Beeper Connection Types

Connect directly from each device, or use Beeper Cloud to keep your chats available across devices.

On-device Connection

Connects directly from your device.

Set up each device separately.
Chat data isn’t stored on Beeper’s servers.
Connect multiple accounts per chat network.

Supported chat networks

Beeper Cloud

Connects through Beeper’s servers.

Chats appear on every device signed in to Beeper.
The connection belongs to your Beeper account.
Connect one account per chat network.

Supported chat networks

With on-device connections, chat states such as archive, pins, low priority, and reminders still sync when you connect the same account on multiple devices.

Which connection should I use?

This question really boils down to preference. Here's what we recommend:

Situation	On-device Connection	Beeper Cloud
You want the most secure setup for your messaging needs	✅	❌
You only use Beeper on one device	✅	✅
You want your chats on every device with minimal setup	❌	✅
You prefer keeping chat data tied to a single device	✅	❌
You want no data stored on servers	✅	❌
You want to connect multiple accounts per chat network	✅	❌

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I switch an on-device connection to Beeper Cloud later?
- There is no instant way to switch an on-device connection to Beeper Cloud. You can manually remove the on-device connection and reconnect through Beeper Cloud. Setup steps may vary depending on the app.
Can I use Beeper Cloud and on-device connections at the same time?
- Yes — some users choose to connect different accounts in different ways, depending on their privacy preferences or how many devices they use.
Which option is more private?
- Both are secure. However, on-device connections offer an added layer of privacy since nothing is stored on Beeper servers. Messages are only handled by your device and the original chat service. That said, Beeper Cloud is built with strong encryption and privacy in mind.
What happens if I log out of my device?
- On-device connections get deleted when you log out of your device. Connections through Beeper Cloud remain on the account even if you log out.
What is the battery consumption difference between on-device connections and Beeper Cloud?
- An on-device connection requires Beeper to have unrestricted battery and data access because the app handles everything directly. Battery consumption is roughly the same between the two.
Can I connect multiple accounts per chat network to Beeper?
- Yes, you can connect multiple accounts per chat network to Beeper through on-device connections. Beeper Cloud doesn't support multi-account at the moment.
How can I tell which connection I'm using?
- Go to Settings > Accounts and find the account. A cloud icon identifies Beeper Cloud. A computer or mobile-device icon identifies an on-device connection.
Can I disconnect an account from Beeper while keeping the chat history on my device?
- No. Beeper doesn't work as a chat history backup; it's a hub for your messages. Removing an account from Beeper, whether it uses Beeper Cloud or an on-device connection, also removes all associated chats and messages.

Need help deciding or having trouble connecting? Contact Beeper Support — we’re here to help.