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# Save or restore a backup

A **backup** is a saved copy of your Futurecast data. Futurecast puts it in a file ending in **.futurecast**.

Keep a backup somewhere you can find again, such as Files. The file can contain your futures, boards, photos, recordings, practice history, and **People & Pets**, including their photos, relationship words, and notes. It can contain personal information. Share it only when you mean to share that information.

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## Save a backup

1. Tap **Today**.
2. Open your profile.
3. Scroll to **Backup & Sync**.
4. Tap **Export All Data**.
5. Keep Futurecast open while it prepares the file.
6. When the share sheet opens, choose where to save it. For example, choose **Save to Files** if it is available.
7. Finish saving in the chosen app.

Check that you can find the saved file before relying on it as your backup. Closing the share sheet alone does not save a copy somewhere new.

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## If a backup has a warning

Some images or recordings may not be available to include. Read the warning before choosing **Export Anyway**. That option saves a backup with the stated items missing.

A warning about **Account Identity** means the backup could not include information used to connect your Futurecast account. The file can still contain your futures, but it may not restore your image allowance. Keep the warning and [contact support](https://futurecastapp.com/help/account-support) if you need help moving devices.

If export is interrupted, return to **Export All Data** to start a new export. Keep the app open until it finishes.

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## Restore a backup

1. Save the **.futurecast** file somewhere you can reach in Files.
2. Open Futurecast and go to Profile.
3. Under **Backup & Sync**, tap **Import Backup**.
4. Choose your backup file.
5. Review the list of contents and any warnings.
6. Choose **Merge with Existing** or **Replace All Data**. Read the difference below first.
7. Keep Futurecast open while it imports.
8. Read the result, then tap **Done**.

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## Choose merge or replace

**Merge with Existing** brings the backup into your current library. It combines records with the data already there. This is the usual choice when you want to keep your current library.

Merge does not undo every past deletion. An older backup will not bring back items that this device has already marked as permanently deleted.

**Replace All Data** removes the library on this device and imports the backup in its place. Save a separate backup of your current data first if you want to keep it. Read all warnings before choosing Replace.

If you use iCloud Sync on another device, older data from that device can arrive again when it reconnects. Replacing a backup on this device does not replace every device's library at once.

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## If an import fails

Read the error message first.

- If the file is not recognized, choose a file ending in **.futurecast**.
- If the file cannot be opened from another app, save it to Files on this iPhone first.
- If files are missing or damaged, make a fresh export from the original device if you still have it.
- If the import stopped while you were away, return to **Import Backup** and keep the app open.

An import can finish with missing images, audio, or account information. A warning means those parts need attention. It does not always mean the whole import failed.

If it still fails, [contact support](https://futurecastapp.com/help/account-support). Keep your original file and the data on your old phone.

[Back to Futurecast Help](https://futurecastapp.com/help)