# Changing how your computer syncs

> Academium SMS Help › Individual Edition
> For: Individual Edition
> Web page: https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-sync-settings
> Last updated: 2026-10-06

**Sync Settings** controls where the Individual Edition sends and receives your school's records. Most people never need to change it.

## Opening Sync Settings

Open **Sync Settings** from the Individual Edition's menu. It shows the **current mode** and your school's subscription.

## Sync modes

| Mode | Use when |
| --- | --- |
| **Online (Portal)** | Your school runs online through the Academium portal. |
| **School Server** | Your school has its own school server. |

## Switching to a school server

1. Choose **School Server**.
2. Enter the **Server URL** your administrator gives you.
3. Leave **Device Key** blank to keep the existing one, unless your administrator gives you a new one.
4. Test the connection. When it works, Academium shows **Connected** and the server's version.
5. Save.

**Restart the Individual Edition** for the change to take effect.

## Common issues

**"Could not reach the school server."** Check that you are on the school network, the address is right, and the server is running.

**"Test the connection before saving."** Academium will not save a server it has not reached. Test first.

**My changes are not appearing for colleagues.** Check that the mode matches how your school runs Academium, and that you restarted after changing it.

---

Need a server computer, a Windows licence, a school network or a computer lab? **Academium Plus**, from the same company as this product, supplies and sets them up, with a **free quote**: https://my.academium.com.ng/support