A quiet desk for your questions.

Common questions

Where do my memories live?

On your device, and — if you're signed in to iCloud — in your private iCloud database. There's no Tessera server. See the privacy policy for the details.

My memories aren't syncing between devices.

Check that both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID and that iCloud Drive is on for Tessera (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Drive → Apps Using iCloud). CloudKit sync is usually within a few seconds on Wi-Fi; it can take longer on cellular or when a device has been asleep. You can watch live sync state in Settings → Sync diagnostics inside the app.

How do I back up or export my memories?

Open Settings → Export and choose Markdown folder. Every memory becomes a small text file with its metadata in the YAML front-matter. Save the folder anywhere: Files, Dropbox, a USB stick — it's yours.

I forgot my Face ID / passcode — can you unlock my memories?

No. Tessera uses your device's Secure Enclave to gate access; we have no way to recover data on your behalf. If you're locked out at the device level, unlocking the device in iOS / macOS will restore access to Tessera.

Can I use Tessera without iCloud?

Yes. Without iCloud, your memories live only on the device you wrote them on. They will not sync, and deleting the app will delete them.

Billing & subscriptions

How much does Tessera cost?

Yearly is $24.99 with a 14-day free trial for new subscribers, monthly is $3.99, and lifetime is a one-time purchase of $79. See pricing for the full details. Prices in other currencies follow Apple's standard international tiers.

How do I cancel?

Open Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions on iOS (or System Settings → Apple ID → Media & Purchases → Manage Subscriptions on Mac) and tap Cancel next to Tessera. There's also a Manage subscription shortcut inside Tessera under Settings → Subscription. You'll keep access through the end of your current paid period.

What happens when my subscription ends?

Tessera enters a read-only state. Every memory you've written stays visible and searchable, and you can still export the full library as a Markdown folder from Settings → Export. New capture (writing, brain dump, editing, filing) is paused until you resubscribe. Your data is never deleted because of billing.

I bought Lifetime — does it apply to all my devices?

Yes, to every device signed in to the Apple ID that made the purchase. If it doesn't appear on a second device, open Settings → Subscription → Restore purchases.

Can I share my subscription with family?

Family Sharing is off by design. Every family member gets their own private archive, which lines up with how memory journals are used in practice. If this changes in a future version, we'll say so clearly.

I'd like a refund.

Refunds go through Apple. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, find the Tessera purchase, and choose Request a refund. Apple reviews refund requests directly — we can't issue them from our side, but we're happy to help troubleshoot whatever prompted the request.

Why a subscription instead of a one-time purchase?

There's a lifetime option at $79 for exactly that reason. Subscriptions also exist because an app like Tessera needs steady maintenance — CloudKit sync, iOS upgrades, the occasional design pass — and a recurring model keeps that work funded without ads, telemetry, or a pivot to something we'd both regret.

Will there be an Android or web version?

Not in the foreseeable future. Tessera is built on Apple's SwiftData + CloudKit so it can be private by default; those frameworks are Apple-only.

Found a bug. What do I send?

A short description of what happened, what you expected, the device and OS version, and — if you can — the exact steps to reproduce it. Screenshots help. Send to support@littlelumenlabs.com.

Business & press

For press or partnerships, write to hello@littlelumenlabs.com.

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