Feature handbook

Back Up, Import and Protect Your Tasks Data

Save a Tasks backup, check a small import and understand the difference between syncing, restoring and locking a project.

By Mustafa Yusuf3 min read

Before importing a large list or reorganising your projects, export your Tasks data. Keep the saved file somewhere you can find again.

Sync keeps devices up to date. A backup keeps a copy

Two different jobs

  1. Sync: your current workEdit a task on iPhone, then see the change on Mac.
  2. Backup: a saved copyKeep a .tasks file from before an import or a big change.
Sync carries changes between devices. An export keeps a separate copy of supported Tasks data.
  1. Open the data export option in Tasks. Choose Settings → Data → Export Data. Save a .tasks file.
  2. Give the file a recognisable name, such as Tasks-before-import-2026-09-05.tasks.
  3. Save it somewhere you can find again, then check that the file is there before continuing.

To bring saved data back into Tasks, use Settings → Data → Import Data and select the .tasks file. Import merges supported saved data with your current data. Some deleted items may remain deleted, and live Reminders lists are excluded from the export. Keep those original lists too.

Restore Purchases restores access to your subscription or purchase. Use Import Data for a saved Tasks file.

Not seeing Export Data or Import Data? Check your Tasks version and contact support with your device and app version if the option is unavailable.

Import one small list first

Start with a test list containing a plain task, a dated task and a repeating task. For Apple Reminders, follow the import guide. If you use Apple Notes import, start with one short note.

Example import check

  1. SaveKeep your original list and a Tasks backup.
  2. Import a sampleBring over a small list you can compare by hand.
  3. CompareCheck titles, notes, dates, repeats and files before importing more.
A few representative tasks make missing or changed details easier to spot.

Not seeing a Date field in a regular Tasks project? Add a Date field, then check the date against the original. Adding a field does not recover a value that was not imported. The same applies to missing Notes or Priority.

If your version offers a live connection to Reminders, check whether you connected a list or imported a copy. A connected list can send edits and deletions back to Reminders; its fields are managed by the integration.

Keep private projects private

Work project menu with Modify fields, Lock, Invite people and Export actions.View full size (opens in a new tab)↗
The project menu provides separate Lock, Invite people and Export actions. A project export is distinct from the full data backup described above.

Use the project lock option for a project you want to protect with Face ID or Touch ID on a supported device. Check the project’s sharing settings separately: a device lock and a sharing invitation control different kinds of access.

Read the privacy policy for how Tasks handles data. For an account or sync problem, contact support with your device, app version and the Support ID if your version provides one.

Explore all 13 related features

Browse the related features below for more detail.

.tasks backups

Save supported Tasks data in a .tasks backup. Live Reminders lists are excluded.

.tasks restore

Merge supported saved data from a .tasks backup. Some deleted items may remain deleted.

Open Tasks files

Open supported Tasks documents from the system file browser.

Reminders-backed projects

Show and edit chosen Apple Reminders lists through the source build.

Apple Notes import

Bring supported content from Apple Notes into Tasks.

iCloud data option

Keep personal data in the user's iCloud account.

Optional Tasks Cloud

Use the optional Tasks service for supported sync and collaboration workflows.

Sign in with Apple

Use Apple sign-in for supported account features.

Email sign-in

Use email when Sign in with Apple is not available.

Private project lock

Protect selected projects with Face ID or Touch ID.

In-app privacy policy

Read the current data explanation from Settings.

Support ID

Copy an identifier that helps support investigate account-specific issues.