser on any device on your network, type your Proxmox IP (e.g., https://192.168.1.100:8006), log in with your credentials (default is root and your setup password).

  3. Get the SyncThing Script:

    • Visit tteck.github.io/Proxmox/, scroll to “SyncThing LXC,” and copy the bash script (e.g., bash -c "$(wget -qLO - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tteck/Proxmox/main/ct/syncthing.sh)").

  4. Install SyncThing on Proxmox:

    • In Proxmox, click your node (e.g., “pve”), then “Shell” in the left sidebar.
    • Paste the script, press Enter, type y for “Yes,” and hit Enter again.
    • Select your storage (e.g., a 1TB M.2 drive) when prompted—use arrow keys and Enter to confirm.
    • Wait 3-5 minutes. If you see “no internet detected,” type y and proceed—it’ll still work.
    • When done, note the URL (e.g., http://192.168.x.x:8384)—copy it to a text file.

  5. Access SyncThing (Proxmox or PC):

    • Open the URL in a browser. If using a PC, download SyncThing from syncthing.net/downloads (Windows 64-bit), install it, and launch it—it opens at http://localhost:8384.
    • A pop-up asks about anonymous usage reporting—click “No” for privacy.

  6. Secure It:

    • Click “Settings” (gear icon, top right), then “GUI” tab.
    • Set Username to admin, Password to admin (or your choice), click “Save.” It logs you out—log back in with your new credentials.

  7. Name Your Server:

    • In “Settings” > “General,” change “Device Name” to “SyncThing Server,” click “Save.”

  8. Remove Default Folder:

    • Under “Folders,” click the default folder (e.g., “default”), hit “Edit,” then “Remove,” confirm with “Yes.”

  9. Add Your Obsidian Folder:

    • Click “Add Folder.”
    • Label: “Po’s Obsidian Sync Folder” (or your name).
    • Folder ID: po-obsidian-vault (unique, same on all devices).
    • Path: /home/syncthing/obsidian-files (Proxmox) or a new folder like C:\SyncThing\Obsidian (PC)—create it if it doesn’t exist.
    • File Versioning: Click the tab, select “Simple File Versioning,” set “Keep Versions” to 5, “Days” to 30.
    • Click “Save.” It’s empty now—we’ll fill it later.

Pro Tip: Back up your Obsidian vault (e.g., D:\Obsidian) before proceeding—copy it to a USB or use EaseUS Todo Backup.

đź“‹ Connecting Your Windows PC

Now, connect your main Windows PC (where your Obsidian vault is) to the server.

âś… Step-by-Step:

  1. Install SyncThing (if not the server):

    • Download from syncthing.net/downloads (Windows 64-bit), run the installer, launch it (opens http://localhost:8384).
    • Decline usage reporting, set Username/Password in Settings > GUI (e.g., admin/admin), save, log back in.

  2. Name Your PC:

    • Settings > General, set “Device Name” to “Po’s PC” (or your name), save.

  3. Remove Default Folder:

    • Under “Folders,” click “default,” Edit > Remove, confirm “Yes.”

  4. Add Your Obsidian Vault:

    • Click “Add Folder.”
    • Label: “Po’s Obsidian Vault.”
    • Folder ID: po-obsidian-vault (must match server).
    • Path: Your vault location (e.g., D:\Obsidian—find it in Obsidian via “Open folder as vault”).
    • Click “Save.” It shows your file count (e.g., 3,461 files)—verify in File Explorer (right-click vault > Properties).

  5. Link PC to Server:

    • On PC, Actions > Show ID, copy the long device ID.
    • On server, click “Add Remote Device,” paste the ID, name it “Po’s PC,” check “Po’s Obsidian Sync Folder” under Sharing, save.
    • On PC, a pop-up shows “SyncThing Server”—click “Add,” check “Po’s Obsidian Vault” under Sharing, save.
    • Watch it sync—progress shows on both (e.g., “60% complete”), then “Up to Date.” Server now has your files (check via WinSCP or shell: cd /home/syncthing/obsidian-files).

📱 Syncing Your iPhone

For iOS, use Mobius Sync Pro (a $5 one-time purchase) to sync with your iPhone.

