Use an encrypted backup file

Export a backup file

A .sternwaybackup file opens on any device with its password, without any account, server or device key. Keep it away from the devices it protects.

• From a snapshot: in Settings › Backups, choose a snapshot, then Export, and set a Backup password of 8 characters or more. The phone hands the file to the share sheet.
• From your current data (desktop): Settings › Import / Export › Export encrypted backup.

Caution

The password can’t be recovered, and the file can’t be opened without it. Anyone with both has all your keys.

Restore a backup file

• Desktop: in Settings › Import / Export, type the Password of the backup to restore, choose Restore from backup, then the file.
• Phone: Settings › Backups › Restore from a backup file, then the file and its password.

The file’s items replace the same items here; nothing else is removed. Sternway takes a “Before an import” snapshot first.

Export hosts for another tool (desktop)

Settings › Import / Export also has Export ssh_config and Export CSV. The CSV holds saved passwords in plain text, and Sternway warns before writing it. Formula-like cells are written as text. A team policy can block these unencrypted exports for team hosts.