Where to start in the app
Open Utilities → Backup & Restore (iOS) or More → Backup (Android). This is separate from iCloud Sync (JSON-only, same Apple ID). Backup files can include photos, PDFs, videos, and settings.
| Feature | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Backup & Restore (iOS native) | .intrepidbackup IMBK binary | iPhone → iPhone full migration with rich media |
| Export for Android / Android export | .intrepidbackup ZIP bridge | iPhone ↔ Android inventory, log, engine, settings + photos |
| iCloud Sync | JSON in iCloud | Keeping text records current on two Apple devices (no photos/PDFs) |
| Quick exports (PDF, CSV) | PDF / CSV | Reports and spreadsheets — not re-importable |
Cross-platform tip: Android cannot open native iOS IMBK files. On iPhone choose Export for Android, then import that ZIP on Android. iPhone import accepts both IMBK and Android ZIP.
iPhone ↔ Android bridge
iPhone → Android
- On iPhone: Utilities → Backup & Restore → Export for Android.
- Share the file (Drive, email, Files, AirDrop to a Mac, then to the phone).
- On Android: More → Backup → Import and select the file.
Android → iPhone
- On Android: More → Backup → Export (ZIP bridge).
- On iPhone: Import Backup File — ZIP is detected automatically.
- Confirm replace; verify Skipper inventory and log entries.
Bridge mapping covers core library data (vessel, inventory, log, engine, fuel, schedules, checklists, claims, defects, settings). Some rich iOS-only survey/signature/video detail may be simplified.
Illustrated checklist: Step-by-step workflows §11.
Export everything (full backup)
- On the source device, open Utilities → Backup & Restore.
- Leave Export everything turned on.
- Tap Export Backup File.
- When the share sheet appears, choose AirDrop and select the destination iPhone or iPad.
- On the receiving device, when prompted, choose Save to Files → On My iPhone (recommended).
The archive includes Skipper inventory, Captain's Log, maintenance, schedules, checklists, marine surveys, photos, PDFs, videos, and radar/settings preferences.
Export selected modules only (partial backup)
- Open Utilities → Backup & Restore on the source device.
- Turn Export everything off.
- Enable only the modules you want to share, for example:
- Skipper — inventory, vessel, insurance, expenses, loans
- Captain's Log — journal, GPS track, engine hours, videos
- Maintenance — problem cases, photos, trails
- Schedules — recurring maintenance
- Checklists — safety and operational lists
- Marine Surveys — survey workflows and attachments
- Settings — map, radar, NMEA preferences
- Tap Export Backup File and AirDrop or save to Files.
Partial exports are useful when you only want to move one area (for example maintenance photos) without overwriting everything on the receiving device.
Import on the receiving device
- Install the same app edition (Intrepid Mariner or your branded build) on the new device.
- If the file is in iCloud Drive, open Files, tap the
.intrepidbackupfile, and wait until the cloud download icon disappears — or move it to On My iPhone. - Either:
- Open Utilities → Backup & Restore → Import Backup File and pick the file, or
- Tap the backup in Files and choose Open in Intrepid Mariner if offered.
- Review the confirmation dialog — it lists which modules will replace data on this device.
- Tap Replace with backup.
- Verify inventory, logbook, and radar on the new device before deleting data from the old phone.
iCloud latency tip: If import fails with a message about a corrupted or truncated file, the AirDrop may have finished but the file is still downloading from iCloud. Open Files, wait for the download to complete, move the file to On My iPhone, then import again.
AirDrop checklist
| Step | Source phone (export) | Destination phone (import) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Export backup → AirDrop | Accept AirDrop |
| 2 | Wait for “Sent” | Save to On My iPhone in Files |
| 3 | — | Import from Backup & Restore |
| 4 | — | Confirm modules and tap Replace |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| “Corrupted or truncated” right after AirDrop | File still in iCloud — save locally first (see callout above) |
| Very large backup (many photos/videos) | Update to the latest app build; export may take a minute before the share sheet appears |
| Imported JSON but no photos | You used iCloud Sync, not Backup & Restore — export a .intrepidbackup file instead |
| Partial import overwrote too much | Only modules listed in the backup file are replaced; export smaller slices next time |
Related: Workflows — device migration · Settings & radar