Storage, sync & backups
Where your entries are stored, how devices sync, and how to keep a separate copy.
On your device, in your Google Drive
Reflect keeps a local copy of your entries on your device. When you’re online and signed in, it syncs with a private app folder in your own Google Drive. Your entries do not pass through a Reflect server.
Why we recommend installing
Browsers can clear the journal stored on this device, including when you clear site data. Entries that have not synced to Google Drive could be lost for good. Synced entries can be downloaded again after you sign in.
We recommend installing Reflect for everyday writing. Installation does not replace a backup: let your entries finish syncing and export a copy from time to time.
Private or incognito browsing is especially unsuitable for a journal: the local copy can disappear when you end that browsing session. Uninstalling an app or removing its data can also remove unsynced writing.
Installing a web app can help it qualify for more persistent storage, but that depends on the browser. It is not a guarantee against deletion. WebKit explains its storage policy here.
Sync regularly. Keep an export, too.
Reconnect after writing offline and check that sync has finished. If Reflect reports a sync problem, resolve it before you clear data, uninstall, or change devices.
Export your journal from Settings occasionally and keep the copy somewhere safe. Sync keeps devices up to date; a separate export gives you an older copy if you accidentally change or delete something.
If you lose a device
Install Reflect on another device and sign in with the same Google account to download the entries that reached Google Drive. Entries or changes that never synced cannot be recovered from Drive. A separate export may help if you have one.
What is encrypted, and what isn’t
Entry text is encrypted in the local database by default. A device key is kept in your Google Drive for recovery unless you set your own password. Setting a password removes that recovery copy of the key.
This protects entry text on the device. It does not encrypt dates, tags, location, attachments, or the journal files stored in Google Drive. Reflect does not provide end-to-end encryption for the Drive copy. Keep your device locked and protect your Google account.
Optional connections
AI is off by default. If you connect your own Gemini key, AI features send the text they need to Google; semantic search sends entry text to create its search index. On Google’s free tier, Google trains its models on what it receives and its reviewers may read it; a key with billing turned on is excluded. Location and weather features also contact outside services when used.
Read the privacy policy for details, or install Reflect on your device.