How to Back Up Proloquo2Go on an iPad

Backing up Proloquo2Go protects the communication vocabulary and personal settings you have built or customized. If the iPad is lost, damaged, replaced, or the app needs to be reinstalled, a backup can help you restore that setup rather than start over. A backup is only useful if you can find the file later, so save it somewhere other than the device itself and check that the copy completed.

Before starting, make sure the iPad has enough free storage and a reliable connection if you plan to transfer the backup through a cloud service. Keep the iPad powered or charged during a large export. Proloquo2Go’s controls and labels may differ slightly between versions; if you do not see the exact wording below, look for the app’s Backup, Restore, or sharing options.

What You’ll Need

The iPad with Proloquo2Go installed and access to the communicator’s vocabulary.
A place to store a separate copy, such as iCloud Drive, another supported file service, a computer, or an external storage option that works with the iPad.
The relevant account sign-in or computer connection, if required by your chosen destination.
Enough free space for the backup file. The file may be larger if it includes photos, audio, or other custom media.

Step-by-Step

Prepare the iPad. Connect to power if possible, close unrelated large downloads, and check that the device has enough available storage. If the vocabulary is currently being edited, make sure the changes are saved before you create the backup.
Open Proloquo2Go. Launch the app and open its settings or options area. Depending on the version, settings may be available from a button on the vocabulary screen. Avoid changing vocabulary or user settings while the backup is running.
Find the backup command. Look for a section labeled Backup, Backup and Restore, or a similar option. Read the on-screen description before proceeding. Choose the command to create or export a backup—not Restore, which replaces the app’s current data with information from an existing backup.
Choose what to include. If the app asks which user, vocabulary, or media to back up, select the material you need to preserve. When in doubt, include the full available setup rather than only a limited selection. Follow the app’s prompts; do not assume that an iPad device backup automatically contains a separate, easy-to-restore Proloquo2Go backup.
Create the backup file. Confirm the backup action and wait until the app indicates it is complete. Keep Proloquo2Go open if instructed, and do not force-quit it or switch off the iPad during the process. If an error appears, note its wording and resolve the storage or connection issue before trying again.
Save a copy outside the app. Use the sharing or export option to place the backup file in a known location, such as a folder in iCloud Drive or on a computer. If you use AirDrop, a file service, or a cable connection, confirm the transfer finishes. Saving only within Proloquo2Go or only on the same iPad may not protect you if that device becomes unavailable.
Name and organize the file. Give the file a clear name that identifies the communicator and the backup date, while respecting their privacy. Put it in a folder you can find again. Do not rename the file in a way that changes or removes its file extension.
Verify the saved copy. Open the Files app or the destination on your computer and check that the backup appears in the intended folder. Confirm it has a plausible file size and that the transfer did not leave an incomplete item. If possible, make another copy in a separate location, such as a different trusted storage device or account.
Keep a simple recovery note. Record where the backup is stored and which Proloquo2Go setup it belongs to. Store the note securely; it should help an authorized caregiver locate the file without exposing private communication content unnecessarily.

To restore, use Proloquo2Go’s Restore option and select the intended backup file when prompted. Read the warning carefully: restoring can replace or change the data currently in the app. If the iPad still contains newer or unsaved vocabulary, make a fresh backup of its current state first. Restore only a file you trust and recognize.

Common Mistakes

Leaving the only copy on the iPad: A device problem could take the backup with it. Export the file to a separate destination and verify it is there.
Choosing Restore instead of Backup: These actions do opposite jobs. Stop and read the confirmation screen before proceeding; a restore may replace current content.
Assuming iCloud device backup is enough: A general iPad backup and a Proloquo2Go export are not the same thing. Use the app’s backup feature when available and keep its exported file separately.
Interrupting an export: Closing the app, losing the connection, or running out of storage can leave a transfer incomplete. Wait for completion and check the destination.
Never checking the file: A filename in a transfer window does not prove the file was saved successfully. Look in the destination folder and confirm the item is present.
Overwriting a good backup: Before replacing an older copy, check that the new backup completed. Keeping a previous known-good copy can help if the latest file is damaged or incomplete.

Tips

Back up after meaningful vocabulary changes and before major iPad or app changes. A routine you can remember is more useful than a backup plan you rarely follow.
Keep at least one copy separate from the iPad. For important communication setups, consider a second trusted location, while protecting the files with the privacy and account safeguards available to you.
Use descriptive filenames, but avoid including sensitive personal details that are not needed to identify the file.
Ask the communicator or their authorized support person before restoring or replacing a setup. Their current vocabulary may include important changes made since the last backup.
If several people use the iPad, identify which user or vocabulary the backup represents. This reduces the chance of restoring the wrong setup.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find Backup: Check the app’s settings and look for Backup and Restore or export options. Menu locations differ by version. Consult Proloquo2Go’s in-app help or the developer’s support pages if the option is still missing.
The backup will not finish: Check available iPad storage, keep the device powered, and retry on a stable connection if one is needed. If the problem continues, restart the iPad and try again without editing the vocabulary during the process.
The file is not in the destination: Check the Files app’s Recents and the specific folder you selected. For a cloud destination, confirm the correct account is signed in and allow time for syncing. Try exporting again, then verify the new copy.
You cannot open the backup file: Backup files are meant to be handled by the app’s restore process, not necessarily opened like a document. Do not change the extension. Use Restore to locate it, and stop if the app reports that the file is invalid.
The restore does not show the expected vocabulary: Confirm that you selected the correct backup and user profile. If the current app contains valuable changes, do not keep trying options that could overwrite them; make a backup of the current state and contact Proloquo2Go support for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an iPad backup also back up Proloquo2Go?

An iPad backup may preserve app data as part of the device, but it is not a substitute for creating and saving a Proloquo2Go backup file. Use the app’s own backup and export process so you have a copy you can locate for recovery.

Where should I save the backup?

Choose a trusted location you can access if the iPad is unavailable, such as a computer or supported cloud storage. Make sure you know which account or folder contains the file, and consider keeping a second copy separately.

Can I back up Proloquo2Go without internet?

The app may be able to create a backup locally, but transferring it to a cloud service requires a working connection. You can use a compatible computer or storage method instead if available; follow the app’s prompts for the supported export options.

Will restoring a backup erase current vocabulary?

It can replace or alter the current setup, depending on the restore option and app version. Back up the current state first, then read the app’s confirmation message carefully before restoring.

How often should I make a backup?

Make one after substantial vocabulary or settings changes and before a major device change. If the setup is used regularly, create backups often enough that you could recover without losing important recent edits.

Can I use one backup on another iPad?

A Proloquo2Go backup may be restorable on another compatible iPad, but app versions and transfer options can affect the process. Install the app, transfer the backup file, and follow the restore instructions; contact the developer if compatibility is unclear.

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