How to sync and back up your NomadTracks library (iCloud, Dropbox, Synology)

⏱ About 6 minutes · Applies to NomadTracks for iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple Watch

NomadTracks runs no servers of its own — there's no account to create and no company database holding your movements. Instead, your library syncs through storage you already own: your private iCloud, your Dropbox, or your Synology NAS at home.

Turn on iCloud sync (free)

In Settings → Sync, enable iCloud. Tracks, POIs, folders and custom maps now sync across every device signed into your Apple ID — iPhone, iPad and Mac. The data lives in your private CloudKit container, which only your devices can read.

Optional: add Dropbox (Pro)

Prefer Dropbox, or want a second copy outside Apple's ecosystem? Connect your Dropbox account in the sync settings — a Pro feature. NomadTracks writes standard files you can also browse on dropbox.com.

Optional: sync to a Synology NAS (free)

Self-hosters can point NomadTracks at a Synology NAS on their network. Your library is then mirrored onto hardware that's entirely yours — the most private setup possible.

Set up backups

Independent of sync, NomadTracks creates automatic backups of your entire track/POI library and lets you trigger manual ones before risky operations (mass-imports, cleanups). Restoring brings back the full library state.

Recover deleted items

Deleted something by accident? Recently Deleted keeps tracks and POIs for 30 days before they're gone for good.

Tip: Sync and backup answer different questions. Sync keeps devices identical — including deletions. A backup is a snapshot you can roll back to. Use both.

Related guides

Get NomadTracks on the App Store