Beeper On-Device vs Beeper Cloud: What Goes to Beeper Servers?
Beeper lets you connect chat apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram in one inbox. Depending on the chat network, you can use an on-device connection or Beeper Cloud.
What goes to Beeper servers with an on-device connection?
With an on-device connection, your messages never leave your device and are not stored on Beeper servers. The connection works directly between your device and the original chat service.
If you connect the same on-device account on multiple Beeper apps, Beeper synchronizes chat states such as archived, pinned, low-priority, and reminder states. Your chats themselves are not synchronized between devices.
The account remains available only on the device where you set it up. For example, an on-device WhatsApp account configured on Android will not automatically appear in Beeper Desktop.
How is Beeper Cloud different?
With Beeper Cloud, the chat account is linked to your Beeper account. Your messages can appear on each device where you are logged in to Beeper, including iOS, Android, and Desktop, and the data passes securely through Beeper servers.
On-device connections also support multiple accounts for a chat network. Beeper Cloud currently supports one account per chat network.
Chat Network Availability
Which connection should I use?
| What you need | On-device Connection | Beeper Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Keep messages on one device | Yes | No |
| Use chats across all your Beeper devices with minimal setup | No | Yes |
| No message storage on Beeper servers | Yes | No |
| Connect multiple accounts for one chat network | Yes | No |
FAQs
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Can I switch an on-device connection to Beeper Cloud?
There is no instant toggle. Remove the on-device connection and reconnect the account through Beeper Cloud. Setup steps may vary by chat network.
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Can I use on-device connections and Beeper Cloud at the same time?
Yes. You can connect different accounts in different ways based on your privacy preferences and device needs.
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What happens when I log out?
On-device connections are deleted when you log out of that device. Connections through Beeper Cloud remain connected to your Beeper account.
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Do on-device connections use more battery?
On-device connections require Beeper to have unrestricted battery and data access because the app handles the connection directly. Actual battery consumption is roughly the same as with Beeper Cloud.
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How can I tell which connection I use?
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.
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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.