Support

How do I backup my data?

Your encrypted journal is stored locally on your iPhone/iPad. You have two backup options:

1. iCloud Backup (Automatic): Your encrypted vault is included in your device's standard iCloud backup. Restore from iCloud backup to recover after device loss.

2. Protocol S Sync (Premium): Sanctuary Key required — Optional encrypted sync to YOUR private iCloud. Automatically syncs entries across all your iOS devices.

Recovery Phrase: During onboarding, you'll generate a BIP-39 recovery phrase. Store it securely—you'll need it to recover your vault if you forget your PIN.

What happens if I lose my device?

Without iCloud backup or Protocol S Sync: Your journal is gone. This is by design—true local-first privacy.

With iCloud backup: Restore your device from iCloud backup. Your encrypted vault will be restored.

With Protocol S Sync (Premium): Sign into your new device with the same Apple ID. Your encrypted entries will sync automatically.

Can you recover my vault if I forget my PIN?

No—but you can. During onboarding, you create a recovery phrase (12 words). If you forget your PIN, you can use the recovery phrase to reset access.

Critical: We never see your recovery phrase or PIN. Store it securely (password manager, physical backup). If you lose both your PIN and recovery phrase, your vault is permanently inaccessible.

How do I export my entries?

Lifetime users: Tap File → Export to PDF. Your entries will be formatted as a manuscript with chapters.

Free users: Copy/paste individual entries into a text document manually. Manuscript Export is a Lifetime feature.

What are the Four Books?

Whispering Thoughts uses a library metaphor instead of a timeline:

• The Chronicle: Daily journal with mood tracking
• The Commonplace: Ideas, quotes, fleeting thoughts (no dates required)
• The Anthology: Books, movies, music, art you consume
• The Atlas: Travel memories grouped by trips

Does Whispering Thoughts track my usage?

No. Zero analytics. Zero telemetry. Zero crash reports. We don't know how often you journal, which features you use, or even that you're using the app.Read our privacy policy.

Can I sync my journal across devices?

Yes, with Protocol S Sync (Premium). Sanctuary Key required

Protocol S uses CloudKit to sync your encrypted entries to YOUR private iCloud. The data goes directly to your iCloud account—we never see it. This works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac (via "Designed for iPad").

Free users: Local-only. Your journal stays on one device. Use iCloud backup to restore after device loss.

What iOS version do I need?

Whispering Thoughts requires iOS 17+ or iPadOS 17+. It also works on macOS 14+ via "Designed for iPad" mode.

Where is my encryption key stored?

Your master encryption key is stored in the iOS Keychain, protected by your device's Secure Enclave (hardware security chip). Only your device can access it.

The Keychain is encrypted with keys derived from your device passcode and Face ID/Touch ID. Even if someone steals your device, they cannot extract your encryption key without your biometric or passcode.

Can I use Whispering Thoughts offline?

Yes. Whispering Thoughts is offline-first and requires no internet connection. You can disconnect your network cable entirely. The app will work perfectly.

What's the difference between Free and Sanctuary Key?

Free Forever: The Chronicle (unlimited text entries), 1 photo per entry, On This Day memories, The Anchor ritual, Smart Spark prompts, full encryption, zero tracking.

Sanctuary Key (One-Time): All 4 Books (Chronicle, Commonplace, Anthology, Atlas), All Rituals (The Balance, The Drift), unlimited photos, voice dictation, Protocol S Sync (iCloud), The Manuscript (PDF export), future features included.

Do you offer refunds?

Refunds are handled by Apple, not Ekoche Studios. You can request a refund within 90 days of purchase through Apple's website:reportaproblem.apple.com

The app won't open. What should I do?

Try these steps in order:

1. Force quit the app (swipe up from App Switcher)
2. Restart your iPhone/iPad
3. Check for iOS updates (Settings → General → Software Update)
4. Delete and reinstall from the App Store
5. If it still fails, email info@ekoche.com with your iOS version and device model

Is this a subscription?

No. The free version is free forever. The Sanctuary Key is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. Buy once on iPhone, automatically unlocked on iPad and Mac (Universal Purchase).