Nextcloud - Linux

Initial Config

For the best experience, it is recommended to set up your Nextcloud devices on LAN with a designated IP address and port. This setup allows you to sync files, calendars, and contacts while away from home using a Router VPN.

Once configured, you can also use Tor for remote syncing. However, keep in mind that transferring large files may fail or take a considerable amount of time. Therefore, it is advisable to use remote syncing primarily for low-bandwidth activities, such as syncing calendars, contacts, tasks, and notes. Streaming music is also possible.


When using remote connections, be mindful of any data caps on your cellular plan. You may need to limit bandwidth usage by disconnecting from your Router VPN server or Tor when using cellular data.

Desktop Integrations

Many Linux distributions ship with a Desktop Environment (DE) that supports Nextcloud account integration directly for use with their built-in calendars and other applications. It is recommended to try these first for the best possible experience with your particular flavor of Linux.

You will first need to trust your Root CA.

The following desktop environments support integrated account syncing, including Nextcloud:

  • Gnome (Ubuntu default)
  • Cinnamon (Linux Mint default)
  • KDE
  • Budgie

The following guide uses Ubuntu as an example.

  1. Open settings app.

    open settings app

  2. Go to Online Accounts and click on Nextcloud.

    online accounts settings

  3. Paste in the server path from StartOS > Nextcloud > Interfaces and the username and password from StartOS > Nextcloud > Properties, and click Connect.

    enter nextcloud credentials

  4. Choose which services you want to integrate and close Nextcloud Account window.

    nextcloud account services

  5. Open the file manager, and you should see your NextCloud account in the side panel.

    nextcloud in file manager

To setup other Linux distributions, check out this Linuxhint guide and our Nextcloud Master Thread. Please share your feedback - it is very valuable to our community!

Standalone Clients

For those that prefer to use a desktop client or your desktop environment does not support account integrations.


The desktop version of NextCloud doesn't have much of a user interface.  Once installed, it solely lives in the your system tray or navigation bar.  You can click on this icon to access the app.

File Syncing - Nextcloud Desktop

This is Nextcloud's official client application for file syncing and account management. It is available in your favorite package manager (usually as nextcloud). You can also see this full list of available packages. or you can get the latest version as an AppImage from the Download for Desktop section of Nextcloud's website.

LAN/Router VPN Setup

Make sure you have first set up your trusted Root CA.

  1. Open the client and click Log In to your Nextcloud.

    nextcloud login

  2. From your server's Nextcloud service page, go to Interfaces and copy the IP address and port, or .local and port.

    nextcloud interfaces

  3. Enter your IP address and port, or .local and port under Server Address and click Next.

    nextcloud server path

  4. This will launch a page in your web browser, click Log In and then Grant access to link the desktop client. You can close this browser window afterwards.

    nextcloud login and grant access

  5. Next, configure the local directory that you want to sync with Nextcloud. You may use the default or change it, and edit the sync settings to desired. When satisfied, click Connect.

    nextcloud add account

  6. Files will begin to sync immediately and you will see a green check when this is complete.

    nextcloud sync

  7. That's it! From this desktop client you will recieve notifications, control accounts and syncing, and quickly access your Apps' WebUI pages

Tor Setup

You will first need to have the Tor daemon running.

  1. On your desktop application. Click the account avatar in the top left > Settings, then click Network. Choose Specify proxy manually as and SOCKS5 proxy. Enter 127.0.0.1 for the Host and 9050 for the port.

    nextcloud network settings

  2. Close the Settings screen and click the account in the top left again, then Add Account.

    nextcloud add account

  3. On the following screen, click Log in your Nextcloud, then enter your Nextcloud Tor server address, which you can copy from the Nextcloud page on your StartOS > Interfaces > Tor. This should start with https:// and end with .onion.

    nextcloud server path

    nextcloud add account

  4. This will launch your browser and prompt you to log in to your account. Log in and then grant access as we did for LAN.

  5. That's it! You can set up some select folders for remote sync, but for large files, it is best to sync on LAN only. Check your connection by clicking the newly created account in the client app.