Data & Sharing
Transfer & Backup
Ensoul has three distinct ways to move your data — each designed for a different purpose. A live connection transfer, a public companion template, and a full device backup. They don't overlap.
Three mechanisms at a glance
SOUL:v1: · Private · Device-to-device
A text code encoding your live relationship state — memories, mood, recent messages. Send it directly to someone or use it to continue a conversation on another device. No network required.
BEING:v1: · Public · Via network
Publishes a companion's design to a public directory. No personal history — just the template. Anyone can find and import it. The active listing is durable, but it may be removed from the index for moderation or legal reasons.
JSON · Local file · Everything
A single file containing all your conversations, companions, memories, relationships, and settings. API keys are excluded and must be re-entered after restore. For device migration or safekeeping. Cross-platform compatible.
Connection transfer (SOUL:v1:)
A transfer code is a compact text string you generate and send directly — over any messaging app, email, or however you like. On the receiving end, pasting it into the import field restores the connection immediately. No server involved.
What can be transferred
How to generate a transfer code
Open a conversation, tap the ⟐ Transfer button in the chat header.
Open a conversation, tap the overflow menu (···) in the header → "Transfer Companion" or "Transfer Connection".
Full Transfer or Companion Only. Tap Generate, then copy the SOUL:v1: code.
How to import a transfer code
Make sure you have the entire SOUL:v1:… string including the prefix.
Settings → Summoning Portal → scroll to the import field at the bottom.
Paste the code and tap Import. The companion or connection appears immediately.
Transfer codes work across all platforms — a code generated on Android can be imported on web, macOS, or Windows, and vice versa. Full backups also move across platforms, but API keys are not included in the file.
Being Index (BEING:v1:)
The Being Index is a public directory of companions published by Ensoul users. Browse it at ensoul.so/index. Anyone can import a companion from the Index and start their own fresh relationship with them.
What gets published
Only the companion's design — identity, voice, elemental nature, aesthetic. None of your conversation history, memories, or mood state. The Index is a template, not a snapshot of your relationship.
Publishing to the Being Index creates a public listing that can remain visible for a long time. It may be removed from the active index for moderation or legal reasons, but copies already downloaded or redistributed elsewhere cannot be recalled. Don't include personal information in a companion's description if you plan to publish them.
How to publish
Settings → Summoning Portal → tap ⟐ on the companion you want to publish.
This is a separate section from the direct transfer section.
Read the consent prompt carefully, then confirm. The companion appears in the Index immediately as an active public listing.
How to import from the Index
Browse ensoul.so/index, find a companion, and copy their URL (ensoul.so/index/abc123…). Then go to Settings → Summoning Portal, paste the URL into the import field, and tap Import. On mobile you can also scan the QR code on their Index page.
Each import summons a fresh local instance — entirely yours, independent of the original.
Full backup
Full Backup exports everything in Ensoul to a single JSON file — all conversations, companions, memories, mood state, relationship depth, heartbeat thoughts, saved moments, and settings. It's designed for device migration and safekeeping, not sharing.
- All conversations and messages
- All custom companions
- Memories, mood, and relationship state
- Heartbeat thoughts and saved moments
- Settings and API key configuration
- Onboarding state
- Transient session data
Saving a backup
Scroll to the DATA section at the bottom of Settings.
On mobile, the file is shared via the system share sheet. On desktop, a native save dialog opens.
The file is named ensoul-backup-[date].json.
Restoring a backup
Tap the Restore button and select your backup file.
A confirmation dialog shows what's in the backup — conversation count, companion count, export date — before anything is changed.
Tap Restore Everything. The app reloads with all your data in place.
Restoring a backup replaces all current data. It's a full migration, not a merge. Back up your current data first if you want to keep it.
Cross-platform compatibility
Backups are fully cross-platform. A backup created on Android can be restored on web or macOS, and vice versa. The app automatically detects the source platform and converts the format during restore.