âś… Step-by-Step:

  1. Install Apps:

    • Open App Store, search “Obsidian” and “Mobius Sync Pro,” install both (Mobius Sync Pro costs $5—no subscriptions).

  2. Create a Vault in Obsidian:

    • Open Obsidian, tap “Create new vault,” name it “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” tap “Create,” skip sync setup.
    • Open Files app, find “On My iPhone” > “Obsidian” > “Po’s Obsidian Vault”—it’s empty now.

  3. Set Up Mobius Sync Pro:

    • Open Mobius Sync Pro, swipe through welcome screens, tap “Continue,” allow local network access when prompted.
    • Tap “default” folder, Edit > Remove, confirm “Yes.”

  4. Add Your Vault:

    • Tap “Add Folder.”
    • Label: “Po’s Obsidian Vault.”
    • Folder ID: po-obsidian-vault (match server).
    • Folder Path: Tap “Pick External Folder,” navigate to “Obsidian” > “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” tap “Open,” proceed past the warning.
    • Tap “Save.”

  5. Name Your iPhone:

    • Tap settings (gear icon), set “Device Name” to “Po’s iPhone,” save.

  6. Connect to Server:

    • On server, Actions > Show ID, tap “QR Code.”
    • On iPhone, in Mobius Sync, tap “Add Remote Device” > “Scan QR Code,” allow camera access, scan the server’s code.
    • Check “Po’s Obsidian Vault” under Sharing, save.
    • On server, a pop-up shows “Po’s iPhone”—click “Add,” check “Po’s Obsidian Sync Folder,” save.
    • Sync starts—takes 1-2 minutes, then “Up to Date.”

  7. Finalize Obsidian:

    • Open Obsidian, tap the sidebar (three lines), then settings (gear).
    • Theme: Appearance > Theme, pick your favorite (e.g., Minimal).
    • Core Plugins: Core Plugins, disable “Sync,” enable “Commands,” “Workspaces,” etc.
    • Community Plugins: Turn on “Community Plugins,” reload if needed.
    • CSS Snippets: Appearance > CSS Snippets, enable yours.
    • Check your notes—they’re all there!

Note: To sync changes back, reopen Mobius Sync Pro—it pushes updates to the server.

📱 Syncing Your iPad

The iPad setup is nearly identical to the iPhone.

âś… Step-by-Step:

  1. Install Apps:

    • App Store: Install “Obsidian” and “Mobius Sync Pro” ($5).

  2. Create a Vault:

    • Open Obsidian, “Create new vault,” name it “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” create, skip sync.

  3. Set Up Mobius Sync Pro:

    • Open it, swipe through intros, tap “Continue,” allow network access.
    • Remove “default” folder (Edit > Remove > Yes).

  4. Add Your Vault:

    • “Add Folder,” Label “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” ID po-obsidian-vault.
    • Path: “Pick External Folder” > “Obsidian” > “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” open, proceed past warning, save.

  5. Connect to Server:

    • Server: Actions > Show ID > QR Code.
    • iPad: Mobius Sync > “Add Remote Device” > “Scan QR Code,” scan, share “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” save.
    • Server: Accept “Po’s iPad,” share “Po’s Obsidian Sync Folder,” save.
    • Syncs in 1-2 minutes.

  6. Finalize Obsidian:

    • Theme, core/community plugins, and CSS snippets—same as iPhone.

📱 Syncing Your Android Device

Android uses the free SyncThing app, making it simpler than iOS.

âś… Step-by-Step:

  1. Install Apps:

    • Google Play Store: Search “Obsidian” and “Syncthing,” install both (free).

  2. Create a Vault:

    • Open Obsidian, tap “Create new vault,” name it “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” create, skip sync.
    • Note the path (e.g., Internal Storage/Obsidian/Po’s Obsidian Vault)—find it via “Open folder as vault” if unsure.

  3. Set Up SyncThing:

    • Open SyncThing, allow storage permissions, decline usage reporting.
    • Tap “Folders” tab, tap “default,” Edit > Delete, confirm.

