Syncplicity- FAQ

Syncplicity is being phased out as the university's data backup solution. All faculty and staff should begin transitioning to Microsoft OneDrive for data backup. If you have additional questions, please contact the Technology Service Desk.

General Questions

What is Syncplicity for?

• Syncplicity is one of Elon University's data backup methods for backing up important job-related data to the cloud. By flagging certain files to be added to your Syncplicity account, they will be securely saved in a cloud location that grants you access from almost anywhere.

Why should I use Syncplicity?

• All faculty and staff with a University-owned computer should use Syncplicity because it is now the source of any work-related backups. Campus Technology Support (CTS) is only responsible for data located in your Syncplicity account. In cases of computer replacement, computer crashes, or computer reimaging, CTS technicians are only responsible for restoring data in your Syncplicity account.

What are the benefits of Syncplicity?

• Syncplicity is an easy-to-use program to backup files and folders to cloud storage, meaning you can access them from any device with an internet connection and a web browser. Additionally, if you make a change to a document in one location, the changes are made to the document in all locations the file is saved.

What is my Syncplicity login information?

• Syncplicity uses your email user name and password to log into your account.

How much storage space do I receive?

• Each faculty and staff member with a University-owned computer will receive 25GB of online storage space. Faculty and staff whose positions require more storage space for backing up their files should contact the Technology Service Desk at 278-5200 to inquire about this possibility.

Is Syncplicity secure?

• Yes! Syncplicity uses a variety of encryption and security measures to ensure that the files you sync are properly protected. Further, Syncplicity complies with HIPAA and FERPA laws.

Access Questions

How do I get Syncplicity?

• For more information about downloading Syncplicity, visit the Syncplicity Support page. 

How do I access Syncplicity?

• Syncplicity may be accessed in a variety of ways: Try using Syncplicity with Windows, using Syncplicity with Macs, or using Syncplicity on the web.

I'm working in a different office for the next few weeks - how do I access my work from another machine?

• Just log into your account at http://www.elon.edu/syncplicity and open the files from the computer you will be using.

Can I use my iPhone or iPad to look at my files?

• Yes! Just download the Syncplicity mobile app from the iTunes App Store.

Can I use Syncplicity at home?

• Yes! Just log into your account online. Please note that CTS does not endorse installing Syncplicity on your personal computer.

How do I...?

How do I delete a file?

Any time you consider deleting work-related material, you should be sure you will no longer need it. To permanently delete a file, log into your account at http://www.elon.edu/syncplicity, select the file you want to delete, and click 'Delete' (you can also right-click a file or folder and select 'Delete).

Do I have to re-sync my files any time I make changes?

• No! Syncplicity automatically backs up saved changes to files. For example, if you make changes to a spreadsheet on your computer backed up by Syncplicity, saving those changes will automatically be updated to the cloud.

What if I make a mistake? Can I get my old file back?

• Yes! Simply log into Syncplicity's website and you can look up older versions of synced files.

If I open a file from the cloud, will my edits change on the desktop version?

• Yes! It might take a while for Syncplicity to synchronize all your accounts, but changes made to any documents will ultimately appear anywhere you access Syncplicity.