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OpenWhispr is local-first: your notes live on the machine you made them on, and that copy stays the source of truth. Syncing adds a cloud copy so your other devices can see the same notes. Cloud backup is off by default. Shared notes and team-space content follow the separate syncing rules below.

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Turning it on

Open Settings, then Privacy & Data under System, and switch on Cloud backup. For cloud backup of your personal notes, these conditions must be met:
  1. You’re signed in to an OpenWhispr account
  2. Cloud backup is on
  3. You’re on a paid plan
  4. Your organisation allows cloud backup, if your account is managed
Personal cloud backup requires a paid plan. Shared notes and team-space content use the separate syncing rules below. See plans and limits. When you first switch it on, existing notes are uploaded in the background and the app reports progress — “Backing up notes… 12 / 40”, then “All notes backed up”. The section also shows Last synced so you can tell at a glance whether it’s current.

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Two exceptions that sync anyway

Shared notes and team-space content keep syncing even with cloud backup off, as long as you’re signed in. The app states this next to the toggle: “Notes in team spaces and notes you’ve shared always sync, regardless of this setting.” The logic is that each of those is its own act of consent. You can’t share a note with someone and also require it never leave your device, and a team space is shared by definition. If you want something to stay local, keep it in your personal space and don’t share it.

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What happens with the same note on two machines

Let a device finish syncing before editing the same note somewhere else. Last synced tells you where things stand. If you’ve edited on both devices before they sync, don’t assume the newer edit will replace the other copy; check your changes on both devices.

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Turning it off

Switch Cloud backup off. Local notes stay exactly where they are — the setting controls the cloud copy, not your own. To remove what’s already been uploaded, or to remove everything, see what we store, and for how long and delete your account.