File synchronization tools are a cornerstone of my workflow, especially for keeping my Obsidian vaults updated across devices. For a while, Resilio Sync seemed like the perfect solution. But a recent issue has me questioning whether it’s as reliable as I believed.

The Issue: “No Tracker Connection Available”

Just today, I encountered an unsettling error in Resilio Sync: “No tracker connection available.” After a quick search, I found a discussion in the Resilio Sync community confirming that others are facing the same issue.

This raised several concerns:

  • Does Resilio Sync rely on a single centralized tracker server?
  • If so, is this a critical single point of failure?
  • Can I continue trusting this service for my essential files?

The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I became about relying solely on Resilio Sync.

Why This Is a Problem

Reliability is critical for any file synchronization tool. My files—and particularly my Obsidian vaults—must remain accessible, no matter what. A centralized server outage undermines this reliability, potentially leaving me unable to sync files when I need them most.

Why I Chose Resilio Sync Over Syncthing

I switched to Resilio Sync after experiencing some frustrations with Syncthing. Here’s why:

  1. Mobile App Support:

    • Resilio Sync has a reliable Android app and an official iOS app (even though I’m not using iOS right now).
    • Syncthing’s Android app has been discontinued, and there’s no official iOS app, which made Resilio Sync the better choice for cross-platform use.

  2. User-Friendly Interface:

    • Resilio Sync offers a polished GUI, whereas I found Syncthing’s login system problematic in the past.

  3. Selective Sync:

    • This feature is a game-changer for saving storage space on mobile devices and is unavailable in Syncthing.

These factors made Resilio Sync seem like the ideal solution. But today’s issue makes me wonder if I prioritized convenience over long-term reliability.

The Bigger Picture: Can I Trust Resilio Sync?

This experience highlights an important question: should I rethink my choice of file synchronization tool? While Resilio Sync offers valuable features, its potential reliance on a central tracker server feels like a vulnerability.

I’m now left pondering:

  • Should I revisit Syncthing, even with its app limitations and lack of selective sync?
  • Are there other alternatives that balance reliability and functionality better?

For now, I’ll be closely watching how quickly Resilio Sync resolves this issue. But one thing is certain: my trust in the platform has taken a hit.

Update: Trackers Up Now

After nearly 1.5 days, the trackers are finally back online. I wish Resilio Sync would provide an official announcement explaining the issue—it would go a long way in reassuring loyal users like me.