Sync, Backup & Restore
iCloud sync makes one data set available across devices. Backup files let you recover from mistakes, migrate, or restore after a data problem. Sync and backup are not substitutes for each other.
iCloud Sync
When enabled, Locus uses Apple CloudKit to sync tasks, projects, tags, filters, and their relationships automatically. Timing depends on network access, iCloud state, system scheduling, and data volume.
Check that:
- Every device uses the same Apple Account and has iCloud Drive enabled
- Locus is allowed to use iCloud
- The network and local storage are available
- App versions are reasonably current
Sync is eventually consistent. Devices can differ briefly. After a large import or bulk edit, keep the app open for a while and avoid repeating the same operation on a device that has not caught up.
Sync Is Not Backup
Sync propagates edits and deletions. An accidental deletion can reach every device. A backup preserves a separate point-in-time copy.
Automatic Backup
When the app gets an opportunity to run, Locus creates at most one local automatic backup every 24 hours and retains the latest 14. It is not a guaranteed background job at an exact time; an app that remains unopened might not create a file every day.
Automatic backups are local to the device. Do not assume iCloud sync copies them elsewhere.
Manual Backup
In Settings → Backup, create a backup now, then use the system share sheet to save it to Files, external storage, or another trusted location.
Back up before:
- Bulk deletion, moves, or date changes
- Large AI reorganizations
- Importing Things 3 or many Reminders
- A Replace restore
- Rebuilding projects, Tag Groups, or filters
The file extension is .locusgtdbackup. It is UTF-8 JSON, and current backups include task attachments.
Backup Files Are Not Encrypted
A backup can contain task titles, notes, dates, locations, relationships, and attachments. Store and send it only through trusted channels.
Merge Import
Merge compares record UUIDs:
- If a record with the UUID already exists, the current complete record and relationships are kept.
- If it is missing, the backup record is added.
Merge is useful for recovering missing records. It does not use the backup to undo edits on existing records. Review import counts and important projects afterward.
Replace Restore
Replace deletes current GTD data and rebuilds it from the backup. It is destructive and cannot be undone inside Locus.
Safe sequence:
- Export a separate manual backup of current data.
- Verify the target file’s source and creation time.
- Close Locus on other devices so they do not write during recovery.
- Run Replace and do not force-quit.
- Check tasks, projects, tags, filters, attachments, and dates.
- Then let devices resume syncing gradually.
Backup import is transactional; validation or write failure attempts to roll back the whole import instead of keeping a partial data set.
Attachments
Attachments are stored with tasks, synchronized, and included in current backups. One attachment can be up to 20 MB and one file-selection batch can contain up to 20 files. Large attachment sets increase sync and backup time.
Troubleshoot Sync
- Read the sync status and error explanation in Locus Settings.
- Verify Apple Account, network, and app version on each device.
- Open Locus in the foreground on each device for a while.
- Do not repeatedly toggle iCloud, uninstall the app, or clear data as an experiment.
- Export a manual backup immediately from any device that still has complete data.
- If the issue continues, provide version, device, timing, and the full error to Support.
Back Up Before Uninstalling
If data has not reached iCloud, deleting the app can remove the only local copy. Reinstallation should not be the first troubleshooting step.