> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nostalgiatv.gitbook.io/user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nostalgiatv.gitbook.io/user-guide/basics/data-syncing-and-migration.md).

# Data Syncing & Migration

## Keeping Your Devices in Sync

NostalgiaTV can be used across multiple devices at home—like your phone, tablet, and streaming boxes. To make managing your setup simple, the app handles backups and sharing in two different ways depending on what you are trying to accomplish.

<figure><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1574974409771-cebec54deb00?crop=entropy&#x26;cs=srgb&#x26;fm=jpg&#x26;ixid=M3wxOTcwMjR8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxUVnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NzkzMzAyNTl8MA&#x26;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&#x26;q=85" alt=""><figcaption><p>Location of the master Import and Export tools inside the Mobile App profile settings.</p></figcaption></figure>

### 📺 Two Ways to Save and Share

Think of your NostalgiaTV files as having two separate parts: the Television Set (your hardware settings) and the Cable Box (your custom channels).

#### 1. The Total Station Settings (Full Snapshot)

* Where to find it: The `Profile Configuration` tab on your mobile app.
* What it does: Saves a complete copy of your entire app. Use this when you buy a new TV streaming box and want to copy your setup over exactly.
* What is included: \* Your chosen video player engine and picture quality limits.
  * Your private link to your cloud sync server.
  * Your custom menu designs, color themes, and subtitle styles.
  * Universal grid options, like standard vs. 24-hour clocks and menu click sounds.

#### 2. The Channel Lineup Guide (Station & Commercial Packs)

* Where to find it: The `Channel Customization` tab on the mobile app or your Desktop Web Remote dashboard.
* What it does: Saves *only* your custom TV guide layout and commercial breaks. This lets you share a cool channel lineup with a friend without messing up their screen settings or video player options.
* What is included:
  * Your custom channels, station numbers, and playback behaviors (like whether a station shuffles or plays chronologically).
  * Station restrictions, like bedtime locks for mature content or skipping show specials.
  * Your custom commercial sequences and mid-program commercial break rules.

### 📲 Sending Settings Over-the-Air (Device Pairing)

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You don't need to mess around with USB flash drives or email files to move your settings to a secondary device. As long as both devices are on the same home Wi-Fi network, you can sync them instantly.

1. On the device that has your settings ready, go to the Profile Configuration tab.
2. Tap Export Configuration and choose Local Device.
3. Your screen will change to a "listening" mode and flash a temporary 4-Digit Pairing PIN.
4. Open NostalgiaTV on your new TV box or phone, go to Import Configuration, and select Local Device.
5. Type in that 4-digit PIN. Your settings will copy over the air in seconds.

### ☁️ Central Cloud Syncing & Smart Protection

If you choose to link your devices to a private home cloud database, NostalgiaTV works on a simple master-and-follower rule to keep your devices from fighting each other.

* The Master TV (Primary Device): You should only ever set one main device in your home to Claim as Primary. This is the only device allowed to make permanent edits to your channel guide or upload new settings to the cloud.
* The Follower TVs (Sub-Clients): All other TV boxes in your house act as followers. Whenever they sync with the cloud, they will automatically pull down the master layout.

> ⚠️ Watch Out for Overwrites: If you make a local change on a "follower" TV box, it will be completely overwritten by the master cloud layout the next time it updates. Always make your channel and guide adjustments on your designated Primary Master device!