This is a basic tutorial on how to setup your Android phone to sync with your selfhosted Nextcloud instance just by using 100% free and open source reliable software.

Technologies used

Nextcloud file sync is based on WebDAV.

Regarding Calendars and Tasks, we have CalDAV

For Contacts, we have CardDAV

Nextcloud is based on the combination of SabreDAV to support these technologies at the server backend, combined with a javascript WebDAV/CalDAV/CardDAV frontend for the web interface.

The Nextcloud desktop synchronization client also talks WebDAV with the server, whereas we usually resort to something like Thunderbird to sync calendars and tasks.

When it comes to Android, it is the Nextcloud sync client that talks WebDAV with the server, whereas DAVdroid talks CalDAV and CardDAV for tasks, contacts and calendars.

Basic procedure

Install F-Droid

First of all, if you haven’t yet, install F-Droid. This is a great app store that only contains FOSS software ( Free and Open Source ).

In order to install this or any other app that doesn’t come from the Google Play store, you first need to allow Unknown Sources in the Security section of your phone settings.

Then, download F-Droid and ejecute the download to install it.

You will find all required apps here

Install DAVdroid

From F-Droid, install DAVdroid. Don’t open it yet.

Install Nextcloud

Next, install the Nextcloud sync client app

Configure Nextcloud

Enter your server address and credentials

Configure DAVdroid from Nextcloud

In settings, look for the option to Sync calendar & contacts.

This will autofill the weird URL that we need to type otherwise. Enter your credentials again.

Finally, open DAVdroid and select which calendars, tasks and contacts you want to sync with the phone.

Install OpenTasks

DAVdroid will suggest that you install OpenTasks.

You can install it from F-Droid at any moment, but make sure you install it after you have connected DAVdroid to your cloud.

Your tasks will automatically appear as available in OpenTasks. I recommend that you use the widget 😉

Install Etar (optional)

In my case, I wasn’t very fond of the default Calendar that comes with LineageOS, so I recommend Etar, which is available in F-Droid.

It is light, clear and simple. In any case, your Nextcloud calendars should now show in your Calendar app.

What’s next?

We probably will install other Nextcloud Apps in our server, such as Nextcloud News, Notes, or Bookmarks. There are open source apps for all those on F-Droid.

Install Nextcloud News

Install Nextcloud Notes

Install Nextcloud Bookmarks

There we have it! We can now enjoy all of our self hosted Nextcloud instance in our phone.