Related search suggestions: renpy save transfer, renpy save compatibility, renpy persistent save migrate
(If you want, I can turn the "Sample user-facing post text" into a polished social media or forum post for a specific platform—tell me which.)
When you see the message "This save was created on a different device," it is due to a security feature in Ren'Py 8.1+ called the Save Token Security system. This system flags saves moved between computers to prevent potentially malicious files from harming your device. How to Fix the "Save Created on Different Device" Error
Depending on whether you just want to play or if you are seeing a blank screen, follow these steps:
Standard Prompt: Simply click "Yes" if the game asks if you trust the device or the save's creator.
Fixing a Blank Screen: If your screen goes blank when trying to load, the game's code might be missing the required "Yes/No" prompts for this security check. Developers must update their confirm screen in the game's code to support these new security messages. Manual Workarounds
If you cannot click "Yes" or want to bypass the security check entirely, you can try these methods found on community forums like Reddit and Lemma Soft Forums: Clear Security Tokens (PC):
Navigate to your game's saves folder, typically found in %AppData%\RenPy\GameName. Find the tokens folder and open the security_keys.txt file.
Delete the strings under signing-key and verifying-key, then save the file as Read-Only before restarting the game. Modify Engine Logic (Advanced):
Locate the renpy file within your Ren'Py installation folder.
Open it with a text editor and find the line: if token_dir is none:.
Change it to if true: to force the engine to ignore save protection. Official Sync Feature
For games that support it, you can use the official Ren'Py Sync SDK to transfer data without manual file moving:
On Device A: Select "Upload Sync" to get a 10-character code.
On Device B: Select "Download Sync" and enter the code to automatically download your saves.
Are you experiencing a blank screen when loading, or are you just looking for the file path to move the saves manually?
The message "This save was created on a different device" is part of the Save Token Security system introduced in Ren'Py 8.1. This security feature is designed to protect your computer from potentially malicious code, as Ren'Py save files use the "pickle" format, which can execute arbitrary code if a file is modified by a bad actor. How to Fix or Bypass the Message
Depending on your platform and how comfortable you are with technical steps, you can use several methods to resolve this: 1. Standard In-Game Prompt (Easiest)
In most modern Ren'Py games, you should see a prompt asking if you trust the device the save was created on.
Action: Select "Yes" to trust the save. Once loaded, re-save the game into a new slot on your current device. This will generate a new security token linked to your current machine, and the warning should disappear for that new save. 2. Modified security_keys.txt (For Android/PC)
If you are moving saves between mobile and PC, you can manually reset the security keys.
Locate the Folder: Find the folder where your game saves are stored. On Windows, this is usually in %APPDATA%/RenPy/[game_name]. On Android, it is within the game's internal data folder. Edit the File: Look for a file named security_keys.txt.
Reset Keys: Open it with a text editor and replace all existing text with only the word Signing-key. renpy this save was created on a different device link
Set to Read-Only: Save the file, right-click it, go to Properties, and check the Read-only box. Restart the game and try loading the save again. 3. Engine-Level Bypass (Advanced)
If you have access to the engine files themselves, you can disable the check entirely.
Find the Engine File: In the Ren'Py installation folder, find the file named renpy.
Modify Code: Open it and search for the line: if token_dir is none:.
Replace: Change that line to: if true:. This effectively disables the device verification check. 4. Using Ren'Py Sync
If the game developer has enabled it, use the official Ren'Py Sync service.
Upload: On the original device, select "Upload Sync" to get a 10-character code.
Download: On the new device, select "Download Sync" and enter that code to transfer both saves and persistent data securely. Why this happens
Ren'Py saves are not just data; they are "snapshots" of the game's Python state. Because this state can be manipulated, the engine now checks if the "token" (a unique ID for your device) matches the one in the save file. If it doesn't match, it triggers these security warnings to ensure you aren't loading a file from an untrusted source.
Are you trying to move a save from Android to PC, or are you seeing this while using a cloud service like Steam Cloud?
