Data Transfer Guide

Keep your old device until you have confirmed that the writing you need is available on the new one. Transfer options and what they include depend on your platform, app version, and subscription.

Before you change devices

  1. Check which account you are using and which backup or export options are available in your installed app.
  2. Check that a backup or export completed, and that it includes the entries and other items you want to keep.
  3. If you use Vault Privacy Mode, make sure you have your passphrase or recovery key before moving.
  4. After restoring, open several entries and check the dates and content before erasing or giving away the old device.

Using Premium Vault sync

Vault sync uploads encrypted journal entries and conversations to our servers so backed-up items can be restored. On the current iOS app, Vault controls appear on The Back Page. Follow the prompts shown in your version, using the same account.

In Standard mode, the server manages the key. In Privacy Mode, the key is derived from your own passphrase. Privacy Mode requires your passphrase or recovery key to restore; support cannot provide a replacement decryption key.

Check the contents of a restore rather than assuming that every type of app data is included. For example, Open Space remains on the device in iOS version 5.0. If you need help preserving it or moving between iOS and Android, contact support before replacing the old device.

Exports and migration codes

Export and migration options vary by app version. A migration code can give access to exported writing through a server-based transfer. This uses our server rather than a direct connection between two phones. Do not assume a migration transfer has the same protections as Vault Privacy Mode.

Keep migration codes and exported files private. Read the options shown in the app and check what was included. A PDF report or selected export may not be a complete, restorable copy of your journal and all other app data.

Ask support which method fits your devices if you are unsure. Please do not include a migration code, passphrase, recovery key, or journal text in your support message.

If you have an iCloud backup

iCloud copies are held in your Apple account and are separate from Vault. The Privacy Policy describes a legacy iCloud backup method with different protection from the current on-device store and Vault Privacy Mode. Availability and restore options depend on the app version that created the backup. Contact support before relying on an older iCloud copy or assuming it can be moved to another platform.

If something is missing or will not restore

Keep the old device and existing backups intact. Note your devices, app versions, the method you used, and any error message. Avoid clearing app data, signing out, or uninstalling as a first troubleshooting step.

Recovery depends on the copies you already have and whether they can be unlocked. Writing that exists only on an inaccessible device may not be recoverable. A successful account sign-in by itself does not prove that all writing was backed up.

Email ben@seen.place or use the contact form for help choosing the next step.