--- description: "The questions asked most often about Jotaid, plus how to diagnose sync, backup, import/export and AI problems." --- # FAQ & Troubleshooting The questions asked most often, followed by fixes grouped by symptom. For keyboard shortcuts and gestures, see [Shortcuts](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/shortcuts-faq). ## Common Questions ### How do I unlock Pro? The free Inbox tier is fully usable on its own. When you want Pro, the unlock screen offers a **yearly subscription** or a **one-time purchase** — both unlock the same features. See [Unlock Pro](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/unlock-pro). ### Do I need an account? No account is required. Jotaid is local-first and stores data on your device. Optional iCloud sync uses your existing Apple ID. ### Where is my data stored? On your device, in Jotaid's local store. If you enable iCloud sync, a copy also lives in your private iCloud. Your AI API key is stored in the system Keychain and never leaves your device except when you call your chosen provider. ### Does JOTAID use my notes to train AI? No. AI features only send content to the provider **you** configure, and only when you trigger a feature. Nothing is collected for training. ### Can I use JOTAID without AI? Yes. All core features — editing, three-tier organization, backlinks, the graph, and the matrix — work without any AI configuration. AI is an optional Pro layer. ### How do I move notes out of the Inbox? Create a Project (Pro), then move notes into it. On the free tier everything lives in the Inbox. ### What happens if I lose my backup password? Encrypted backups can't be recovered without the password — it derives the encryption key. Store it somewhere safe. - [Getting Started](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/getting-started) — Start from the top ## Sync ### My notes aren't syncing between devices - Make sure **both devices are signed into the same iCloud account**. Sync follows your iCloud account — there's no in-app switch. - Open **Settings → Sync Health** and check **iCloud Connection**. If it says *Not Signed In* or *Restricted*, fix it in your system iCloud settings. - If **Sync Configuration** reports a missing zone, use its **Fix** action. - Sync runs in the background and isn't instant; give a new device time to download. ### Sync Health shows a warning Warnings (orphaned attachments, in-progress cleanup) are often temporary — a device mid-sync is normal. Re-check after sync settles. Persistent errors are worth reading in full; each check explains what it found. ### "Rebuild from iCloud" — should I use it? Only as a last resort for a truly stuck device. It **wipes local data and re-downloads** from iCloud; unsynced local changes are lost (Jotaid backs up first). If in doubt, export a backup yourself before trying it. ## Backups ### I forgot my backup password There is no recovery. Backup encryption derives its key from your password, so a lost password means the backup can't be opened. Always store backup passwords somewhere safe. ### Importing a backup didn't restore everything Import **merges** into your current library and can finish as a *partial success* — for example, some attachments may be missing. Check the import report for details. ## Import & Export ### My Markdown folder imported into the wrong structure Folder import maps structure automatically: the folder becomes a **Project**, top-level subfolders become **Themes**, and deeper subfolders fold in as `#tags`. Arrange your folders that way before importing. ### Some files were skipped on import Files over ~10 MB or that aren't UTF-8 text are skipped and listed in the import report. ### My exported file is missing images Exports contain text only. To move notes **and** attachments together, use an encrypted **backup** instead. See [Sync](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/sync). ## AI ### "Invalid API key" Re-check that you pasted the full key with no trailing spaces, and that the key has quota/credit on the provider's side. See [AI Setup](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/ai-setup). ### AI results are empty or cut off The model is likely too small for the task. Switch to a larger model, or a provider with a higher output limit. ### I can't find the AI settings AI is a Pro feature. Unlock Pro first; the AI configuration area appears only after unlocking. See [Unlock Pro](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/unlock-pro). ## Getting Around ### I can't switch views on iPhone On iOS there are no keyboard shortcuts. Open the **left drawer** (hamburger icon) and tap Note, Node, or Theme. See [Interface Views](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/canvas). ### The app opened to a blank screen / a capture box That's expected on first launch — Jotaid starts empty, and iOS lands on Quick Note. See [Introduction](https://docs.jotaid.com/en/guide/getting-started).