How to Sync IntelliJ IDEA Settings to the Cloud

When you have been using IntelliJ IDEA for a long time and have customized many settings, reinstalling the IDE requires re‑configuring everything; this article shows how to back up and sync those settings to the cloud.

Step 1: Upload local settings to the cloud (click the cloud icon in the lower‑right corner to modify plugins if needed).

Step 2: On another computer, sync the settings by clicking the small cloud icon in the lower‑right corner.

Enable automatic sync in the Settings so it runs on each startup.

Step 3: Perform the synchronization.

Step 4: Resolve any issues that may arise during sync.

Step 5: Fix plugin‑related problems.

Step 6: Most issues stem from plugin installation.

Step 7: Continue fixing plugin problems.

Step 8: Completion of the sync process.

Step 9: No further sync needed after successful completion.

Method One: Sync Settings to Account or Cloud

Synchronize your personal settings to your account or the cloud.

Step A – Enable Auto Sync

In the previous step we already checked “Auto Sync”. If not, open File → Settings → Tools → Settings Repository (or search “Repository”) and enable “Auto Sync”.

Only the configurations shown in the small cloud can be synced.

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

Only modifications made here will be synchronized.

Example: modify Keymaps.

In Settings, change a shortcut for font size.

After editing, click Apply , then OK . Observe the small cloud icon turn blue, then back to gray when sync finishes.

Click Apply

Click OK

Watch the cloud icon change color

When it returns to gray, sync is complete

Method Two: Use VCS Sync Settings

VCS → Sync Settings

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

These personal experiences are shared for reference; feedback and corrections are welcome.