Start on the computer
- Connect the computer and iPhone to the same local network.
- Open link.watermelonbackup.com in Chrome or Edge.
- Choose the folder where backups should be stored.
- Create the Link and keep the browser tab open.
Pair from the iPhone
- Open Watermelon Backup and choose the Backup to Computer / Watermelon Link entry.
- Scan the QR code shown in the computer browser.
- After pairing, the computer becomes a temporary Node for that Link session.
- If pairing fails, turn off VPN, proxy, or network filtering and try again.
Back up by month
- Return to Home and wait for the connection and remote index sync to finish.
- Check the local-side months you want to back up.
- Tap Execute, review the confirmation, then start the task.
- Keep the computer browser session open until the selected months finish.
What Watermelon Link is not
Watermelon Link is designed for local transfer between your devices. It creates a temporary Node for the browser session, but that Node is not saved to the long-term Node list. It is not a cloud storage service and does not require installing a desktop app. Transfers are speed-limited by default, and disabling that limit is a Pro feature.
Why Chrome, Edge, and WebRTC are needed
The browser side needs APIs that are stable in Chrome and Edge, including folder access for the backup directory and a WebRTC data channel for local transfer.
WebRTC lets the iPhone app and the computer browser establish a local data channel after QR-code pairing. The Link website helps the two sides pair and exchange signaling messages, but it is not a cloud relay for your photos or videos.
If the browser blocks WebRTC, local network access, or folder access, pairing or transfer may fail.
Download Watermelon Backup
Install Watermelon Backup from the App Store to follow this guide on iPhone.