> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.symetri.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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) |

<Warning>**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.</Warning>

***

## 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.

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

### 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**.

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

### 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

***

## Switching to a New iPhone

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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).
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Erase the old device">
    Only after confirming everything works on the new device: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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 |

***

## If the Device Is Lost or Stolen

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in to iCloud.com from any browser" />

  <Step title="Go to Find My iPhone" />

  <Step title="Select the lost device" />

  <Step title="Tap Erase iPhone to remotely wipe all data" />
</Steps>

<Warning>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.</Warning>

**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.

***

## App Reinstallation

### Before Deleting Symetri

<Warning>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.</Warning>

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.

***

## Freeing Up Storage

<Steps>
  <Step title="Export cases to Photos library">
    For every case you want to keep, export a still to Photos. Photos syncs to iCloud for cloud storage.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable iCloud Photos">
    Settings → Photos → iCloud Photos → On. Offloads photos to iCloud, keeping small previews on device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Offload unused apps">
    Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Enable app offloading. iOS automatically offloads apps you haven't used recently.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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                      |

***

## 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          |