How to Sync IntelliJ IDEA Settings Across Devices Using the Cloud

Why sync IntelliJ IDEA settings?

After using IntelliJ IDEA for a long time, you may have customized many preferences; reinstalling the IDE would otherwise require re‑configuring everything manually.

Step‑by‑step procedure

Upload local settings to the cloud . Click the cloud icon in the lower‑right corner (you may need to modify plugins first).

Synchronize on another computer . On the second machine, click the same cloud icon to pull the settings.

Enable automatic sync . In File → Settings → Tools → Settings Repository (or search “Repository”), check “Auto Sync”.

Perform the sync . Click the cloud icon → IDE Settings Synced → Sync Self Settings.

Fix common plugin problems . Many issues stem from plugin installation; ensure plugins are correctly installed.

Adjust specific configurations , such as keymaps. Modify the desired setting, click Apply then OK, and watch the cloud icon turn blue (syncing) and then gray (completed).

Method One (Settings Repository)

Make sure “Auto Sync” is enabled, then use File → Settings → Tools → Settings Repository (or search “Repository”) to sync.

Method Two (VCS Sync)

VCS → Sync Settings

This also syncs settings, though it has not been fully tested.

Following these steps should help you keep your IntelliJ IDEA configuration consistent across multiple installations.