obsidian-livesync/docs/p2p_sync_updates_2026.md

# User Guide: Peer-to-Peer Synchronisation (2026 Edition)

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) synchronisation has evolved significantly. This guide covers the essential setup and the new features introduced in the 2026 updates.

## 1. Core Concept: Server-less Freedom
P2P synchronisation allows your devices to talk directly to each other using WebRTC. A central server is not required for data storage, ensuring maximum privacy and "freedom."

## 2. Setting Up via P2P Status Pane
You no longer need to navigate through complex menus. Simply open the **P2P Status** (via the ribbon icon or command palette) and click the **⚙ (Cog)** icon.

This opens the **P2P Setup** dialogue where you can configure the essentials:
- **Room ID:** A unique identifier for your synchronisation group.
- **Passphrase:** Your encryption key. Ensure all your devices use the exact same passphrase. 
- **Device Name:** A recognisable name for the current device (e.g., `iphone-16`).

Once you have saved the settings, return to the **P2P Status Pane** and click the **Connect** button to join the network.

*Tip: You can also toggle **Auto Connect** in the setup dialogue to automatically join the network whenever Obsidian starts.*

## 3. Real-time Control
The status pane in the right sidebar provides granular control over your synchronisation:

- **Active P2P Remote (new):** P2P now has its own active remote selection, separate from the normal active remote for database replication. Use the combo box next to the cog icon to choose which P2P remote configuration is active for P2P features.
- **Create P2P Remote (new):** Use the **+** button to open the P2P setup dialogue and create a dedicated P2P remote configuration. This is recommended when no P2P active remote has been selected yet.
- **Selection required (new):** If no P2P active remote is selected, the pane asks for selection before P2P target-related changes are saved.

- **Signalling Status:** Shows if you are connected to the relay (🟢 Online).
- **Live-push (Broadcast):** Toggle "Broadcast changes" to notify other peers whenever you make an edit.
- **Replicate now (🔄):** Start immediate bidirectional replication with a visible peer (Pull, then Push).
- **Watch (🔔/🔕):** Enable "Watch" on specific peers to automatically pull changes when they broadcast. This creates a "LiveSync-like" experience.
- **Sync target (🔗/⛓️‍💥):** Mark specific peers as **sync targets**. Peers marked here will be included when you run the **"P2P: Sync with targets"** command (see section 5). Click the button next to a peer to toggle it on (🔗, highlighted) or off (⛓️‍💥). This setting is persisted in your configuration.

## 4. Replication Dialogue
If you want to synchronise with a specific peer manually, use the **Replication** command or button. This opens the **Replication Dialogue** listing available devices.

Inside the dialogue, the **Server Status** card at the top confirms you are still connected while performing the sync.
The status card now shows a stable **Room ID suffix** above **Peer ID**. The Room ID suffix is better for identifying your P2P group, while Peer ID may change between connections.

Two actions are available per peer:

- **Sync** — Starts a bidirectional synchronisation (Pull then Push) and keeps the dialogue open so you can monitor progress or sync with additional peers.
- **Start Sync & Close** — Starts the same bidirectional sync in the background and **immediately closes the dialogue**, so you can continue working without waiting.

## 5. Syncing with Registered Targets via Command Palette

You can now trigger a synchronisation with all your pre-registered target peers in one step, without opening any UI.

1. Open the **Command Palette** (`Ctrl/Cmd + P`).
2. Run **"P2P: Sync with targets"**.

This command synchronises with every peer whose **SYNC** toggle is enabled in the **Detected Peers** list. If no targets are registered, or if the P2P server is not running, the command will notify you accordingly.

*Tip: Pair this command with a hotkey for a quick, keyboard-driven sync workflow.*

## 6. Technical Improvements in 2026
- **Decoupled Architecture:** The UI is now strictly separated from the core logic, making the plugin more stable across different platforms (Mobile, Desktop, and Web).
- **Svelte 5 UI:** The interface has been rebuilt for better responsiveness and clearer status indicators.
- **Security:** All data remains end-to-end encrypted. Even the signalling relay never sees your actual notes.