This is a common issue with games when moving save files between different operating systems or versions of the game engine. Why it happens Persistent Data Mismatch:
Ren'Py stores some information in a "persistent" file and other data in individual "save" files [2, 5]. If you move a save file but not the persistent data, the game sees a discrepancy in the engine version internal script headers Ren'Py Version Updates:
If the developer updated the game to a newer version of the Ren'Py engine between your two play sessions, the old save may be technically incompatible with the new engine's "pickling" (data saving) process [2, 4]. Steam Cloud Conflicts:
If playing via Steam, the cloud might have synced a save from a different OS (e.g., Mac to Windows), which occasionally causes pathing errors within the save metadata [3]. How to fix it Force Load: Most of the time, you can simply click
or "Proceed" when the warning pops up. Ren'Py is generally good at reconstructing the state, though you might see minor glitches or missing images for one or two frames [1, 4]. Sync Persistent Data: If you are manually moving files, ensure you copy the persistent file located in the /game/saves/ folder or the %APPDATA%/RenPy/ directory alongside your files [2, 5]. Check Game Version:
Ensure both "devices" are running the exact same version of the game. If one is an older build, the save headers won't match [4]. Are you trying to transfer a save between a PC and a phone, or did this happen after a game update
Moving Ren'Py Saves: "This Save Was Created on a Different Device" Explained
If you’ve ever moved your visual novel progress from your PC to your phone, or upgraded to a new computer, you’ve likely encountered the message: "This save was created on a different device."
In most Ren'Py games, this isn't just a notification—it’s often a clickable link or a status warning. Here is everything you need to know about why this happens, how to sync your saves properly, and what to do if things go wrong. Why Does This Message Appear?
Ren'Py (the engine behind hits like Doki Doki Literature Club and The Letter) uses a specific file structure to track progress. When you load a save file, the engine checks the hardware ID and the file path of the original save.
If the engine detects that the save originated on a different operating system (e.g., moving from Windows to Android) or even just a different user directory, it flags the file. This is a safety feature designed to prevent:
Script Errors: If the game version on your new device is different from the old one, loading the save might crash the game. Related search suggestions: renpy save transfer, renpy save
Persistent Data Mismatches: Ren'Py tracks "Persistent Data" (like unlocked CGs or endings) separately from individual save slots. How to Sync Saves Between Devices
To get rid of the "different device" warning and resume your game, you need to move more than just the .save files. 1. Locate Your Save Folder
Ren'Py saves are rarely in the game folder itself. Depending on your OS, they are usually found here: Windows: %APPDATA%/RenPy/GameName-ID macOS: ~/Library/RenPy/GameName-ID Linux: ~/.renpy/GameName-ID Android: Android/data/com.developer.gamename/files/saves 2. Move the Persistent Data
The most common mistake is only copying save001.save. To ensure the "different device" link doesn't cause issues, you must also copy the file named persistent. This file tells the new device that you’ve already cleared certain paths or seen specific dialogue. 3. Using the "Link" Feature
In many modern Ren'Py builds, the "This save was created on a different device" text acts as a Sync Link.
Cloud Sync: If the developer has enabled Steam Cloud, simply opening the game on the new device should merge the data.
Manual Import: Some games have a custom "Import Save" button in the preferences menu. If you see the "Link" text, try clicking it; it may attempt to re-verify the save's integrity for the current device. Common Issues & Fixes "The save file is incompatible"
If you click the link and the game crashes or shows a "Pickle" error, it means the game versions are different. Ensure both devices are running the exact same version of the game (e.g., v1.5 on both). CG Gallery is Empty
If you moved your saves but your gallery is empty, you forgot the persistent file mentioned above. Move that file into the new save folder to restore your unlocks. Android "Scoped Storage" Problems
On newer versions of Android, you may not be able to see the /data/ folder. You might need to use a third-party file manager (like ZArchiver) or connect your phone to a PC via USB to manually drop the save files into the correct directory.
The "Ren'Py save created on a different device" warning is a built-in handshake between the game and your hardware. As long as the game version is the same, you can usually ignore the warning and click through to load your game. For a seamless transition, always move the entire save folder, including the persistent file, rather than just individual slots.
