Settings → Data, Sync & Support brings together iCloud sync, backups, bookmark import and export, and purchase restoration. Before moving to a new device or reorganizing your collection, understand the difference between syncing changes and keeping a backup.
How is iCloud sync different from a backup?
iCloud sync shares changes to bookmarks, folders, profiles, settings, and images across devices. A backup keeps a snapshot in a file that you can restore later.
Changes and deletions can propagate through sync, so sync is not a guarantee that an earlier state will remain available. Create a separate backup before a major reorganization, replacement, or migration.
How do I start syncing?
- Check that the devices use the same Apple Account for iCloud. Sync keys use iCloud Keychain, so check that it is available too.
- Open Settings → Data, Sync & Support in LinkOrganizer.
- Turn on iCloud Sync. This feature requires LinkOrganizer Pro.
- If asked to choose a sync method, first identify where the data you want to keep is stored.
- Keep a network connection available and check the sync status and any error messages.
What do the three initial sync choices mean?
- Apply iCloud to this device: Bring the cloud data onto this device. Back up any device-only content you want to keep first.
- Overwrite iCloud with this device: Use this device as the source for the cloud data. This affects the data other devices sync with.
- Merge both: Combine the device and cloud data, with duplicate prevention. Read the confirmation before proceeding.
If you are unsure which copy is current, cancel and check the bookmark counts and important links on each device.
Are the manual apply and save buttons just refresh buttons?
No. Applying iCloud data replaces the content on this device with the cloud copy. Saving this device to iCloud overwrites the cloud copy with this device’s content.
Do not alternate between these actions just because sync seems slow. Back up the data you want to keep, decide which copy should be the source, and read the confirmation.
Does turning off sync delete my bookmarks?
- Stop syncing on this device only: Other devices continue to sync.
- Also delete iCloud sync data: After confirmation, the cloud sync data is deleted. Local data on this and other devices is retained. Other devices stop syncing when they receive the deletion state.
Check the status while cloud deletion is running or if an error appears. Sync does not automatically resume after deletion fails.
How do I create or restore a backup?
- Open backup creation under Backup & Restore.
- Enter and confirm a password. Keep it safely, separately from the backup file; it is required for restoration.
- Save the generated file somewhere you can retrieve later, such as Files.
To restore, choose Restore from Backup, select the file, and enter its password. Restoration replaces your current data with the backup contents. Create another backup first if you also need your current collection. A damaged file or incorrect password prevents restoration.
Pro purchase access is not restored from a backup. Use Restore Purchases instead.
Can I use import and export instead of a backup?
HTML and JSON import/export are primarily for moving or exporting bookmarks. Use Backup & Restore to keep profiles and settings along with app data. See import formats and steps for details.
What should I check if devices do not match?
- Check the Apple Account, iCloud and Keychain availability, and network connection.
- Check that Pro and iCloud sync are active on both devices.
- Read the status, including any pending initial choice or error.
- Make sure you are viewing the same profile. A hidden link is not necessarily deleted.
- Back up important data and contact support if the problem persists.
Include the app version, device and OS, actions you took, and the error message. You do not need to send passwords or your private bookmark collection.
What do refetching and deletion do?
Refetch All Images & Metadata reconnects to saved websites to retrieve their information again. Some websites restrict access or do not provide suitable images.
Danger Zone includes deleting view history, image cache, and all app data. Read the scope in the confirmation and keep a backup when needed. History and data deletion cannot be undone.
For purchase help, see free features, Pro, and restoring purchases.