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Sync your devices

Syncing devices needs Pro on both devices. It works between your own devices on the same Wi-Fi network, with no account and no server. Sync devices explains how it works.

  • Both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Both have Smart Mind open, and will stay awake until the sync finishes.
  • On iPhone and iPad, allow Local Network access when you are asked. It is only asked for the first time.
  1. On both devices, open Settings → Sync devices.

    Each device lists the other under Looking for devices.

  2. On one device, tap the other one’s name.

  3. Six digits appear on both screens. Check that they are the same.

  4. If they match, tap The numbers match on both devices, in either order. If they don’t, tap They are different and stop.

  5. The first time these two devices sync, a preview shows how many maps will be copied each way. Tap Sync.

  6. A progress bar runs, then the report opens.

After the first sync there is no preview. Confirming the digits starts the sync straight away. You compare the digits every time you sync, and there is no list of paired devices to keep track of.

  1. On the device you want to connect to, open Sync devices and tap Show code.
  2. On the other device, open Sync devices and tap the scan button at the top. Allow camera access.
  3. Point the camera at the code.
  4. The six digits appear on both screens. Confirm on both, as above.

If you don’t want to use the camera, tap Enter address and type the address shown under This device on the other screen, including the part after the colon, for example 192.168.1.24:51234.

The whole library syncs by default. To sync less, change the scope to one folder or one map before you start. A narrower sync never removes anything outside what you picked. A map deleted outside that folder, for example, stays on the other device until you sync everything.

The report lists how many maps and pictures moved in each direction.

When there is something to check, a Worth a look section at the top names the map and says what happened:

  • A topic was edited on both devices. The more recent edit was kept.
  • A topic you edited here was deleted on the other device. Shown in red. The delete won.

Tap Undo this map to put that map back the way it was on this device before the sync. The next sync treats it as new changes, so it won’t be quietly overwritten again.

A map deleted on one device goes to the Trash on the other, with the same number of days left. To bring it back, restore it from Settings → Trash on either device and sync again.

What you see What to do
No devices found on a guest or hotel network Some networks stop devices seeing each other. Use a network you control, such as your home Wi-Fi
A message about Local Network on iPhone or iPad Tap Open Settings and turn on Local Network for Smart Mind
Camera access refused Compare digits or type the address instead. Neither needs the camera
No Wi-Fi address This device isn’t on Wi-Fi. Connect and reopen the screen
The sync stopped when you switched apps Open Smart Mind again and sync. Maps that had finished are kept, and the sync picks up the rest