What do you need?

Choose between periodic syncing and real-time scrobbling, based on what you want to keep in sync.

Pick one path first. If you’re unsure, start with syncing.

Path 1: Syncing (periodic)

Use this to align watchlists, history, and ratings. Start one-way. Add two-way later.

Start here: Syncing

You will set up:

• Authentication providers

• Metadata (recommended)

• Pairs

Path 2: Scrobbling (real-time)

Use this to push plays while you watch. Prefer Watcher.

Start here: Webhook or Watcher

You will set up:

• Authentication providers

• Metadata (recommended)

• Scrobbler (Watcher or Webhook)

Legacy webhooks are deprecated. Use Watcher unless you have a specific reason not to.

Many setups use both. Syncing is best for backfills and alignment. Scrobbling is best for new plays as they happen.

Related topics

Quick setup

• First-time setup — recommended order in the UI

• Settings — where everything lives

Connect providers

• Providers — what CrossWatch supports

• Authentication — connect services

• Metadata — why TMDb matters

Build safe pairs

• Configure Pairs — dry run, guards, and feature toggles

• Scheduling — run pairs on a cadence

• Whitelisting — limit which libraries are touched

• Pair-level Whitelisting — limit libraries for one pair

Enable scrobbling

• Webhook or Watcher — pick a mode

• Watcher — recommended setup

Fix issues fast

• Analyzer — find missing peers and mismatches

• Editor — overrides, blocks, and cleanup

• FAQ — common questions

Safety reads

• Best practice — safer defaults

• Tracker to Media Server — why it’s risky

• Media Server to Media Server — why it’s fragile

Operations

• Docker setup — installation and persistent config

• HTTPS/TLS — secure the UI

• Maintenance — logging and cleanup

Next steps

• For syncing: Syncing

• For scrobbling: Webhook or Watcher

• If you’re brand new: First-time setup

Summary

Use syncing for periodic alignment (watchlists/history/ratings).

Use scrobbling for real-time playback progress and new plays.

Most users end up using both. Start with one path.