> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.runpod.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sync Pod data with cloud storage providers

> Learn how to sync your Pod data with popular cloud storage providers.

Cloud Sync uploads and downloads data between your Pod and external cloud storage providers.

## Supported providers

| Provider                                                   | Auth method          | Setup complexity |
| ---------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | ---------------- |
| [**Amazon S3**](#amazon-s3)                                | Access Key + Secret  | Low              |
| [**Google Cloud Storage**](#google-cloud-platform-storage) | Service Account JSON | Medium           |
| [**Microsoft Azure**](#microsoft-azure-blob-storage)       | Account Name + Key   | Medium           |
| [**Backblaze B2**](#backblaze-b2-cloud-storage)            | Application Key      | Low              |
| [**Dropbox**](#dropbox)                                    | OAuth Access Token   | Medium           |

<Note>
  Cloud Sync works with Google Cloud Storage, not Google Drive. For Drive transfers, see [file transfer methods](/pods/storage/transfer-files#transfer-with-google-drive).
</Note>

## Security best practices

When using Cloud Sync, follow these security guidelines to protect your data and credentials:

* Keep all access keys, tokens, and credentials confidential.
* Use dedicated service accounts or application-specific credentials when possible.
* Grant only the minimum permissions required for data transfer.
* Regularly rotate your access credentials.
* Monitor your cloud storage logs for unauthorized access.

## Amazon S3

Amazon S3 provides scalable object storage that integrates seamlessly with Runpod through Cloud Sync.

Follow the steps below to sync your data with Amazon S3:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create an S3 bucket">
    Navigate to the [Amazon S3 bucket creation form](https://s3.console.aws.amazon.com/s3/bucket/create?region=us-east-1) in your AWS console.

    Provide a descriptive name for your bucket and select your preferred AWS Region (this affects data storage location and access speeds).

    If you need your bucket to be publicly accessible, uncheck the **Block public access** option at the bottom of the form. For most use cases, keeping this checked provides better security.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate access credentials">
    Go to **Security credentials** in your AWS account settings. Create a new Access Key on the Security credentials page.

    Your Secret Access Key will be displayed only once during creation, so make sure to save it securely.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync your data with Runpod">
    In the Runpod console, navigate to the [Pods page](https://runpod.io/console/pods) and select the Pod containing your data. Click **Cloud Sync**, then select **AWS S3** from the available providers.

    Enter your **AWS Access Key ID** and **Secret Access Key** in the provided fields. Specify the **AWS Region** where your bucket is located and provide the complete bucket path where you want to store your data.

    Click **Copy to/from AWS S3** to initiate the transfer. The transfer progress will be displayed in the Runpod interface. Large datasets may take time depending on your Pod's network connection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Google Cloud Platform Storage

Google Cloud Storage offers high-performance object storage with global availability and strong consistency.

Follow the steps below to sync your data with Google Cloud Storage:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a storage bucket">
    Access the Google Cloud Storage dashboard and click **Buckets → Create** to start the bucket creation process.

    Choose a globally unique name for your bucket. Leave most configuration options at their default settings unless you have specific requirements.

    To allow public access to your bucket contents, uncheck **Enforce Public Access Prevention On This Bucket**. Keep this checked for better security unless public access is required.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up a service account">
    Create a service account specifically for Runpod access. This provides better security than using your primary account credentials.

    Follow [Google's guide on creating service account keys](https://cloud.google.com/iam/docs/keys-create-delete) to generate a JSON key file. This key contains all necessary authentication information.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync your data with Runpod">
    In the Runpod console, navigate to the [Pods page](https://runpod.io/console/pods) and select the Pod containing your data. Click **Cloud Sync**, then select **Google Cloud Storage** from the available providers.

    Paste the entire contents of your Service Account JSON key into the provided field. Specify the source/destination path within your bucket and select which folders from your Pod to transfer.

    Click **Copy to/from Google Cloud Storage** to initiate the transfer. The transfer progress will be displayed in the Runpod interface. Large datasets may take time depending on your Pod's network connection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Microsoft Azure Blob Storage

Azure Blob Storage provides massively scalable object storage for unstructured data, with seamless integration into the Azure ecosystem.

