Customer Reviews (100)

Gerardo Lopez • 2025-03-23T23:26:13.600Z

App works wonderfully! Only change I would like to see is the ability to clone an existing sync, so I can minor edits when syncing certain subfolders.

Oscar Medina Duarte • 2025-03-22T23:03:00.382Z

The app works well, and has more features than I'm planning to use, so I'm happy. I have a problem regarding the 'connection>Allowed WiFi names' setting though: It is hard to type in as the screen doesn't scroll past above my keyboard, so I have to type blindly and collapse it, to check if I got my listing of allowed ssids right, it's a little annoying.

Bryn Price • 2025-03-20T04:51:59.448Z

I've used this app for over 10 years and still love it!

Summary of Key Insights

FolderSync Pro is a powerful and flexible app highly regarded for its extensive cloud service support and synchronization options. Users appreciate its ability to automate backups and sync files between devices and cloud/network locations. However, the app has some pain points, including occasional bugs introduced by updates, usability issues with specific features, and feature requests for enhanced functionality. While the overall sentiment is positive, addressing these issues will further improve user satisfaction. The app's high rating (58% 5-star reviews) indicates a generally positive user experience, but the 17% 1-star reviews suggest significant issues for some users.

Key Strengths:

  • Wide range of supported cloud providers and protocols.
  • Flexibility and customization options for synchronization.
  • Automation capabilities (Tasker integration).
  • Reliability for many users over long periods.

Key Weaknesses:

  • Bugs introduced by updates (especially connection settings and scheduling).
  • Usability issues (e.g., typing in Allowed WiFi names, complex automation).
  • Occasional synchronization failures and data corruption issues.
  • Lack of certain features (e.g., file encryption, global default settings, better subfolder handling).

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews appear to span from 2015 to 2025, with a higher concentration in 2024 and 2025.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual analysis of reviews, focusing on sentiment identification, keyword extraction (e.g., "sync," "bug," "feature request"), and issue categorization. No automated sentiment analysis was performed.

Key User Pain Points

  • Bugs after Updates: Several users reported that updates introduced bugs, particularly affecting connection settings, scheduled syncs, and WebDAV connectivity. This is a recurring theme that severely impacts user experience.
  • Synchronization Failures: Some users experienced synchronization failures, data corruption, and duplicated files. These issues undermine the core functionality of the app.
  • Usability Issues: Typing in allowed WiFi names is difficult due to keyboard obstruction. The new automation feature is considered overly complicated by some.
  • Android Permissions and Access Issues: Android updates (particularly Android 13 and 14) have created challenges with file access permissions, making it difficult to back up internal SD cards and access certain folders.
  • Mega Sync Issues: Some users reported problems with MEGA sync, including login failures and inability to retrieve account information.
  • Quota Exceeded Errors: Some users encounter "Quota exceeded for consumer project" errors when syncing to Google Drive.
  • V2 Sync Engine Issues: Several users reported that the V2 sync engine doesn't work for them, and there's a lack of flexibility in switching between V1 and V2 after folder pair setup.

