Backups
2Do for iOS automatically snapshots your local database. Backups are independent of whatever sync method you use — even if sync has a bad day, a backup gets you back.
Critically important on iOS: backups are stored inside the 2Do app's secure container on your device. They are not automatically uploaded to a cloud, sent off-device, or otherwise duplicated anywhere outside the app. If you delete 2Do, every backup goes with it. This is by design — your task data stays entirely on your device unless you choose otherwise — but it means you must take a moment, every now and then, to email yourself the latest backup (or send it to iCloud Drive, Files, AirDrop, or another app) so a copy lives somewhere outside the 2Do container. Without an off-device copy, an accidental app delete is non-recoverable. The simplest habit: Settings > Backups > Backup to Email → send a fresh backup to yourself once a week (or after any major change to your task system).
Backup Settings
Settings > Backups gives you:
- Backup to Email — creates a fresh backup and opens the share sheet, so you can send it through Mail, save it to Files, AirDrop it to a Mac, or use another available destination.
- Backup Now — creates a local backup inside 2Do.
- Manage Auto-Backups — choose how often automatic backups are created, how many are kept, whether to back up before sync, and which older backup to share or restore.
What's Included
- All lists, list groups, projects, checklists, tasks.
- All tags and tag groups.
- All Smart Lists, Search Presets, and Focus Filter rules.
- App preferences.
- Locked-list state (encryption is preserved).
Restoring
- Settings > Backups > Manage Auto-Backups → tap a backup → Restore → confirm.
Restoring replaces your current data. Export the current state first if you're unsure (Settings > Backups > Backup to Email).
Sharing a Backup
Settings > Backups > Backup to Email creates a fresh shareable backup file. You can send it via Mail, Messages, AirDrop, or save it to Files. You can also share an older backup from Settings > Backups > Manage Auto-Backups by tapping that backup and choosing Share.
Migrating to a New iPhone or iPad
Two options:
- Sync method — install 2Do on the new device, sign in to the same sync, choose Replace local data.
- Backup file — share the latest backup from the old device, save to Files or AirDrop, install 2Do on the new device, restore.
Tips
Build a regular off-device habit: every Sunday (or any rhythm that suits you) open Settings > Backups > Backup to Email and email the file to yourself, save it to Files / iCloud Drive, or AirDrop it to your Mac. This is the single best protection against an accidental app deletion.
Before changing sync providers, share a backup. Sync changes can be lossy for unsupported task properties — a backup is your safety net.
Before erasing or replacing your iPhone or iPad, share the latest backup. App-deletion-on-erase will wipe every in-container backup with it; an off-device copy is the only way back.