Support

This page gives answers to common questions about Trace. Learn how to record and pause, and how to sync, export and erase your journal.

Permissions

When does Trace start to record?

Trace records nothing until you tap Start recording. If you only give permissions, Trace never starts to record.

Which location access do I choose: “While Using” or “Always”?

With While Using, Trace records only when the app is open. With Always, Trace can record each journey, also when your iPhone is in your pocket. iOS starts Trace again so that Trace continues to record in the background.

Trace uses low-power location. You can change this setting at any time in Settings > Trace > Location.

Do I need to allow Motion & Fitness?

No, Motion & Fitness is optional. It helps Trace to know if you walk, cycle or drive. Without it, Trace continues to work, but the movement types have less detail.

Which iPhones does Trace support?

Trace needs an iPhone with iOS 18 or later. The daily story uses Apple Intelligence on supported iPhones with iOS 26 or later. On other iPhones, you get a factual summary of your day.

Pause

How do I pause Trace?

You can pause Trace at any time:

in the app
from the Home Screen widget, with Pause and Continue
from the Live Activity that shows on the Lock Screen after you pause Trace
with Siri: “Pause recording in Trace”

The Lock Screen Live Activity is optional. To turn it on or off, use Show pause reminder on Lock Screen in Settings.

iCloud sync

How does iCloud sync work?

iCloud sync is optional and off by default. It syncs your journal and routes to your own iCloud account. Trace encrypts sensitive content on your iPhone before it uploads that content. iCloud sync uses your iCloud storage.

Trace does not sync raw location and motion readings. Each device keeps its own permissions to record.

How do I restore my journal on a new iPhone?

Trace uses iCloud Passwords & Keychain to restore your journal on a replacement iPhone.

Export

How do I export my journal?

Use Export journal… to save a JSON file with readable places and routes. Trace does not encrypt the file. The file is separate from iCloud sync. Choose a destination that you trust.

Delete your data

Can I delete part of my journal?

Yes. You can delete individual visits, journeys, days, memories and photos.

How do I erase everything?

Erase Journal… deletes every day, place, route, memory and saved place from this iPhone. If you set up iCloud sync, Trace also deletes the iCloud copy and removes its sync key from iCloud Keychain. Your other devices keep the data that they downloaded before. After that, they do not sync.

To erase only this iPhone, choose Erase This iPhone Only. If you want a copy, export your journal first.

Notifications

What notifications does Trace send?

All notifications are optional. Trace can send reminders to record, a weekly recap on Sunday evening and a daily story notification at approximately 9 PM.

Trace creates the reminders on your iPhone. Trace does not send information about your journal to other locations.

Do you need more help?

Send an email to [support email]. To learn what Trace does with your data, read the Privacy Policy.