Beeper guide
Beeper On-Device vs Beeper Cloud: What Goes to Beeper Servers?
Learn how On-Device and Cloud connections differ, what remains on your device, what chat states Beeper synchronizes, and which option best fits your privacy and multi-device needs.
On-Device Connection vs Cloud Connection
Beeper lets you connect chat apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram in one inbox. Depending on the chat network, you can connect using an On-Device or Cloud connection.
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 a Cloud connection different?
With a Cloud connection, 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. Cloud connections currently support one account per chat network.
Chat networks available only through Beeper Cloud
The following chat networks currently require a Cloud connection:
- Google Messages
- Google Chat
- Line
- Discord
- Slack
How to add an On-Device account
- Open Beeper on the device where you want to use the account.
- Go to Settings > Chat Accounts.
- Select Add an account.
- Open the On-device list.
- Find the chat app you want to add and select Connect.
- Follow the on-screen setup instructions.
Once connected, the chat account will work only on that device.
Which connection should I use?
| What you need | On-Device | 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 |
FAQ's
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Can I switch an On-Device connection to Cloud?
There is no instant toggle. Remove the On-Device connection and reconnect the account using a Cloud connection. Setup steps may vary by chat network.
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Can I use On-Device and Cloud accounts 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. Cloud connections remain connected to your Beeper account.
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Does On-Device 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 Cloud connections.
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How can I tell which connection I use?
Go to Settings > Accounts and find the account. A cloud icon identifies a Cloud connection. A computer or mobile-device icon identifies an On-Device connection.