How the Google Drive sync preview works
The app is built to work offline first. Cloud sync is an opt-in preview that stays off by default in supported store builds and is unavailable in PenDate preview release builds.
Before you enable sync
Use the app offline first if you want. In a supported store build, turn on the Cloud sync preview only when you want backup, recovery after reinstall, or continuity across sessions. PenDate preview release builds do not expose this feature.
PenDate Notes only requests the Google Drive access it needs for its own sync files. Everyday note-taking still works without linking an account.
How to link Google Drive
- Open Settings and scroll to the sync section.
- If you see a Cloud sync preview card, turn it on first. The feature is off by default, so the Drive controls only appear after this step. If the card says unavailable, that build cannot enable Drive sync.
- Enable Drive sync.
- Choose the Google account you want to use.
- Approve the requested Drive access.
The app asks for account selection first, then for Google Drive permission. That two-step flow is normal during platform sign-in and permission approval.
How sync behaves
- The app supports foreground sync while it is open.
- If authentication is lost, automatic sync pauses instead of retrying forever.
- Manual sync is still available as a recovery path.
Sync is designed to stay predictable. It works while the app is open instead of presenting itself as an always-on background process.
Relink and account switching
If you want to switch to a different Google account, disconnect first and then connect again with the new account. This keeps account selection clear instead of relying on an older cached sign-in.
Disconnecting Google Drive
Disconnect removes the local link, stops future sync, and clears the account connection inside the app. The app also tries to revoke the Google Drive grant, but local disconnect should still succeed even if Google is temporarily unreachable.