Here are straight answers to the most common questions.

Is this just a NAS?

Short answer: It’s a pre‑configured, consumer‑friendly NAS‑plus.

  • Preloaded with the right mobile and desktop sync presets
  • Works over your home Wi‑Fi and wired LAN; HDMI out if you want to plug in a screen
  • Built on well‑documented, open components — no proprietary lock‑in

See also: How it works.

Can I access my files away from home?

By default, Cloudcycle is local‑only for privacy. Most families let phones sync automatically when they get home.

Optional add‑ons if you need away‑from‑home access:

  • Zero‑trust networking (e.g., Tailscale/ZeroTier) for simple, encrypted access
  • DNS proxy with strong authentication (advanced)

Remote access is off by default and only enabled on request.

What about maintenance and updates?

  • Security updates can auto‑apply on a schedule; you can defer or run manually
  • Weekly self‑checks surface drive health (SMART), temperature, and backup status
  • If something needs attention, you’ll get a clear “action needed” note

What happens if the box dies?

Your protection level is up to you:

  • Starter: Nightly differential backups to SD card or external USB SSD (SD integrity is verified before first use)
  • Plus: External USB/NVMe RAID1 (mirrored) enclosure gives live redundancy
  • Family Duo: Two units mirroring each other — one keeps running if the other fails
  • Pro: Dual‑NVMe RAID1 or small external RAID array, with optional encrypted off‑site sync

How long will it last?

For light, low‑heat tasks like syncing and serving files, 5–8+ years is typical. Many units go longer; storage drives are the main wear component. We surface health indicators so you can replace media before failure.

What if an SD card or SSD fails?

All solid‑state media has write‑endurance limits. We mitigate by:

  • Recommending mirrored storage or dual‑unit options for heavier use
  • Running SMART health checks and weekly verification
  • Verifying SD cards before first use and supporting differential backups to reduce wear

Can it mirror disks? What is RAID?

Yes. We support RAID1 (mirrored) via an external USB/NVMe enclosure for live redundancy. If one drive fails, the other keeps your data available while you replace the bad drive.

  • RAID = Redundant Array of Independent Disks; RAID1 mirrors two drives

Can I sync my iPhone without plugging in?

Yes. iPhone and Android both sync over your home Wi‑Fi using our recommended apps/presets. Laptops (Mac/Windows/Linux) can auto‑sync folders too.

How is this different from Google Drive/Photos?

  • Big cloud: automatic and accessible anywhere, but monthly fees and your data lives on someone else’s servers
  • External drive: one device at a time, manual, easy to forget
  • Cloudcycle: automatic and wireless like the cloud; private and one‑time cost like a drive — your data stays at home unless you turn on remote access

Do you ship to Australia?

Yes — while we finalise direct AU shipping, we can ship via a proxy delivery address. Email us for details.

Still have questions? Contact us.