Guide section
Privacy & security
End-to-end encryption
Scramble your financial data before it uploads so the server cannot read it.
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) means amounts, notes, and similar fields are locked on your phone before they are sent to the cloud. Expense Trail’s servers store scrambled data they cannot read without your keys.
Requirements
- Sign in
- Turn Cloud sync on
- Complete setup in Settings → Account → Privacy
Enable encryption
- Open Settings → Account → Privacy
- Find the Encryption section
- Turn on End-to-end encryption
- Write down your 12-word recovery phrase — store it like a important password
- Confirm you saved it — the app will warn you
If you lose the recovery phrase and all your devices, encrypted cloud data cannot be recovered. There is no “reset password” for E2EE.
What is encrypted
Sensitive fields — amounts, notes, and related financial details — are encrypted on your device before upload. The server holds ciphertext, not readable entries.
Some features that need readable server data may be limited while E2EE is on (for example, certain server-side report or push summaries).
IOU split sync: With encryption enabled, split expenses that rely on server-side split records are not available. You can still track splits locally on your device.
New phone or fresh install
- Install Expense Trail and sign in
- Turn on cloud sync
- Enter your recovery phrase when prompted
- Wait for decrypt and download to finish
Household encryption
In a household, members share key bundles so everyone can decrypt shared expenses. If a partner sees scrambled or missing shared amounts:
- Both complete privacy setup
- Confirm the invite was accepted
- Re-save shared expenses if needed
Turn off encryption
Disabling E2EE may require uploading decrypted data — follow in-app warnings carefully. Export a backup before major privacy changes.
Recovery phrase storage tips
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Password manager secure note | Email or text message |
| Paper in a safe place | Screenshot in photo roll |
| Share with trusted partner for estate planning | Post-it on monitor |
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