FAQs

Q: What can SyncSafe access?

A: SyncSafe can access only:

1. The device folders you choose through Android's folder picker.

2. The files and folders SyncSafe creates or is allowed to open in Google Drive.

It does not request full device storage access or full Google Drive access.

Q: Does SyncSafe support two-way sync?

A: No. SyncSafe is designed as a one-way backup tool from your device to Google Drive.

This is intentional because SyncSafe uses limited Google Drive access. To sync files from Google Drive back to your device, the app would need broader access to your Drive, which goes against our privacy-focused design.

Q: Why does automatic sync not always run at the exact scheduled time?

A: Scheduled sync tasks are managed by Android. Android may delay background work due to battery optimization, network conditions, storage status, or system scheduling rules.

For better scheduled sync performance, allow SyncSafe to use background data and enable unrestricted battery usage. Relevant options are available on the home screen.

Q: What is the maximum file size SyncSafe can upload?

A: SyncSafe does not set a fixed file size limit. However, very large files may fail because they take longer to upload, and Android may stop background work during long-running syncs.

For large files, keeping the app open during sync is recommended.

Q: Does SyncSafe support resumable uploads?

A: No. If a file upload is interrupted before completion, SyncSafe uploads that file again during the next sync. Files that were already uploaded successfully are skipped where possible.

Q: How many folders can I add for sync?

A: Pro users can add multiple folders for sync. The free version supports one selected folder.

Q: Why did SyncSafe not sync all files?

A: A large number of files may cause incomplete sync if the process takes too long and Android stops the background job.

You can run manual sync again. SyncSafe will continue from the remaining files and avoid uploading duplicates where possible.

Q: Why do some files fail to sync?

A: Some files may fail due to temporary or permanent permission issues, network problems, Google Drive access issues, low storage, or corrupted files.

In many cases, running manual sync again will successfully upload the remaining files.

Q: Why is sync taking a long time?

A: Sync may take longer if your internet connection is slow, if many files are being uploaded, or if many files already exist in the synced folder.

SyncSafe checks existing files to avoid unnecessary duplication and to keep the backup accurate.

Q: What happens if I remove a selected folder from SyncSafe?

A: By default, removing a folder from SyncSafe only removes it from the app's sync configuration. It does not delete files from your device or from Google Drive.

However, while removing a folder, you may choose the option to also delete the matching folder from Google Drive.

Q: What happens if I delete a local file from my device?

A: SyncSafe treats synced folders like a mirror. If a local file is deleted from your device, SyncSafe will remove the matching copy from Google Drive during sync.

Please be careful when deleting files from your phone, because deleted local files may also be deleted from Drive.

Q: What happens if I delete synced files directly from Google Drive?

A: By default, SyncSafe may not automatically detect that files were manually deleted from Google Drive.

You can enable Cloud Verification in sync settings if you want SyncSafe to check Google Drive and recreate missing files when needed. Please note that enabling this option may make regular sync slower.

Q: Why can't SyncSafe remove a synced folder from Google Drive?

A: This may happen due to Google Drive permission limitations. If files or subfolders inside the SyncSafe folder are manually edited or created from outside the app, SyncSafe may lose full control over them.

In such cases, you can manually delete the folder from Google Drive.

Q: What happens if I uninstall and reinstall the app?

A: Uninstalling SyncSafe or clearing its app data will not delete files from your phone or Google Drive.

After reinstalling, you will need to select your folders again. During the next sync, already uploaded files should usually be processed faster because SyncSafe can match them with existing Drive files.

Q: Why are there multiple "SyncSafe" folders in Google Drive?

A: SyncSafe uses limited Google Drive access to protect your privacy.

If you disconnect SyncSafe from Google Drive or Google Account and authorize again, Google does not restore SyncSafe's access to the previously created folder. So it creates a new SyncSafe folder and resumes backing up there.

Q: Why do permission errors happen?

A: Folder access may be lost if Android revokes permissions, the folder is moved, storage is changed, or the selected folder becomes unavailable.

If this happens, re-add the folder in SyncSafe.

Q: Why are some files ignored?

A: Temporary, hidden, cache, or system-like files may be skipped to avoid unsafe, unnecessary, or noisy backups.

Ignored file extensions: .tmp, .temp, .bak, .swp, .~, .cache, .DS_Store, .thumbdata, .thumbnails, .nomedia, .lock

Ignored folders: .thumbnails, .cache, .temp, cache, temp, .android, .system, .trash, lost+found

Files starting with: ~$, .