How to get back JW Library notes from an old backup

Where to find old backups

Old backups are files ending in .jwlibrary. Look in:

• iCloud Drive or the Files app on iPhone and iPad
• Google Drive and the Downloads folder on Android
• Downloads, Documents or OneDrive on a computer. Search for .jwlibrary.
• Emails and WhatsApp chats where you sent a backup to yourself
• An old phone or tablet: make a backup on it if it still turns on

1. Make a fresh backup of what you have now

iPhone or iPad

1. Open JW Library and go to Settings.
2. Tap Backup and Restore, then Create a backup.
3. Tap Save to Files, choose iCloud Drive, then tap Save.

Android

1. Open JW Library and go to Settings.
2. Tap Backup and Restore, then Create a backup.
3. Choose where to send it: Google Drive, Files, or email it to yourself.

Windows PC

1. Open JW Library and click Settings.
2. Click Backup and Restore, then Create a backup.
3. Save it somewhere easy to find, like Downloads or OneDrive.

Each backup is one file ending in .jwlibrary.

2. Merge the old and new backups

Add every backup you found, old and new, at the same time. JWL Merger keeps each note and highlight once, so adding more backups never creates duplicates.

1. Open JWL Merger on any phone, tablet or computer. It runs in the browser, with nothing to install.
2. Tap Tap to choose backups and pick all your backups at once.
3. Tap Merge backups. A preview shows what each device will gain. Nothing is saved yet.
4. Tap Save merged backup. You get one file with everything in it.

3. Restore the merged backup

1. Get the backup file onto the device, for example with iCloud Drive, Google Drive, email or Beam-It.
2. Open JW Library and go to Settings, Backup and Restore, Restore a backup.
3. Choose the file and confirm.
4. Open a few notes and highlights to check everything is there.

Important: restoring a backup replaces everything that is on that device. Keep your original backups until you have checked your notes.