Backup & Data Management

How to back up your case library, switch to a new iPhone, recover from data loss, and manage storage.

What Symetri Stores

Data	Location	Backed up by iCloud?
Case records (names, settings, alignment)	App Documents directory	✅ Yes (iCloud backup)
Before / after images	App Documents directory	✅ Yes (iCloud backup)
Clinic logo	App Documents directory	✅ Yes (iCloud backup)
Exported stills and videos	iPhone Photos library	✅ Yes (iCloud Photos)
Original source photos	iPhone Photos library	✅ Yes (iCloud Photos)

Symetri has no cloud sync of its own. Everything is stored locally. If you delete the app without a device backup, all cases and images are permanently lost.

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Backup Methods

Method 1 — iCloud Backup (Recommended)

When your iPhone backs up to iCloud, the entire Symetri app container is included — all cases, images, and settings.

Enable iCloud Backup:

1. Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup.
2. Toggle iCloud Backup on.
3. Tap Back Up Now for an immediate backup.

When it runs automatically: When your iPhone is plugged in, on Wi-Fi, and screen locked.

To verify it’s working:

1. Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup.
2. Check “Last Successful Backup” — should be within the last 24 hours.

If your iCloud storage is full, backups stop. Check Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Account Storage.

Method 2 — Mac / PC Backup

A local backup is an additional safety net — especially if iCloud storage is limited.

Mac (macOS Catalina and later):

1. Connect iPhone to Mac with a cable.
2. Open Finder → select your iPhone in the sidebar.
3. Click Back Up Now.

PC (iTunes):

1. Connect iPhone to PC.
2. Open iTunes → select the device icon.
3. Click Back Up Now.

Set a monthly calendar reminder to connect and back up to Mac/PC. Unlike iCloud, this doesn’t happen automatically.

Method 3 — Export to Photos Library (Manual Per-Case)

This preserves the visual record but not editing settings, alignment, or case structure.

For each important case:

1. Open the case in Symetri.
2. Tap Export → select Side by Side, Feed 4:5.
3. The exported image saves to your Photos library, which syncs to iCloud Photos.

Use this when:

• Before deleting a case you no longer need to edit in Symetri
• As a quick safety net for high-priority cases
• When freeing up Symetri storage

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Switching to a New iPhone

1. Back up your old device

   Charge the old iPhone to 100%. Connect to Wi-Fi. Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Wait for completion and confirm the “Last Successful Backup” shows today.

2. Set up the new device

   When the new iPhone powers on, choose Restore from iCloud Backup during setup. Sign in with your Apple ID and select the most recent backup. Wait for restoration to complete (20–60 minutes).

3. Verify Symetri on the new device

   Open Symetri — all cases should be intact. Tap a case to open it and confirm images load correctly. Check that your clinic logo is present in Settings → Clinic Branding. Export one case as a test.

4. Erase the old device

   Only after confirming everything works on the new device: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.

If You Set Up Without a Backup

If you set up the new iPhone as “New iPhone” without restoring from backup, Symetri will have no data. Options:

Option	How	Result
iPhone to iPhone Transfer	Keep both devices during setup — iOS offers direct transfer	Full data transfer
Back up old device now, restore on new	Create iCloud/Mac backup → Erase new iPhone → restore from backup	Full data transfer
Manual export	Export all cases to Photos on old device	Images only — no editing settings

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If the Device Is Lost or Stolen

1. Sign in to iCloud.com from any browser
2. Go to Find My iPhone
3. Select the lost device
4. Tap Erase iPhone to remotely wipe all data

Once erased remotely, you cannot track the device. Only do this if you’re certain the device won’t be recovered, or if the security risk outweighs recovery.

After getting a replacement device: Restore from your most recent iCloud or Mac backup. Anything created after that backup date is not recoverable — this is why daily iCloud backups matter.

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App Reinstallation

Before Deleting Symetri

Deleting Symetri from your iPhone permanently deletes all cases and images stored in the app. This is not recoverable unless you have a device backup.

Before deleting:

• Export all important cases to Photos library.
• Ensure your iPhone has a recent iCloud or Mac backup.
• Or use Offload App instead of deleting (see below).

Offload App vs. Delete App

Offload App removes the app binary but keeps all app data (cases and images). This is the safest way to free app code storage without losing data.

To offload:

1. Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
2. Tap Symetri.
3. Tap Offload App (not Delete App).
4. When you reinstall Symetri from the App Store, all cases and images are still there.

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Freeing Up Storage

1. Export cases to Photos library

   For every case you want to keep, export a still to Photos. Photos syncs to iCloud for cloud storage.

2. Delete old cases from Symetri

   Once exported and confirmed in Photos, delete cases you no longer need to edit. Each 3-angle case frees 25–45 MB.

3. Enable iCloud Photos

   Settings → Photos → iCloud Photos → On. Offloads photos to iCloud, keeping small previews on device.

4. Offload unused apps

   Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Enable app offloading. iOS automatically offloads apps you haven’t used recently.

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Backup Checklist

Frequency	Action
Daily (automatic)	iPhone plugged in overnight on Wi-Fi → iCloud backup runs automatically
Weekly	Check “Last Successful Backup” date in iCloud settings
Monthly	Connect to Mac/PC → Back Up Now in Finder or iTunes
Before new iPhone	Back up old device → verify restore on new device before erasing old
Before iOS update	Create backup, verify it completed, then update
Before deleting the app	Export everything to Photos, confirm backup exists

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Summary

Scenario	Data at risk	Recovery
Phone lost or stolen	All Symetri data	Restore from iCloud/Mac backup
App accidentally deleted	All Symetri data	Restore from iCloud/Mac backup
New iPhone setup	All Symetri data	Restore from backup during setup
iOS update	Usually nothing	Backup before, just in case
Symetri crash / bug	Usually nothing	Cases auto-saved after each change
Case accidentally deleted	That case only	Not recoverable — no undo