> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.incogniton.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.incogniton.com/account-management/cloud-saving.md).

# Cloud saving

Saving data locally or in encrypted cloud servers

Data is the most critical part for any company or, as a matter of fact, for any individual. In this article we explain the difference between saving your data locally (at your own risk) or using our encrypted cloud servers. Understanding the difference between local and cloud storage will help you choose the most suitable option.

### What is local storage?

Local storage requires users to store digital data on physical devices like hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or external storage devices such as thumb drives or compact discs.

#### Pros and cons of storing data locally

* **Pros**
  * Faster upload/download speeds when using a local hard drive compared to uploading to the cloud.
  * Not reliant on the internet - data stored locally is available at all times.
* **Cons**
  * Browser profiles are only accessible from one device.
  * If data is lost or corrupted, your Incogniton browser profiles may no longer be available.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Saving the data of your browser profiles locally is at your own risk.
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### What is cloud storage?

In cloud storage, the server is located remotely (usually in a data center), and the user can access their browser profiles on any device when logging in with their Incogniton account.

#### Pros and cons of cloud storage

* **Pros**
  * You don't have to worry about maintenance and upgrades.
  * Pay-per-use and scalable storage.
  * Access data from anywhere with an internet connection.
  * Local machine issues do not impact data stored in the cloud.
* **Cons**
  * Dependence on the internet: without an internet connection, you cannot access cloud storage offline. If an app provides offline usage, data will only sync when the device reconnects to the internet.

### Storing data in Incogniton

Users can choose local storage, cloud storage, or a hybrid approach depending on business requirements and goals. Incogniton allows you to choose between the two, but we advise you to choose cloud saving.

Cloud saving is one switch for your whole account: **Settings > Preferences > Enable cloud saving**. It applies to all profiles of the account, on every computer where you use it.

### Turn cloud saving on

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#### **Navigate to account settings**

Login to your Incogniton account and navigate to **Settings > Preferences**.
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#### **Enable cloud saving**

Under **Cloud saving**, turn on **Enable cloud saving** and choose the **Cloud saving method** and **Server location**. We advise you to choose the server location that is closest to your real geolocation. Use the dropdown menu to choose between a server in the United States, Europe or Asia.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://1094567560-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH8yXxFJjKNEduZ4cdtjg%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-efce6d24aac8c39886564e403828320150ea283a%2Fv5-settings-cloud-saving.png?alt=media" alt="Settings, Preferences tab: Enable cloud saving, Cloud saving method and Server location"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
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#### **Save**

A bar with **You have unsaved changes** appears at the bottom of the screen. Click **Save**.
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### Turn cloud saving off

Go to **Settings > Preferences**, turn off **Enable cloud saving** under **Cloud saving**, and click **Save** in the bar at the bottom of the screen. To turn it back on later, switch the same toggle on and click **Save** again.

{% hint style="warning" %}
With cloud saving off, your profiles' browser data exists only on the computer where you use them. If that computer breaks or the data gets damaged, the data is gone. Make your own copies: see [Backup locally saved data](/account-management/cloud-saving/backup-locally-saved-data.md).
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### What changes when cloud saving is off

* **No upload when a profile closes.** Incogniton no longer saves a profile's browser data (cookies, logins, history and so on) to the cloud when you close it, so no new cloud backups are made.
* **No download when a profile starts.** Incogniton no longer fetches a profile's cloud copy before it starts. **Restore from cloud backup** therefore can't bring data back to this computer.
* **No full reset.** The option **Full reset — delete local profile data first** in the restore dialogs is greyed out, because there would be no cloud copy to download afterwards. See [Profile crashes after launch](/browser-and-browser-profiles/troubleshooting/profile-crashes-after-launch.md).
* **No working on several computers.** Your profiles still show up on your other computers, but without their browser data. See [Use profiles on multiple computers](/account-management/cloud-saving/use-profiles-on-multiple-computers.md).
* **Custom extensions stay on this computer.** **Store in cloud** is greyed out in the extension menu, and custom extensions aren't downloaded automatically when a profile starts on another computer.

Local backups keep working with cloud saving off: Incogniton still saves a local backup each time a profile closes. See [Delete local backups](/account-management/cloud-saving/delete-local-backups.md) for the settings.

### Related

* [Move profile data to another folder or drive](/account-management/cloud-saving/move-profile-data.md)
* [Delete local backups](/account-management/cloud-saving/delete-local-backups.md)
* [Restore cloud backup](/account-management/cloud-saving/restore-cloud-backup.md)

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If you have any additional questions after reading this article, please do not hesitate to contact our [support department](https://incogniton.com/contact/).
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