How to Back Up a Synology NAS to an Rsync Server

What this backup setup does

This guide shows how to back up a Synology NAS to an Ubuntu server over rsync using Hyper Backup. The Synology is the source; the Linux server is the off-device destination.

Rsync transfers only changed data after the first run, making it practical for scheduled network backups. For version history and restoration through Hyper Backup Explorer, choose a multiple-version task rather than a plain single-version copy.

Use a dedicated account and an encrypted connection, then test a restore after the first successful run. If you prefer an off-site cloud destination, compare this setup with Google Drive or Amazon S3.

Before you start

You need Hyper Backup on the Synology NAS, an Ubuntu server with enough free storage, and an account dedicated to this backup. I recommend keeping the destination on a different device and, if possible, in a different location.

The first run transfers the complete selected data set and can take a long time. Later runs transfer the changed data. You can estimate the required destination size with the Backup Storage Calculator and check whether the first run fits your available window with the Data Transfer Time Calculator.

How to set up a Synology rsync backup

Step 1 — Set up the rsync server

This guide uses an Ubuntu Linux server as the rsync destination.

1. Install rsync on Ubuntu

sudo apt update sudo apt install rsync -y

2. Create the backup directory

sudo mkdir -p /rsync

3. Create a dedicated rsync user

sudo adduser rsync

4. Set the directory permissions

sudo chown rsync:rsync /rsync sudo chmod 700 /rsync

Step 2 — Configure Hyper Backup on the Synology NAS

1. Install Hyper Backup

Open Package Center on the Synology NAS, search for Hyper Backup, and click “Install”:

Keep the default settings, click Done, and wait for the installation to finish.

2. Create the Hyper Backup task

Open Hyper Backup, then click the plus sign to create a new backup task:

Select Folders and Packages:

For the backup destination, scroll down and select rsync:

Choose either Multiple versions or Single version, depending on whether you need version history:

This guide uses Multiple versions.

Enter the following destination settings:

Server type: rsync-compatible server

Server name or IP address: [your Ubuntu server address]

Transfer encryption: On

Port: 22

Username: [the dedicated rsync username created earlier]

Password: [the dedicated user’s password]

Backup module: [the configured rsync destination]

Directory: [choose a folder name for this backup task]

Select the shared folders on the NAS that you want to back up:

Select any Synology applications whose settings you also want to back up:

Configure the schedule, notifications, compression and other task settings as required:

Enable backup rotation if required, then set the number of versions to retain:

Review the settings and click Done:

After creating the task, select Back up now to run the first backup.

Step 3 — Verify the backup and test a restore

In Hyper Backup, select the task and open Backup Explorer:

Browse the backed-up files and folders, then restore or download a test file:

Step 4 — Restore the backup to a new Synology NAS

If the rsync repository already contains a Hyper Backup task, you can reconnect it to a new or reset Synology NAS and restore the stored data.

Open Hyper Backup on the new NAS and click the Restore icon:

Select the required restoration type:

Select the option shown below:

Choose rsync server:

Enter the same server and account details used in Step 2:

Continue through the wizard and select the folders or applications to restore.

Common Synology rsync questions

Does Synology Hyper Backup support rsync?

Yes. Hyper Backup can use an rsync-compatible server as its destination. Use transfer encryption when the destination supports it, especially when the traffic leaves your trusted local network.

Is a Synology rsync backup incremental?

The first task run transfers the selected data. Later runs send changed data, while the exact storage behavior depends on whether you selected a single-version or multiple-version task and how rotation is configured.

How do I know the backup is working?

Do not rely only on a green task status. Review the log, browse the repository through Backup Explorer, restore a test file, and confirm that the restored file opens correctly.

Final checks

Run the first backup manually, review the task log, and restore a test file through Hyper Backup Explorer. A completed job is not enough evidence by itself—the backup is trustworthy only after you confirm that you can restore from it. Keep the Ubuntu destination patched, restrict the rsync account to the backup directory, and review retention periodically.