Backups
What a backup file holds, what it does not hold, and how to restore one.
A backup is a file that you export and keep. Your library also syncs through iCloud, but a backup does a different job.
Use iCloud to keep your devices the same. Use a backup to keep a copy that you control.
Why to make a backup
- To move to a device that uses a different Apple Account.
- To go back to an earlier state after a mistake.
- To keep a copy if you sign out of iCloud.
Open Settings → Advanced → Backups to make one.
What a backup holds
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source lists | The list addresses that you added. |
| Sources | Installed-Source records and settings. The app downloads the plugin again. |
| Titles | The data of each title in your library. |
| Library entries | The entries and their flags. |
| Collections | Your collections and their members. |
| Progress | The chapter and the page position of each title. |
| Content links | The links between entries for one series from different sources. |
| Saved For Later | The read-later shelf. |
Each backup also records the app version and the date.
What a backup does not hold
- Files and downloads. The backup does not contain publication files, downloaded chapter pages, or Server downloads.
- Credentials. Server and metadata-provider credentials and secure Source values stay in the operating system Keychain.
- Source plugins and thumbnails. The app downloads or makes them again when needed.
Credentials are not in the JSON backup, but the operating system can sync them separately through iCloud Keychain.
Automatic backups
Suwatte can make a backup on a schedule. The options are Off, Daily, Weekly and Monthly.
An automatic backup is a file on your device. Copy it to a different place if you want it to survive the loss of the device.
Restore a backup
Select one of two modes.
Replace removes what is in the app now. It then installs the contents of the backup. Use it on a new install, or when the backup must win.
Merge keeps what you have. It adds the items from the backup that you do not have. Use it when you read on two devices and you want both sets.
Export a backup of the current state before you restore. A replace operation is permanent.
After a restore
- Install the sources again, if the app did not install them.
- Check each connection. iCloud Keychain can make credentials available; enter any that are missing.
- Download the chapters that you want to read offline.