Keep a password vault in the cloud or on your PC

LocalDB offers two ways to keep your vault: Cloud for accessing it across devices with the same Google account, and Local for keeping encrypted backup files in a folder you choose.

Cloud is convenient when you move between computers. Local is useful when you mainly work on one device and want to manage the backup folder yourself.

If your vault is not set up yet, start with the LocalDB getting-started guide. Before choosing Local mode, also review encrypted ZIP backup and restore.

1. Check the current mode

Open the gear menu and select Storage. You can also check the bottom of the vault:

• An email address and Resync all indicate Cloud mode.
• A Local mode label indicates Local mode.

2. Use Cloud across devices

Cloud is the default after your first sign-in. Sign in with the same Google account on another computer to load the same vault.

If a recent change does not appear, refresh the page or select Resync all. This refreshes the list in the current browser; it does not delete the items stored in Cloud.

3. Keep encrypted backups in a local folder

To turn on Local mode:

1. Open Settings → Storage and choose Local.
2. Select a folder for the backups.
3. Allow the browser to write to that folder.
4. Confirm that Local mode appears at the bottom of the vault.

LocalDB creates an encrypted file named like localdb-backup-20260915.zip. Saving again on the same date updates that day’s file; files from earlier dates may remain.

The ZIP is not meant to be read with a regular archive tool. Import it through LocalDB while signed in with the Google account that created it.

4. When the browser asks for folder access again

Browser security may require you to allow folder access again after reopening or refreshing the page. In desktop Chrome or Edge, choose Allow on every visit when that option is available.

If access is denied, items already shown in the browser do not immediately disappear, but the ZIP in your folder will not be updated. Clearing site data or permissions can require you to select the folder again.

Local folder storage works best in desktop Chrome and Edge. Safari and Firefox do not support this folder workflow. Android Chrome may ask again each time you return to the app.

5. Switch from Cloud to Local

Before switching, make sure all required items are visible in the current browser. Use Resync all first if needed.

After you choose Local and a folder, the current list is written to an encrypted backup. Later Local changes are not automatically mirrored to the Cloud list on other devices.

To use the Chrome extension in Local mode, connect the same backup folder or an exported ZIP in the extension.

6. Switch from Local to Cloud

When you choose Cloud, LocalDB uploads items that only exist in the current browser and brings in newer items that only exist in Cloud. Check the list and item count when the switch finishes.

For important data, export an encrypted backup before changing modes.

7. What “Local” means

Local mode does not continuously synchronize your item list between devices. On days when you use the app, LocalDB may upload one encrypted recovery ZIP to cloud storage.

Local mode keeps its working backup in a folder you choose, but it is not an offline-only mode.

Choose:

• Cloud for simple access across devices.
• Local for a vault centered on one device and a folder you control.
• Cloud when your browser cannot select and write to local folders.