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Backpocket’s mobile app is built with an offline-first architecture. This means the app works without any network connection — your saves, tags, collections, and reader mode content are all available locally.

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How it works

The offline system has three layers:
1

Local database (SQLite)

Your saves, tags, and collections are stored in a local SQLite database on your device. The app reads from this database first, so it boots instantly — no loading spinner waiting for the network.
2

File cache

Reader mode content (snapshots), thumbnails, and other media are cached locally. This means you can read saved articles even without a connection.
3

Background sync

When a network connection is available, Backpocket syncs changes in the background:
  • Download — New saves, edits, and deletions from other devices
  • Upload — Saves and changes made while offline
  • Sync is automatic and happens transparently

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What works offline

FeatureOffline support
Browse saves✅ Full access to all cached saves
Search saves✅ Search across locally cached data
Read saved content✅ Reader mode content cached locally
View tags and collections✅ Full tag and collection browsing
Save new links✅ Queued and synced when online
Edit saves (tags, notes, etc.)✅ Changes queued and synced
Delete saves✅ Queued and synced
The app is designed to be fully functional without any network connection. You should never see a “no internet” error screen.

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Instant boot

Unlike many apps that show a splash screen while loading data from the server, Backpocket boots directly from the local database:
  1. App opens → reads from SQLite → UI renders immediately
  2. Background sync starts → fetches any new changes from server
  3. UI updates reactively as new data arrives
This means the app feels fast even on slow or unreliable connections.

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WiFi-only sync

To save mobile data, you can configure sync to only happen on WiFi:
  1. Open Settings → Offline
  2. Toggle WiFi-only sync
When enabled, the app will only sync when connected to a WiFi network. Changes made on cellular are queued and sync the next time you’re on WiFi.

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Sync conflict resolution

When changes are made on multiple devices while offline, Backpocket resolves conflicts automatically:
  • Last write wins — The most recent change takes precedence
  • No data loss — Conflicting changes are reconciled during sync
Sync is powered by Convex, which provides real-time data synchronization with automatic conflict resolution. Changes from any device propagate instantly to all other connected devices.

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Storage

Offline data is stored locally on your device:
  • Database — SQLite for structured data (saves, tags, collections)
  • File cache — Cached reader mode content and media
  • Storage grows as you add more saves, but Backpocket manages cache efficiently
Offline storage is currently available on mobile only. The web app and extension require a network connection.

Mobile App Guide

Full reference for the mobile app.

Reader Mode

Reader mode content is cached for offline reading.