Setting Up Amazon S3 in Sync

What you need before adding S3 in Sync

Amazon S3 isn't a sign-in-with-Google drive. Before Sync can connect to it, AWS needs a bucket to store files in and a key that's allowed to read and write to that bucket. Both are set up on AWS's side, once, in the AWS console: Sync doesn't create or manage any of this for you.

You'll end up with four pieces of information, all from AWS:

Bucket name
Bucket region
Access key ID
Secret access key

Step 1: Create a bucket

In the AWS console, create an S3 bucket (or reuse one you already have). Pick a region close to you: it's where the bucket physically lives, and it affects transfer speed. Note the exact bucket name and region; you'll enter both into Sync.

Step 2: Create an access key

Generate an access key with permission to read and write to that bucket. AWS gives you two values at this point: an access key ID and a secret access key. The secret key is shown only once at creation time, so save it somewhere before closing that screen. If you lose it, AWS makes you generate a new one.

Step 3: Add S3 as a drive in Sync

In Sync, go to the Drives tab and tap Add Drive, then choose Amazon S3. Enter the access key ID, secret access key, bucket name and bucket region from Steps 1–2. Sync connects straight to your bucket; your keys and files pass between your device and AWS, not through Sync's own servers.

Step 4: Use it like any other drive

Once connected, your S3 bucket behaves the same as Dropbox or Google Drive inside Sync: pick it as a source or destination in a Backup, Restore or any other task, and browse its contents with the built-in file manager. Nothing about the earlier AWS setup needs repeating unless the key is revoked or the bucket changes.

How to Back Up Photos to Amazon S3: a full walkthrough of backing up a folder to S3 once it's connected.
Amazon S3 vs Dropbox: how S3 compares on cost and setup.
Moving Files Between Two Cloud Drives: moving files already in Dropbox, Google Drive or another cloud into S3, or the other way around.

FAQ

What do I need from AWS to add S3 to Sync?

Four things, all from the AWS console: a bucket name, the bucket's region, an access key ID and a secret access key. Create the bucket and the key once in AWS, then enter all four into Sync's Add Drive screen.

Where do I find my S3 access key and secret key?

In the AWS console, under the access-key creation flow for your account. The access key ID stays visible afterward, but the secret access key is shown only once, at creation. Copy it somewhere safe immediately, since AWS won't show it again.

Does the bucket region matter?

Yes. It has to match the actual region the bucket was created in, and picking a region near you generally means faster transfers. If Sync can't connect, a mismatched region is one of the first things to check.

Is my AWS key safe with Sync?

Your access key and secret key are used to connect directly from your device to AWS; they aren't sent through or stored on Sync's own servers. Treat them the same way you'd treat any AWS credential: don't share them, and revoke and replace the key in AWS if you ever suspect it's been exposed.

Can I use an existing bucket, or do I need a new one?

Either works. If you already use S3 for something else, you can point Sync at that same bucket, or create a separate one just for backups so the two don't mix.

What if I lose my secret access key?

AWS only shows it once, at creation. If you didn't save it, you can't recover the same key. Generate a new access key pair in the AWS console instead, and update it in Sync's drive settings.