The message "This save was created on a different device" a security notification introduced in Ren'Py 8.1 as part of a new Save Token Security
. It is designed to protect users from potentially malicious save files that could harm their computer if modified by an untrusted party. Why the Message Appears Security Protection
: Ren'Py now tracks a unique "token" for each device. If you move a save file manually from one computer or phone to another, Ren'Py detects that the device token doesn't match the one in the save file. Verification Prompts
: Depending on the game's configuration, you may see two different prompts: UNKNOWN_TOKEN
: Asks if you trust the save's creator and anyone who could have changed the file. TRUST_TOKEN
: Asks if you trust the specific device the save was created on. How to Resolve or Bypass It
If you trust the source of the save (e.g., you moved it yourself between your own devices), you can use the following methods to clear the error: Official In-Game Method (Ren'Py Sync) Some modern games support Ren'Py Sync , a built-in cloud service. On the original device, select "Upload Sync" to get a 10-character code. On the new device, select "Download Sync"
and enter that code to transfer data securely without triggering security warnings. Manual Fix (PC) Navigate to your Ren'Py security folder: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\RenPy\tokens\ security_keys.txt Open the file and delete everything except the string signing-key Back up this file first Load the save in-game and immediately save it again to generate a new, valid token for your current device. Manual Fix (Android) Use a file manager to find the game's save folder. security_keys.txt and delete all text inside except for signing-keys Alternatively, create a new security_keys.txt on a PC containing only the word Signing-key , set it to
, and transfer it to the device to replace the existing one. Common Issues Blank Screens
: In some games, you might just see a blank screen instead of the prompt. This happens if the game's developer hasn't updated their "confirm" screen to include the new security message code. Missing Features
: Deleting security keys incorrectly can sometimes reset gallery progress or global settings if those were tied to specific device tokens. locating the specific save folder for a particular game or operating system? [RESOLVED] Save Files with no Stack? - Lemma Soft Forums Ren’Py usually increments the save token if the
, the message "This save was created on a different device" is a security warning triggered when the game detects that a save file's digital signature doesn't match the current environment. This usually happens if you move saves between computers or manually edit the save data. How to Fix the Prompt
If you trust the source of the save file, you can bypass this by doing the following:
Confirm the Prompt: In most modern Ren'Py games, you can simply click "Yes" when asked if you trust the device or creator.
Manual Fix (Android): For Android, some users suggest creating a read-only security_keys.txt file containing the text Signing-key and replacing the existing signing_keys.txt in your save folder.
Developer Workaround: If you are the developer or have access to the code, you can update your confirm screen to properly display the UNKNOWN_TOKEN or TRUST_TOKEN messages so players can actually see and interact with the prompt. Why It Happens
Security: Maliciously constructed save files can execute arbitrary Python code, potentially harming your computer.
Missing Screens: Sometimes the screen appears blank because the game's custom UI hasn't implemented the specific prompt variables (gui.UNKNOWN_TOKEN or gui.TRUST_TOKEN) introduced in newer Ren'Py versions.
For syncing saves safely without these errors, consider using the official Ren'Py Sync service which provides a secure code to transfer data between devices.
Are you trying to transfer a save between devices right now, or are you developing a game and seeing this error on your build?
Save created on another device screen · Issue #4632 - GitHub
The warning message " This save was created on a different device a built-in security feature of the Ren'Py engine
. It warns users because save files are technically executable Python code (pickled data), and malicious files could harm a computer. If you are a developer looking to provide a "proper feature" to solve this for your players, you should implement Ren'Py Sync or official Cloud Saves 1. The Official Solution: Ren'Py Sync Ren'Py 8.1+ includes a native feature called Ren'Py Sync
designed specifically for this purpose. It allows players to move saves between devices (like PC to Android) without manually copying files or triggering security warnings. Ren'Py Sync How it works for the player: old device , they click "Upload Sync" in the Save/Load menu to get a 10-character code. new device , they click "Download Sync" and enter that code. How to implement it:
Ensure you are using a recent version of Ren'Py (8.1 or later). Include the renpy_sync module in your project. Add the sync buttons to your screen load screen save screens.rpy The sync server is provided for free by the Ren'Py Project , though data typically expires after 24 hours. Ren'Py Sync 2. The Platform Solution: Steam Cloud If you are publishing on , the best "proper feature" is Steam Auto-Cloud
In your Steamworks dashboard, set up a cloud path pointing to your config.save_directory On Windows, this is usually %APPDATA%/RenPy/
Saves sync automatically in the background whenever a player switches between their PC and Steam Deck. 3. For Advanced Players (Manual Fix)
If you just want to get past the error yourself, you can "trust" the save: When the warning appears, select to trust the creator. Once loaded,
the game into a new slot on the current device. This generates a new security token valid for the local machine, and the warning won't appear for that new save. screens.rpy code to add these sync buttons to your game's menu?
Ren’Py usually increments the save token if the script_version changes. To maintain the link:
Inside the game's specific folder, you will find a file named persistent (no extension). This binary file contains the unique key for that game on that device. Copy this file.
This feature is meant to:
Tools like UnRen or rpatool can unpack the game and patch 00common.rpy to disable the check.