Pastor FAQ

How do I backup my data?
Your data is automatially backed up with every regular backup of your iPhone or iPad. Backup often! Use local encrypted backup for increased security. For details see https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/back-up-iphone-iph3ecf67d29/ios
Can I copy data to my other Apple devices?
You can securely copy text from within Pastor and paste it on your other devices when Universal Clipboard is enabled. It also works in the other direction. For details see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209460
Can I export data as cleartext?
Tap the action icon in the upper left corner and select "Export as cleartext". Your data is stored on your device and is available via Finder on your Mac.
Your data is stored unencrypted in cleartext so make sure to transfer and delete the file soon.
How can I share exported data with my Mac?
  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac.
  2. Select device in Finder.
  3. Click Files tab.
  4. Click triangle next to Pastor.
  5. Your data is inside the Exported Data folder.
  6. Delete folder after secure backup.
How can I import previously exported data from my Mac?
If you're using macOS Catalina 10.15 or later
  1. Open Pastor on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac.
  3. Select device in Finder.
  4. Click Files tab.
  5. Drag and drop the file pastorexport.tsv (naming is important) onto Pastor.
  6. A dialog pops up on your iPhone or iPad asking if you want to merge or replace existing data.

If you're using macOS 10.14 Mojave or earlier
  1. Open iTunes on your Mac.
  2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with the USB cable.
  3. Start Pastor on your iPhone or iPad.
  4. When your iPhone or iPad shows up in iTunes, select it by single-clicking its icon.
  5. Select "File Sharing" in iTunes.
  6. In iTunes single-click "Pastor".
  7. Drag the file "pastorexport.tsv" (naming is important) to "Pastor Documents" in iTunes.
  8. An alert pops up on your iPhone or iPad showing import options.
Can I import data from other applications?
Yes! The data needs to be a tab-separated values (TSV) text file. Each record is one line of the text file. Each field value of a record is separated from the next by a tab character. Field ordering is "record name", "URL", "user name", "password", "notes". The file needs to be named pastorexport.tsv. Follow the steps above for transferring the data to your iPhone or iPad.
If some characters look wrong make sure the file is encoded as "Western (Mac OS Roman)".
I've deleted Pastor, now all my data is gone!
Restore from backup. For details see https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/restore-all-content-from-a-backup-iph1624229a/ios
How secure is my data?
This depends on you! If you haven't set a passcode (password) on your iPhone or iPad then your data isn't protected at all. By the way, this is also true for other applications, for example Mail or Notes.

If you've set a passcode for your iPhone or iPad then your data is protected by state-of-the-art 256-bit AES software and hardware encryption each time your iPhone or iPad is locked. The level of security only depends on how easy your passcode can be guessed. Find out more about iOS security in this white paper (PDF) by Apple.

Here's an interesting article (PDF) showing how Pastor Reader's device passcode security concept compares to other password management apps.
How do I set a passcode (password) to protect my data?
On your iPhone or iPad go to "Settings > Touch/Face ID & Passcode" and tap "Turn Passcode On". Enter a passcode.
What are the most secure settings for my iPhone or iPad?
Settings >Touch/Face ID & Passcode > Require Passcode > Immediately
Settings >Touch/Face ID & Passcode > Turn Passcode On > Passcode Options > Custom Alphanumeric Code
Settings >Touch/Face ID & Passcode > Erase Data > On
Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock > 30 Seconds

Always lock your iPhone or iPad after use by pressing the Sleep/Wake button.
I've read that the iPhone or iPad can be cracked within seconds?
That's misleading information. Weak passcodes (passwords) can be cracked within seconds or even milliseconds. This doesn't mean the underlying security system has been compromised.

Think of a safe that has a numeric lock that uses only a single number from 0 to 9. You'll be able to guess the correct number for unlocking the safe within seconds. If the lock would require several numbers or even characters and symbols then it would be very time consuming to guess the passcode. The same applies to your iPhone or iPad.

A 4 digit passcode protects you from casual access to your device but if someone with the right knowledge and the right tools wants to get to your data then it will take him only seconds to do so. But, if your passcode consists of several digits, symbols, lowercase and uppercase letters then it gets increasingly time consuming to guess your passcode. Here's some additional information how a secure passcode should look like.
I've read the whole FAQ but still have questions
Please send a support request.

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