Thread: Start torrents remotely with Dropbox

About 2 months ago I ran into a tutorial on Lifehacker which should how to remotely start torrents from any PC with internet access, so I thought I would share it with you. I have used this enough for me to consider it worth while to do. I do not take any credit for this at all and have sourced the original creator at the bottom.

Here’s a quick way to start BitTorrent downloads remotely, if you’re using Dropbox. First, make sure Dropbox is installed in the computer where you regularly download your torrents, probably your main computer at home. For those not using Dropbox, you can get a free account with an extra 250MB of storage here. You’ll have to download a small application, which creates a “Dropbox” folder in your “My Documents” folder in Windows or in your “Home” folder in OS X. Dropbox keeps that folder synchronized across all the computers where you have installed it, so that if you move a file into that folder, it will show up on all the other computers. You can also access and upload files via Dropbox’s web interface.



Now, most BitTorrent clients have an option to automatically add torrents copied on a certain folder. In Transmission, it’s in preferences, in the “transfers” tab. Check the Watch for torrent files in option. Optionally, check the Trash original torrent files so your folder doesn’t fill up with old .torrent files.

In µTorrent, the option is in the preferences (the cog icon in the toolbar), under “directories.” Check Automatically load .torrents from and optionally, Delete loaded .torrents.


What you want to do is set those options to watch your Dropbox folder (or a folder inside your Dropbox, if you want to keep things tidy) for new .torrents, so they’ll start downloading automatically when a new file appears. Do not, however, set your client to save the resulting download into your Dropbox folder. Save them elsewhere.
Now as long as you keep Dropbox and BitTorrent running, you can start torrents remotely. All you have to do is upload .torrent files to the Dropbox folder from wherever you are, using the web interface, and it should start downloading almost immediately on the other computer.


Source: Start BitTorrent downloads remotely with Dropbox

Excellent info dude.
But you could always just enable webui and forward the port :P

This is true, but this would allow those that do not know how to do that, or do not have access to their router to start torrents from any PC.

Cool tut.. Always looking for tips on how to streamline my torrent experience!

Just what ive been looking for! Don't like turning around to my torrent box to start a torrent.

great info
thanks

This is very useful at work.
My work dosnt accept incoming connections.
But work torrents. :)
With this, i can add a lot of torrents to my work :)
Thank you so much.

It's good to know. Thanks!