Frequently Requested Features

  • File Encryption: Several users requested file encryption to protect synced files.
  • Global Default Settings: Users want the ability to set global defaults instead of configuring each sync individually.
  • Improved Subfolder Handling: Users desire better options for syncing subfolders within a folder, without having to create individual syncs for each subfolder.
  • Duplicate Functionality: Ability to duplicate folder pairs, accounts, and other settings for easier configuration.
  • Remote Administration Tools: Some users requested remote administration capabilities.
  • Sync between Phone and PC over WiFi: A user expressed disappointment that the app doesn't sync with a PC over WiFi.
  • Grouping of Sync Jobs: Ability to organize sync jobs into folders or groups for better management.
  • Terabox Cloud Storage Support: Adding support for Terabox cloud storage.
  • Git Option: A user requested a Git option for folder sync.
  • Custom File Naming: Change file names (photos) using EXIF date/time.
  • Schedule Customization: More options in weekly & monthly sync to select which day (weekly) & date (monthly) as well as time to sync.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Extensive Cloud Support: Users appreciate the wide range of supported cloud providers and protocols.
  • Flexibility and Customization: The app offers a high degree of flexibility and customization options.
  • Automation Capabilities: The integration with Tasker and similar programs allows for fine-grained control of syncs.
  • Reliability: Many users have been using the app for years and find it reliable.
  • Ease of Use (for some): Some users find the app easy to set up and use, especially for basic synchronization tasks.
  • Developer Responsiveness: Some users noted that the developers are responsive and provide good support.
  • Value for Money: The app is considered a good value for the price.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Bugs Introduced by Updates: Implement thorough testing procedures before releasing updates to prevent recurring issues with connection settings, scheduling, and WebDAV connectivity. Focus on regression testing to ensure existing functionality remains intact.
  • Improve Synchronization Reliability: Investigate and fix synchronization failures, data corruption, and duplicated file issues. Implement better error handling and logging to diagnose these problems effectively.
  • Resolve Android Permission Issues: Adapt the app to handle the latest Android file access permission changes gracefully. Provide clear instructions to users on how to grant the necessary permissions.
  • Fix MEGA Sync Issues: Investigate and resolve the reported problems with MEGA sync, including login failures and account information retrieval.

Medium Priority:

  • Enhance Usability: Improve the user interface for typing in allowed WiFi names (e.g., implement scrolling). Simplify the new automation feature or provide more intuitive documentation.
  • Implement File Encryption: Add file encryption to protect synced files.
  • Implement Global Default Settings: Allow users to set global defaults for common settings.
  • Improve Subfolder Handling: Provide more flexible options for syncing subfolders.
  • Add Duplicate Functionality: Allow users to duplicate folder pairs, accounts, and other settings.
  • V2 Engine Improvements: Fix the issues reported with the V2 sync engine, and allow easier switching between V1 and V2 after folder pair setup.

Low Priority:

  • Implement Remote Administration Tools.
  • Add Sync between Phone and PC over WiFi.
  • Add Grouping of Sync Jobs.
  • Add Terabox Cloud Storage Support.
  • Add Git Option.
  • Add Custom File Naming.
  • Add Schedule Customization.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Simplified Cloud Backup Service: A simplified cloud backup service focused on ease of use and intuitive interface, targeting users who find FolderSync Pro's options overwhelming.
  • Encrypted Mobile Backup Solution: A mobile backup solution with a strong focus on security and encryption, addressing the user demand for protecting synced files.
  • AI-Powered Syncing: A syncing solution that uses AI to intelligently manage file conflicts, optimize transfer speeds, and predict user needs.
  • Local Network Syncing Tool: A dedicated tool for syncing files between mobile devices and PCs over a local network, focusing on speed and reliability.

Trends and Observations

  • Recurring Bug Reports After Updates: A significant trend is the recurring reports of bugs and broken functionality after app updates. This suggests a need for improved testing and quality assurance processes.
  • Android Version Compatibility Issues: Android updates often introduce changes that break compatibility with existing apps. The developers need to be proactive in addressing these issues.
  • Long-Term User Loyalty: Many users have been using the app for years and are generally satisfied with its performance. This indicates a strong foundation and a loyal user base.
  • Positive Sentiment Despite Issues: Despite the reported issues, the overall sentiment towards the app remains positive. This suggests that users are willing to tolerate some problems due to the app's core functionality and features.

Conclusion

FolderSync Pro is a powerful and versatile app with a loyal user base. While the app has many strengths, addressing the identified pain points, particularly those related to bugs introduced by updates and Android version compatibility, is crucial for maintaining user satisfaction and preventing negative reviews. Implementing the requested features, such as file encryption and global default settings, would further enhance the app's appeal and competitiveness. Overall, the app is recommended, but with the caveat that users may encounter occasional issues that require troubleshooting.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.tacit.android.foldersync.full