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Support & FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account to use Hearth?
No. Hearth works fully on your device with no account and no internet connection. An account is optional — it exists only for people who want to sync across devices.
Where are my entries stored?
On your device by default. If you turn on optional cloud sync, your entries are encrypted on your device before they're sent anywhere — Hearth's servers store only unreadable ciphertext, so not even we can read what you wrote (or when).
Can I get my data out?
Always. Open Settings → Your data and export to Markdown, JSON, CSV, or PDF. Your words are never held hostage, and you can leave any time with everything you wrote.
Will I lose my entries if the app shuts down?
Your entries live on your own device, so they don't vanish if anything happens to the service. We also encourage regular exports (Settings → Your data) for peace of mind.
Can I sync across my devices?
Yes — optionally. Set up encryption (Settings → Privacy & security), create a free account, and turn on cloud sync. Sync is end-to-end encrypted: entries are scrambled on your device before they leave it, and only your passphrase can unscramble them. It's off by default, and turning it off never touches your local copy.
Can I use Hearth on my computer too?
Yes. Hearth is also a full web app at www.hearthgratitudejournal.com/app — open it in any browser on your laptop, desktop, or tablet, sign in, and (with encrypted sync on) everything you wrote on your phone is right there. The design adapts from phones and tablets up to HD and 4K monitors. It works without an account too — each device just keeps its own local journal until you turn on sync.
I forgot my password — can I get back in?
Yes. Use "Forgot password" on the sign-in screen and we'll email you a reset link. Note this resets your sign-in password only — it does not touch your encryption passphrase, which never leaves your device. Keep your passphrase (and recovery phrase) somewhere safe; it's the only key to your encrypted entries.
Is there a subscription?
Hearth is free forever for anyone controlling their own data — reading, writing, and exporting your own entries on your own device never costs anything. That's a promise. The only thing that will ever cost money is optional cloud sync and storage — Hearth Premium, $5/month including 1 GB, then $0.50 per 100 MB. It is not switched on yet: sync is free for everyone right now, and you'll hear from us well before that changes. See pricing.
How do I keep my journal private?
Hearth has no tracking, no ads, and no analytics. For extra privacy, enable a passcode or biometric lock in Settings → Privacy & security.
Do I have to feel positive to use Hearth?
No. Gratitude doesn't cancel the hard, and Hearth will never ask you to force a silver lining. There's a dedicated "A hard day" entry mode for when things are genuinely difficult — both things can be true at once, and Hearth is built to hold space for that.
Is Hearth a good fit if I have ADHD or struggle with consistency?
We hope so — it's designed for it. Entries can take ten seconds. There's no punishing streak to lose: a missed week never resets anything, and coming back after a gap is met with a gentle welcome, not a guilt trip. Nine different ways to practice mean you can switch it up whenever the same routine stops working for your brain that day.
How do I delete my account?
In the app: Settings → Account → Delete cloud account. This removes your account and every synced entry from our servers immediately and permanently. Your local copy stays on your device.
Still stuck?
Email support@hearthgratitudejournal.com with a short description of what happened and the device you're using. We read every message.