  4. Add Your Vault:

    • Tap “+” (Add Folder).
    • Label: “Po’s Obsidian Vault.”
    • Folder ID: po-obsidian-vault.
    • Path: Tap folder icon, navigate to Internal Storage/Obsidian/Po’s Obsidian Vault, select, save.

  5. Name Your Android:

    • Tap hamburger menu (three lines), “Settings,” set “Device Name” to “Po’s Android,” save.

  6. Connect to Server:

    • Server: Actions > Show ID > QR Code.
    • Android: SyncThing > “Devices” tab > “+” > “Scan QR Code,” allow camera, scan, share “Po’s Obsidian Vault,” save.
    • Server: Accept “Po’s Android,” share “Po’s Obsidian Sync Folder,” save.
    • Syncs in a few minutes—check progress in SyncThing.

  7. Finalize Obsidian:

    • Open Obsidian, tap sidebar, settings.
    • Theme: Pick one (e.g., Minimal).
    • Core Plugins: Enable “Commands,” “Workspaces,” etc.
    • Community Plugins: Turn on, reload.
    • CSS Snippets: Enable yours.
    • Verify notes appear.

Note: SyncThing runs in the background—changes sync automatically.

đź”’ Securing with Tailscale

Tailscale creates a private VPN, securing your sync across networks.

âś… Step-by-Step:

  1. Sign Up:

    • Go to tailscale.com, click “Start connecting devices,” sign up with Google (or another provider), log in.

  2. Install on Server:

    • Proxmox: In shell, paste curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/install.sh | sh, Enter.
    • Edit container config: Shell > nano /etc/pve/lxc/[container-id].conf, add: 
      lxc.cgroup2.devices.allow: c 10:200 rwm
lxc.mount.entry: /dev/net/tun dev/net/tun none bind,create=file
      Save (Ctrl+X, Y, Enter), reboot container (pct reboot [container-id]).
    • Run tailscale up, copy the login URL, open it in a browser, click “Connect,” note the IP (e.g., 100.1.2.3).

  3. Install on Windows:

    • Download from tailscale.com/download (Windows), install, launch, sign in with Google, click “Connect,” note IP.

  4. Install on iOS:

    • App Store: “Tailscale,” install, open, “Get Started,” sign in, allow VPN config, toggle on, note IP.

  5. Install on Android:

    • Play Store: “Tailscale,” install, open, “Get Started,” sign in, allow VPN, toggle on, note IP.

  6. Update SyncThing Addresses:

    • Server: For each device (Po’s PC, iPhone, iPad, Android), Edit > Advanced, set Address to tcp://[Tailscale-IP]:22000 (e.g., tcp://100.1.2.4:22000 for PC), save.
    • PC: Edit “SyncThing Server,” set to server’s Tailscale IP, save.
    • iPhone/iPad (Mobius Sync): Edit “SyncThing Server,” Advanced, set to server’s Tailscale IP, save.
    • Android (SyncThing): Devices tab, edit “SyncThing Server,” set to server’s Tailscale IP, save.
    • All devices: Settings > Connections, uncheck “Enable NAT Traversal” and “Global Discovery,” save, restart SyncThing (Actions > Restart).

  7. Verify: Ensure Tailscale VPN is on (check app toggles)—all devices show “Up to Date” in SyncThing.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

  • Sync Conflicts: Look for .sync-conflict files (e.g., note.sync-conflict-20250326.md)—open them, compare with originals, merge changes using WinMerge (Windows) or a text editor.
  • .stfolder: A hidden file in your vault—don’t delete it, or syncing stops.
  • VPN Drops: If sync fails, open Tailscale app, toggle VPN on.
  • Android Permissions: If files don’t sync, re-grant storage access in Android Settings > Apps > SyncThing.

🎯 Conclusion

You’ve just built a private, secure, and free syncing system for your Obsidian notes across Windows, iOS, and Android with SyncThing and Tailscale! No more cloud subscriptions or privacy worries—just your data, your way. It takes some setup, but now your notes are ready anywhere with internet. Enjoy the freedom! 🚀

Stuck? Contact me—I’ll guide you through it! 💪🔥