Transitioning Day One data to a new device

With tools like Day One Sync and our ability to transfer your encryption key through QR code it’s easy to transition Day One from one device to a new one. This means you can switch between our Web App, Android App, iOS App and macOS app when ever you’d like.

Encryption Key

Your Encryption Key is vital for the app to be able to decrypt and show your entries. To move it between devices first, please verify the Encryption Key is present in Settings > Sync. Then save a copy via PDF or use the options to securely store the key on iCloud or Google Drive. You can also use our QR scanner on your new device at Settings> Sync to move the key over. You can learn more about End-to-end encryption if you don’t see a key present in this guide.

Day One Sync

This is the best way to make sure all your data shows on all devices you log into. Day One Sync allows users to securely backup data to the cloud when signed in to an account in the app settings. Based on the account status, users can back up from one active device or with multiple devices.

Basic: Backup from one active device

When changing from an old phone, iPad, computer, or tablet to a new one, please follow these instructions to uninstall and install the Day One app from the old to the new device:

• Verify that data is synced by signing into the web app at https://dayone.me/ in a web browser

• Compare the entry/media counts under “All Entries” with what is on the old device

• Once you are sure everything matches, sign into Day One on the new device to switch it to the Active device

• As a Basic user, you will be prompted with a message to subscribe to Day One Premium or to Move your journal

• Tap the Move your journal button to access your previous journal(s), as shown in the screenshot below

Switching the Active device may be done once every 30 days. Or, unlock Sync on all devices by subscribing to Premium. If you need assistance managing the devices you’re using with Day One Sync, please reach out to support. We can add and remove devices that have been connected to your account.

Plus/Premium: Backup/Sync across multiple devices

This is the easiest option for transitioning to a new device. Your data is stored locally on each device and on the server (when signed in to an account). Here are some tips:

1. Verify data is synced by signing in to your Day One account at https://dayone.me and comparing the stats with what is showing in the app
   
2. Please save a copy of the encryption key from Day One on iOS. You can find the key in one of the following places: 
    
   – iOS: Day One > Settings > Sync > Encryption Key
   – Mac: Day One > Settings > Sync > Advanced > View Encryption Key
   – Android: Day One > Settings > Sync > Encryption Key

iCloud device backups (iOS only)

With a Wi-Fi network connection, you can make a backup of your device using iCloud. You don’t need to plug your device into a computer or even be at home to back up with iCloud. iCloud backups include nearly all data and settings stored on your device.

When setting up your new device, choose to Restore from an iCloud backup. You will see any/all iCloud backups made, even from other devices. Please choose the most recent backup from your previous device. Your data will be restored as it was at the time of that backup. Please see the Apple guide on restoring from an iCloud backup here:https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht204184. This guide also describes iTunes backups. That is also an option if you connect your device to a computer and backup to iTunes.

This option is only functional with Day One 2.0 or later. Day One Classic is not supported in this method since it was retired in March 2016.

Manual export

If you do not use Day One Sync or iCloud backups, there is a manual option. This is also recommended for users that have Day One on macOS only. Export your data using the JSON file type. This exports all data and media and can be re-imported into Day One. Day One JSON files are the only kind of JSON files that can be imported into Day One. See more information here: Exporting Entries

iOS

1. Go to Day One > Settings > Import/Export
2. Be sure the export settings are correct to include all journals and the full date range.
3. Tap Export Day One JSON.
4. Then you can upload this to iCloud Drive or Dropbox.
5. On the new device, download Day One and go to Day One > Settings > Import/Export > Import JSON and choose the file you uploaded.
6. This will begin importing the data from that JSON.

macOS

1. Click File > Export > JSON
2. Save that file to an external drive that can be used on your new Mac
3. On the new Mac, download Day One from the Mac App Store.
4. Click File > Import > JSON Zip File
5. Select the JSON you saved

If you have additional questions, please contact support by clicking the chat icon at the bottom right of this website or choose one of the other contact methods here: Contact Day One Support