Find practical answers for journals, media, backups, privacy controls, Premium Plus, and testing. Never send journal text, transcripts, passphrases, or private media through support.
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Common fixes
I cannot record audio, photo, or video
Open the entry editor again and approve the requested permission. You can change permissions later in your device settings. Basic journaling remains available when a permission is declined.
My local AI or transcription is unavailable
Keep the app open while its on-device model is prepared, then open Settings and check the model status. Your journal remains usable without AI.
My map or weather is missing
Enable Place context in Settings and allow foreground location when asked. The app uses location only while you request it for an entry; turn it off at any time.
A connection or reflection feels wrong
Use Hide, Not helpful, or Report inside the AI view. Reporting removes that insight from the app and sends only minimal non-content report metadata when the report service is active.
Backups and sync
Keep a copy you control
Ordinary Archive stores the journal locally by default. Exports and optional Google Drive, iCloud, or WebDAV backups are encrypted before they leave the device.
Use Settings to export a portable encrypted archive before changing phones.
Keep the backup passphrase somewhere safe. It is not stored on developer servers and cannot be recovered by support.
For WebDAV, confirm the HTTPS address and account with Test NAS before enabling automatic backup.
Premium Plus adds richer capture, transcription, guided interviews, AI reflections, advanced organization, encrypted sync, and the full theme collection. It is one subscription with monthly and yearly billing choices.
The App Store or Google Play shows the current price, billing period, trial terms, and automatic renewal before purchase. Manage or cancel through the same store used to subscribe. When Premium Plus ends, personal entries remain readable and exportable in the free experience.
For a technical issue, include the device model, operating-system version, Ordinary Archive version, and the steps that led to the issue. Keep the contents of your journal private.