Syncing & Protecting

Manage your library from any connected device, and protect your files with Vaults.

• Linked Folders and External Drives: What to Do If You Linked FirstLinked folders associated with the wrong device? Learn how to unlink, add your external drive to Mylio, and re-link your folders correctly.
• Using OneDrive with Mylio PhotosLearn how to safely use Microsoft OneDrive with Mylio Photos — how to export photos to a OneDrive folder, how to import photos stored on OneDrive, how to add OneDrive as a storage destination, and why storing your Mylio library inside a OneDrive-synced folder can cause permanent, unrecoverable photo loss.
• Moving Mylio Photos to a New Android Phone or TabletLearn how to move Mylio Photos to a new Android phone or tablet, whether you're cloning your old device or starting fresh with a clean install.
• How to Set Up Mylio Photos on a New ComputerLearn how to migrate Mylio Photos to a new computer safely. Covers vault setup, fresh install vs. backup restore, replacing vs. adding a computer, linked folders, and ghost devices.
• Moving a Vault to a New ComputerLearn how to move a Mylio Photos external drive Vault to a new computer. Covers setup steps, drive format compatibility, and troubleshooting tips.
• How to Disconnect Apple Photos from Mylio PhotosThis guide explains how to disconnect Apple Photos from Mylio Photos on Mac, iPhone, or iPad, what happens to existing media, and what to know before deleting files.
• What Is Clear Locally Imported Originals?Learn what “Clear Locally Imported Originals” means in Mylio Photos, when it appears, and how it helps free up local disk space after adding a Vault—without risking your originals.
• Fragment Upload Size for Cloud Storage (S3)Learn what Fragment Upload Size means in Mylio Photos, how it affects cloud uploads to S3 storage, when to change it, and why the default setting works best for most users.

Control Device Storage

• Store Specific Folders Locally for Offline Access (Tap to Sync)Tap to Sync allows you to easily adjust the sync policy for Folders to override the device sync policy. This will enable you to customize the quality settings of individual folders for each device.
• Use Optimized Images on Mobile DevicesLearn to utilize Optimized images to save space on mobile devices while retaining full raw editing and seamless collaboration with other apps for on-the-go convenience.
• Store Specific Files Locally for Offline AccessMylio Photos+ lets you customize the sync policy for individual files, allowing you to adjust quality settings for specific photos, videos, and documents on each device. You can adjust the sync policy for individual files from either the Info Panel or the Storage Panel.
• Free Up Space by Clearing the CacheThe Mylio Photos Cache is a temporary holding area used when sync settings are adjusted. For instance, you may have used Sync on Demand to temporarily access an optimized image or original-quality (full-resolution) file on a device set to keep the catalog only, or you may have used Tap to Sync to change the sync policy for a specific folder.
• Understanding the Storage PanelThe Storage Panel provides details about individual files, such as their local Sync Policy, Associated Files, and Original File Locations.

Keep Your Devices in Sync

• Background SynchronizationOn computers running macOS and Windows OS, Mylio Photos will launch on login and continue to run in the background when the app is closed. This allows the app to scan for new media added to folders, run facial recognition, AI SmartTags, and keep all connected devices in sync (Mylio Photos+).
• Create a Custom Device Sync Policy with SyncCollectionsCreate a Custom Device Sync Policy with SyncCollections
• Check Sync Status in Mylio Photos+Learn to locate the Sync Panel for an overview of each device's status in your library.
• Assigning a Sync Policy to a Specific DeviceAssigning a Sync Policy to a Specific Device
• Access Optimized Images from Other DevicesAccess Optimized Images from Other Devices
• More Images in Less Space with SpaceSaverLearn to use SpaceSaver to create compact, optimized images that retain full editing capabilities and metadata while using only 10% of the original space.
• Set a Device Sync Policy PresetA Device Sync Policy control how information about your Mylio Photos Library is stored on each of your connected devices.
• Download Original or Optimized ImagesDownload Original or Optimized Images

Manage Device Settings

• Handling Lost OriginalsIf Mylio Photos cannot locate a copy of an original quality file, it will show this file as a Lost Original.
• Understanding External File Changes PolicyIt’s best to manage your files using Mylio Photos, including adjusting device storage settings through the sync policy and deleting files and folders. However, sometimes, you might need to delete files directly from macOS Finder or Windows Explorer. When working in the file system, External Changes Policy can help prevent accidental loss of important files.
• Manage Device SettingsManage device settings in Mylio Photos.
• Manage Devices with Remote ControlRemote Control allows users to set up and adjust settings on other devices signed in to their Mylio Photos+ account. This feature is handy for more technical users who want to manage the core settings, views, and syncing of their family members’ or trusted collaborators’ devices.
• Control Device StorageLearn how to control device storage in Mylio Photos.

Adding Devices

• Add a DeviceAdd a device to your Mylio Photos account.
• Advanced: Replacing or Rebuilding an External Drive Vault by Copying Data at the OS LevelAdvanced steps for replacing or rebuilding an external drive used with Mylio Photos by copying data at the operating system level instead of re-syncing.
• Add an External DriveAdd an external drive.
• My External Drive Vault Has Failed (or Is About to Fail) — What Should I Do?Learn what to do if an external drive Vault has failed or is about to fail in Mylio Photos, including safe steps for replacing the drive and protecting your originals.
• Add a Cloud ServiceAdd a cloud services to Mylio Photos.
• My External Drive Vault Is Full — What Should I Do?Learn what to do when your external drive Vault is full in Mylio Photos, including how to choose a larger drive, add a new Vault, and safely migrate your library.
• Add a Phone or TabletAdd Mylio Photos to a phone or tablet.
• Moving Mylio Photos to a new iPhoneTransferring all your essential files from your old iPhone to your new iPhone can take most of a day (or more) using the iCloud Backup or phone-to-phone methods suggested when you turn your new phone on for the first time. There is a faster way!
• Remove and Unregister a Device From Your Mylio Photos AccountIf you have a device listed on your account that you no longer use or possess, you can remove and Unregister it from your Mylio Account.
• NAS Devices on macOSSetting up a NAS using the standard Mylio Photos+ configuration is only available on Windows. If you use a NAS with macOS, there are still some solutions that may work for you.
• Add Mylio Drive+ with SecureCloud StorageMylio Drive+ offers privacy-focused storage, catering to individuals seeking cloud-like functionality with enhanced data security and confidentiality. This solution prioritizes user privacy and is a reliable offsite storage option for safeguarding cherished memories and important digital assets against potential data loss.
• Setup a Travel DriveLearn to set up Travel Drives—portable external drives perfect for on-the-go backups and ensuring your recent photos are always at hand during travels.
• Add a NASHow to add a NAS as a device in Mylio Photos.
• What is a Vault in Mylio Photos+?Learn what a Vault is and how it can help you protect your media
• Add a ComputerMylio Photos+ can be installed on each computer you have, making it simple to access your Mylio Photos Library from all your devices.
• Add Mylio DriveEach Mylio Photos+ plan includes access to Mylio Drive with unlimited storage of Optimized Images at no extra cost. This means you can store a copy of your entire photo library for easy (and private) access by your devices.