How to Sync Files with Nextcloud on Arch Linux

Cloud synchronization has become an essential part of personal and professional workflows. Among the many self-hosted cloud platforms, Nextcloud stands out as a powerful, privacy-respecting, open-source solution for file syncing and sharing. If you’re an Arch Linux user, setting up and syncing your files with Nextcloud gives you the flexibility of a rolling release distro with the privacy benefits of self-hosted cloud storage.

In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to sync files with Nextcloud on Arch Linux, including installing the client, configuring it, and troubleshooting common issues.

What is Nextcloud?

Nextcloud is an open-source software suite that allows you to host your own cloud services, similar to Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud. It includes not only file storage and syncing but also calendar, contacts, document editing, and more—all under your control.

The core benefit is data ownership: your files reside on a server you trust, whether it’s hosted at home, on a VPS, or at your workplace.

Prerequisites

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• An Arch Linux system (or an Arch-based distro like Manjaro).
• A running Nextcloud server, either self-hosted or on a trusted third-party provider.
• A user account on that Nextcloud server.
• An internet connection for synchronization.

Let’s get started with setting up the client.

Step 1: Install the Nextcloud Client on Arch Linux

The Nextcloud desktop client allows seamless file synchronization between your computer and your Nextcloud server.

Using pacman

On Arch Linux, the official Nextcloud client is available directly from the community repository.

sudo pacman -S nextcloud-client

This will install the GUI application as well as the command-line utility nextcloudcmd (for one-time syncs).

Optional: AUR Versions

If you prefer to live on the bleeding edge or need a daily build, you can find community versions in the AUR:

yay -S nextcloud-client-git

Note: Only use AUR packages if you’re comfortable dealing with build scripts and potential breakages.

Step 2: Launch the Client and Set Up Your Account

Once the installation is complete, you can launch the Nextcloud client from your desktop environment or by typing:

nextcloud

Initial Setup Wizard

The first time you open the client, you’ll be guided through a setup wizard:

1. Enter your server URL: This is typically in the form https://cloud.example.com.

2. Log in and Grant Access:

   • The client will open your web browser.
   • You’ll be asked to log in with your Nextcloud credentials.
   • Authorize the desktop client to access your account.

3. Choose Folders to Sync:

   • You can sync your entire Nextcloud directory or just specific folders.
   • You can also change the local sync folder if you don’t want it to be the default ~/Nextcloud.

4. Finish:

   • The client begins syncing your selected files immediately.

Step 3: Configure the Sync Settings

Once installed, the Nextcloud desktop client gives you several useful configuration options to fine-tune syncing behavior.

Accessing Settings

Click on the Nextcloud icon in your system tray and open Settings.

Key Options

• Folder Sync Connections: You can manage or add new folder syncs—very helpful if you want to sync different folders with different parts of your cloud.
• Bandwidth Limits: Set limits on upload/download speeds to save bandwidth.
• Sync Interval: Adjust how often the client checks for changes.
• Notifications: Control how the client notifies you about sync activity.
• Ignored Files: Configure the ignore list (.sync-exclude.lst) to prevent syncing temporary or unnecessary files like *.bak, node_modules, etc.

Step 4: Syncing Files via Command-Line

For users who prefer scripting or automation, Arch’s Nextcloud package includes a tool called nextcloudcmd.

Basic Usage

nextcloudcmd [options] localSyncDir serverUrl

Example:

nextcloudcmd ~/Nextcloud https://cloud.example.com/remote.php/webdav/

This command performs a one-time sync between your local directory and the Nextcloud server. It’s useful for cron jobs or backups.

Step 5: Auto-Start Nextcloud at Boot

To keep files always in sync, make sure the client launches automatically when you log in.

GNOME / KDE / XFCE

Most modern desktop environments support autostart applications:

1. Create a .desktop file in ~/.config/autostart/:

nano ~/.config/autostart/nextcloud.desktop

2. Add the following:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Exec=nextcloud
Hidden=false
NoDisplay=false
X-GNOME-Autostart-enabled=true
Name=Nextcloud
Comment=Start Nextcloud client at login

3. Save and exit.

Now, the client will start every time you log into your system.

Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even though syncing usually “just works,” here are a few common issues and how to resolve them.

1. Connection Issues

If the client fails to connect:

• Ensure your server URL is correct.
• Check for SSL certificate issues (especially with self-signed certs).
• Try accessing the server through a browser.

If using a self-signed certificate, you may need to install or trust it manually using:

sudo trust anchor /path/to/your/certificate.crt

2. Conflict Files

Sometimes you may see files with names like file_conflict-2025-04-17.txt.

This means the server and your local machine both modified a file before syncing.

How to handle: Review the file versions and delete the one you don’t need.

3. High CPU Usage

Some users report high CPU usage during syncs. To mitigate:

• Limit sync frequency.
• Exclude large folders or files that change frequently.
• Update your client to the latest version—performance improves frequently.

4. Slow Syncing

• Use a wired connection if possible.
• Avoid syncing large binary blobs like ISO files unless necessary.
• Check your Nextcloud server’s resource usage—it may be the bottleneck.

Tips for a Smooth Nextcloud Experience

Here are a few additional tips to enhance your workflow:

Use the Nextcloud App Ecosystem

• Calendar and Contacts: Sync with Thunderbird, GNOME Calendar, or KDE PIM.
• Notes: Use the Notes app to keep synchronized text notes.
• Password Manager: Consider the “Passwords” app on Nextcloud for a self-hosted password vault.

Mobile Sync

• Install the Nextcloud app on Android or iOS to access your files on the go.

File Versioning

• Nextcloud keeps versions of your files by default.
• Configure server-side settings (if self-hosting) to manage how many versions are retained.

Conclusion

Syncing files with Nextcloud on Arch Linux is a straightforward yet powerful way to take control of your data. Whether you’re using the graphical desktop client for day-to-day work or scripting backups with nextcloudcmd, Arch gives you the flexibility and speed to make it your own.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—installing the client, configuring sync, handling issues—you can fully integrate Nextcloud into your workflow while staying in control of your privacy and data sovereignty.

If you’re new to Nextcloud, start small—sync documents or notes—and gradually expand into photos, media, and even collaboration tools. You’ll be surprised how liberating self-hosted cloud can be.