Follow the steps below to sync your data with Microsoft Azure Blob Storage:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Azure resources">
    Start by creating a Resource Group to organize your Azure resources. Navigate to [Resource Groups](https://portal.azure.com/#view/HubsExtension/BrowseResourceGroups) in the Azure portal and click **Create**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure storage access">
    Next, set up a Storage Account under [Storage Accounts](https://portal.azure.com/#view/HubsExtension/BrowseResource/resourceType/Microsoft.Storage%2FStorageAccounts). Click **Create** and assign it to your newly created Resource Group.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Retrieve access key">
    Navigate to **Security + Networking → Access Keys** in your storage account to retrieve the authentication key.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a Blob Container">
    Create a Blob Container by going to **Storage Browser → Blob Containers** and clicking **Add Container**. Consider creating folders within the container for better organization if you plan to sync data to/from multiple Pods.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync your data with Runpod">
    In the Runpod console, navigate to the [Pods page](https://runpod.io/console/pods) and select the Pod containing your data. Click **Cloud Sync**, then select **Azure Blob Storage** from the available providers.

    Enter your **Azure Account Name** and **Account Key** in the provided fields. Specify the source/destination path in your blob storage where you want to store your data.

    Click **Copy to/from Azure Blob Storage** to initiate the transfer. The transfer progress will be displayed in the Runpod interface. Large datasets may take time depending on your Pod's network connection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage

Backblaze B2 offers affordable cloud storage with S3-compatible APIs and straightforward pricing.

Follow the steps below to sync your data with Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a B2 bucket">
    Navigate to [B2 Cloud Storage Buckets](https://secure.backblaze.com/b2_buckets.htm) and click **Create a Bucket**.

    Set the bucket visibility to **Public** to allow Runpod access. You can restrict access later using application keys if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate application credentials">
    Visit [App Keys](https://secure.backblaze.com/app_keys.htm) to create a new application key. This key provides authenticated access to your bucket.

    Save both the KeyID and applicationKey securely—the applicationKey cannot be retrieved after creation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync your data with Runpod">
    In the Runpod console, navigate to the [Pods page](https://runpod.io/console/pods) and select the Pod containing your data. Click **Cloud Sync**, then select **Backblaze B2** from the available providers.

    Enter your **Backblaze B2 Account ID**, **Application Key**, and **bucket path** as shown in the Backblaze interface.

    Click **Copy to/from Backblaze B2** to initiate the transfer. The transfer progress will be displayed in the Runpod interface.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Dropbox

Dropbox integration allows you to sync your Pod data with your Dropbox account using OAuth authentication.

Follow the steps below to sync your data with Dropbox:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a Dropbox app">
    Go to the [Dropbox App Console](https://www.dropbox.com/developers/apps/create) to create a new app.

    Select **Scoped Access** for API options and **Full Dropbox** for access type. Choose a descriptive name for your app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure permissions">
    In the Dropbox App Console, navigate to the **Permissions** tab. Enable all required checkboxes for read and write access to ensure Cloud Sync can transfer files properly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate access token">
    Return to the **Settings** tab of your app. In the OAuth2 section, click **Generate** under Generated Access Token.

    Save this token immediately—it won't be shown again after you leave the page. This token authenticates Runpod's access to your Dropbox.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync your data with Runpod">
    In the Runpod console, navigate to the [Pods page](https://runpod.io/console/pods) and select the Pod containing your data. Click **Cloud Sync**, then select **Dropbox** from the available providers.

    Paste your **Dropbox Access Token** and specify the remote path where you want to store the data. Creating a dedicated folder in Dropbox beforehand helps with organization.

    Click **Copy to/from Dropbox** to initiate the transfer. The transfer progress will be displayed in the Runpod interface.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Alternative transfer methods

While Cloud Sync provides the easiest way to sync data with cloud providers, you can also transfer files between your Pod and other destinations using:

* **runpodctl**: A built-in CLI tool for peer-to-peer transfers using one-time codes.
* **SSH-based tools**: Use SCP or rsync for direct transfers to your local machine.
* **Network volumes**: For persistent storage across multiple Pods.

For detailed instructions on these methods, see our [file transfer guide](/pods/storage/transfer-files).

## Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during syncing:

* **Transfer fails immediately**: Verify your credentials are correct and have the necessary permissions.
* **Slow transfer speeds**: Large datasets take time to transfer. Consider compressing data before syncing or using incremental transfers.
* **Permission denied errors**: Ensure your bucket or container has the correct access policies. Some providers require specific permission configurations for external access.
* **Connection timeouts**: Check that your Pod has stable network connectivity. You may need to retry the transfer.

For additional support, consult your cloud provider's documentation or contact Runpod support.