Syncthing-android: Photo Backup not supported

[jebeld17]

I have noticed that using Syncthing as a photo backup - which is pre-included by default into the Android app - doesn't _really_ work as a photo backup.
It simply mimics my device DCIM or photos folder, committing changes both ways.

A true photo backup system should:
A) Back up my photos from my Phone to my other device
B) Not commit changes to my phone made from the other device
C) Allow me to delete photos on my phone without worrying they will actually be deleted on my other device - The one I am backing up to.

[licaon-kter]

B) Not commit changes to my phone made from the other device

Make the phone as MASTER for that folder

C) Allow me to delete photos on my phone without worrying they will actually be deleted on my other device - The one I am backing up to.

Not in scope, use a separate task on that other device to backup files somewhere else.

[Nutomic]

A) It does that.
B) The default camera folder is a master folder by default. That means it won't accept changes from other devices.
C) You can do this with the "File versioning" setting on the folder on another device.

[licaon-kter]

C) You can do this with the "File versioning" setting on the folder on another device.

Yes and no, yes the files are still there but moved ( to the _.stversions_ folder) and renamed.

[jebeld17]

Exactly, licaon.
This is a problem. Why complicate the issue when the user should just have a sole backup location? Adding file versioning is just batting around the issue.

Users that want to use ST as a means of backing up photos and media want something that will put all their information in one database, just like how Microsoft OneDrive backs up photos into one sole location, or even BitTorrent Sync.

[licaon-kter]

@jebeld17 Yes and no, syncthing just syncs things around, it's not a backup tool.
Anyway, this needs to be discussed on Syncthing proper and not here since this is just an Android wrapper.

[bigbear2nd]

Please use the feature "ignore deletes" on the Server. It covers your C) usecase, without the file versioning.
See https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing/issues/584

[jangrewe]

FYI: It's called "SYNCthing", not "BACKUPthing"...

[jebeld17]

And your point is?
If it were truly a SYNCthing, there would be no need for extra or excessive settings and permissions regardless.

[bigbear2nd]

Can this please be closed?
The functionality requested can be achieved with "Master Folder" on the phone + "Ignore Deletes" on the Server + Backup Software on the Server....

[capi]

I agree that it's supported, even though it's clearly non-obvious how to set it up correctly for new users. I'll close the issue, because any change to how Syncthing works in this regard are outside the scope of the Android application and I'd suggest opening an issue in the Syncthing project.

@jebeld17 Please re-open, if you feel otherwise.

[jebeld17]

I don't understand why this was closed. (Sorry, I'm just now getting back onto GitHub)

This is simply a feature request. It doesn't need to be closed or disregarded, I think users can benefit from this if they use it.

[AudriusButkevicius]

You have not explained whats not there. if you read the above posts its explained how to achieve what you are looking for.

[jebeld17]

But it's not readily available for the average user. It involves finishing around with the settings in order to hope it works just right.

[jebeld17]

@bigbear2nd I did not see your response until now, Thank you.