EmberWhat is end-to-end encryption in Ember?
Ember uses zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption. Your data is encrypted before it ever leaves your phone and is synced to the cloud. Only your passphrase can unlock it. If you forget your passphrase and have not exported a backup, your data is permanently lost — we cannot reset it for you.
Change passphrase
Choose a new passphrase. Your data isn't re-encrypted — only the lock changes.
Export a backup
Save a copy of your data so you can restore it if you ever lose your passphrase.
Set your passphrase
- Go to the Settings tab and tap Encryption & passphrase.
- On the Set your encryption passphrase screen, choose a passphrase (minimum 8 characters). Enter it once in the Passphrase field and again in Confirm passphrase.
- Confirm your passphrase, read the warning, and tap Turn on encryption.
Set your encryption passphrase
Your private notes are encrypted on your device with a passphrase you choose. We don't store it and can't reset it — so choose one you'll remember.
There is no reset link. If you forget this passphrase and lose your devices, your synced data can never be read again. Write it down somewhere safe.
Choose a strong passphrase that you will not forget. Ember never stores your passphrase on its servers.
Export a backup
Ember does not give you a recovery code or recovery phrase. Instead, your safety net is a backup you export yourself.
- Go to Settings → Encryption & passphrase.
- Tap Export a backup to save a copy of your data.
- This backup file is a plain (unencrypted) copy, so keep it somewhere private — you can restore from it if you ever lose your passphrase.
Change passphrase
Choose a new passphrase. Your data isn't re-encrypted — only the lock changes.
Export a backup
Save a copy of your data so you can restore it if you ever lose your passphrase.
Unlock your data when you return
- When you reopen Ember on an encrypted device, you will be prompted with the Enter your passphrase screen.
- Type your passphrase in the input box and tap Unlock.
- If you enter the wrong passphrase, you will see: That passphrase didn't work. Try again.
Enter your passphrase
Enter the passphrase you chose to unlock your data on this device.
Securing your data migration screen
During data synchronization or when first enabling encryption, you may see a screen labeled Securing your data.
This screen indicates that Ember is encrypting your synced data end-to-end. It runs only once — keep the app open and wait for it to finish before navigating away.
Securing your data
We’re encrypting your synced data with end-to-end encryption. This runs once — please keep the app open.
Keep the app open until this finishes.
Change your passphrase
- Go to Settings → Encryption & passphrase.
- Ensure your data is unlocked (if locked, you will see Unlock your data to change these settings).
- Under Change passphrase, enter and confirm a new passphrase, then tap Change passphrase — your data isn't re-encrypted, only the lock changes.
- You will see a success message: Passphrase changed..
Change passphrase
Choose a new passphrase. Your data isn't re-encrypted — only the lock changes.
Export a backup
Save a copy of your data so you can restore it if you ever lose your passphrase.
Forgot passphrase (Erase & start over)
- If you forget your passphrase and have no exported backup, tap the Forgot your passphrase? link on the unlock screen.
- Read the warning carefully: This permanently deletes all your encrypted data on every device. This cannot be undone.
- Type the word DELETE in the Type DELETE to confirm field, then tap Continue.
- Ember emails a 6-digit code to your account email — enter it and tap the red Confirm erase button to wipe your data and start fresh.
- If your account has no email, a code can't be sent — you'll need to sign in with an email account or contact support.
Enter your passphrase
Enter the passphrase you chose to unlock your data on this device.
This permanently deletes all your encrypted data on every device. It cannot be undone and we cannot recover it. You'll set a new passphrase and start fresh.
On this page
Can Ember recover my passphrase if I lose it?
No. Ember has no access to your passphrase or data. If you forget it, restore from a backup you exported earlier, or — if your account has an email — reset encryption with an emailed code (this erases your synced data and starts fresh).
Where are my backup files stored?
Backups you export are saved wherever you choose on your device. Your synced data is stored end-to-end encrypted on Ember's servers in Singapore — we cannot read either.