Frequently Asked Questions

Backup, encryption, passphrases, sync — quick answers.

Do I need an account to use TimeTrail?

No. The app works fully offline, with everything stored on your device. Connecting a Google account is optional and only used for backup and multi-device sync — that relationship is between you and Google.

Where is my data stored?

On your device. If you turn on backup, an encrypted copy also lives in a hidden, app-private folder of your own Google Drive. TimeTrail runs no servers and keeps no copy — and it cannot see, read, or touch any of your other Drive files.

What is the passphrase for?

It protects your backup. Everything is encrypted on your device with AES-256 before it uploads, using a key sealed by your passphrase. Without the passphrase, the backup is unreadable — to us, to Google, to anyone.

Do I use the same passphrase on every device?

Yes — one passphrase per account. You choose it once, on your first device. Every other device you add simply unlocks with that same passphrase. You never "set up" encryption twice.

I forgot my passphrase. Am I locked out of my account?

No — your Google account stays fully usable with TimeTrail. What happens depends on your devices:

If any device is still unlocked (a phone where TimeTrail backup already works): open Settings there → Change passphrase → set a new one. Nothing is lost.
If no device is unlocked (say you reinstalled everywhere): the old backup can't be decrypted — but you can start fresh with the same account. At the unlock prompt, choose "Start fresh — erase the old backup": it removes the unreadable backup from your Drive (no passphrase needed) and lets you set a new one. Data already on your devices stays on them and gets backed up under the new passphrase.

What's permanently lost is only data that existed nowhere but the old backup — that's the honest cost of real encryption. If we could recover it without your passphrase, so could Google or a thief.

What happens if I edit the same note on two devices?

The changes merge — TimeTrail's sync is built on conflict-free merging, so neither device's edits are lost. Regular items (tasks, expenses) resolve to the most recent change.

How do I move to a new phone?

Install TimeTrail → connect the same Google account → enter your passphrase when asked. Your backup restores automatically and the app refreshes with your data. (Rarely it may ask you to reopen it — that's the safe path for finishing a restore.)

How do I delete everything?

Settings → Delete all my data & reset. One confirmation removes your data from this device and your Drive backup. Your other devices are disconnected from backup & sync at the same time — the data already on them stays there, and you can reconnect each one whenever you want to start backing up again. You can also revoke TimeTrail's Google access anytime at myaccount.google.com/permissions.

What does TimeTrail collect about me?

Never your content. The app reports anonymous crash reports and usage counts (like how many people opened the app today) so we can fix bugs — your notes, journals, tasks, amounts, and tags are never included. Details in the Privacy Policy.

What does it cost?

TimeTrail is free. Backups use your own Google Drive storage quota (they're small).

Something else?

Write to us: timetrailapp@gmail.com.