# Cloud Sync Workaround

Data sync is hard, and requires ton of effort both to build, maintain and keep the data secure. Almost all of the productivity apps with cloud sync charge a subscription: Obsidian, Fantastical, Habitify, Paste, Todoist, Session...

The one-time pricing model isn't sustainable in this case.

If you do not want to pay a subscription for iCloud sync, you can follow this workaround to sync data between devices.

### Cloud Sync Workaround

Instead of storing data on a local folder, you can choose to store the data on your private cloud: iCloud, Dropbox, Googel Drive or One Drive...\
\
With this, I don't need to manage your data and we can keep using the perpertual licensing model.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**STORING DATA ON A CLOUD FOLDER MIGHT RESULT IN DATA LOSS. USE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK.**\
\
\- You will need to manage your own data, and resolve the conflicts yourself. We do not take responsible in case of data loss. \
\- BoltAI encrypts your API keys. To sync API keys across devices, make sure to use the same Encryption Key on these devices. (Read more below)
{% endhint %}

If you still want to proceed, following these steps.

**On your primary device:**

1. Take a full backup of your database. Go to **Settings > Advanced > Data Management,** click "Take a full backup..." and save the database file to a safe location.
2. Go to **Settings > Advanced > Locations,** change the App Data Folder to a folder in your iCloud Drive.
3. When prompted, choose to Copy data to the new location and restart the app.
4. Go to **Settings > Advanced > Security,** click "**Export Encryption Key...**"

**On the second device:**

Note: the order here is very important. You must import the encryption key first, then change the location.

1. Go to **Settings > Advanced > Security**, click "**Import Encryption Key...**"
2. Select the file you've exported in the previous step.
3. Go to **Settings > Advanced > Locations**, change the App Data Folder to the same folder in your iCloud Drive
4. When prompted, click **Restart. DO NOT** overwrite data.

**Caveats:**

* Data sync is not realtime. You should not use BoltAI on 2 machines at the same time to minimize conflicts.
* Data are not automatically merged. Instead most cloud service picks the latest version of the database file (last write wins). To minimize conflicts and prevent data loss, always quit BoltAI and wait for iCloud Drive to sync your data before switching to a new device.
* Your OpenAI API key and Replicate API key are stored in Apple Keychain and won't be synced.
* Most of your preferences such as font, keyboard shortcuts and icons are not synced.


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