Cross-Device Sync and Licensing in Canary Mail

By:

Support Team

Published:

February 26, 2026

Updated:

February 26, 2026

Quick Answer

In simple terms:

If you experience issues, start with the platform-specific sync guides and the cloud sync troubleshooting article. If needed, you can send logs to support deeper investigation.

What Is Cross-Device Sync in Canary Mail?

Cross-device sync in Canary Mail allows supported email accounts and selected preferences to remain consistent when you use the app on multiple platforms.

When you sign into the same Canary account on macOS, iOS, Windows or Android, Canary can sync supported data across those devices. This is designed to reduce setup friction and help maintain continuity between your Mac and iPhone, or between Mac and Windows.

However, not every setting is guaranteed to sync. Some preferences are device-specific due to platform differences or design decisions.

For a detailed breakdown of sync scope, see:

What Syncs vs What Does Not

The exact list of synced items is defined in the official sync documentation. Below is a high-level summary. Always refer to the detailed help article for the most accurate, platform-specific breakdown.

Syncs across devices (when supported) Does not always sync or may be device-specific
Supported email accounts Certain platform-specific UI preferences
Selected preferences listed in official sync article Device-level display or system settings
Cloud-based configuration supported by Canary Features that vary by operating system

For the authoritative list, refer to: What is Synced & What is Not Synced in Preferences / Settings across devices

If an item is not explicitly listed there as syncing, treat it as device-specific unless confirmed otherwise.

How Cross-Device Sync Works

On macOS

  1. Install and open Canary Mail.
  2. Sign into your Canary account.
  3. Ensure sync is enabled according to the macOS sync guide.
  4. Repeat on your other devices using the same Canary account.

Detailed steps: How to use cross-device sync on macOS

On iOS

  1. Install Canary Mail from the App Store.
  2. Sign into the same Canary account used on macOS or other devices.
  3. Confirm sync settings as described in the iOS guide.

Full guide: How to use cross-device sync on iOS

On Windows

  1. Install Canary Mail for Windows.
  2. Sign into the same Canary account.
  3. Verify sync is enabled.

Full guide: How to use cross-device sync on Windows

On Android

  1. Install Canary Mail on Android.
  2. Sign into the same Canary account.
  3. Follow the Android sync instructions.

Full guide: How to use cross-device sync on Android

Licensing Explained in Plain English

Licensing in Canary Mail depends on where and how you purchased it.

In general:

  • Purchases made through an app store follow that store’s restore process
  • Licensing details and plan structure are defined on the official pricing page

If your Pro status does not appear on another device:

  1. Confirm you are signed into the correct Canary account.
  2. Use the official restore flow: Unable to Sync Canary Pro Purchase

If you need to move your license to a new device, follow the documented transfer process: How can I transfer my license?

For clarification about pricing updates or structure, see: Canary Mail Pricing 

If any detail appears inconsistent, always rely on the official pricing page as the source of truth.

Common Issues and Fixes

My purchase is not syncing

My settings are not syncing

One device shows Pro, another does not

Cross-device sync not working

  • Verify you are signed into the same Canary account everywhere.
  • Check platform-specific sync instructions.
  • Follow cloud sync troubleshooting: Cloud Sync Not Working

Recommended Setup Tracks

Solo Mac + iPhone

  1. Install Canary on macOS and iOS.
  2. Sign into the same Canary account.
  3. Confirm sync is enabled on both platforms.
  4. Verify accounts appear consistently.

Cross-Platform Mac + Windows

  1. On Device 1, install Canary Mail and sign into your Canary account.
  2. Add your email accounts and enable Sync Across Devices in Settings.
  3. On Device 2, install Canary Mail and open Cross-Device Sync.
  4. Generate a QR code from Device 1 and import it on Device 2 to sync accounts and supported settings. See: How to use Cross-Device Sync on Windows?

Important: Do not manually add accounts on Device 2 when using QR sync.

Privacy-First Setup (PGP User)

  1. Configure your accounts.
  2. Confirm PGP settings per platform if applicable.
  3. Review which preferences sync and which are device-specific.
  4. Test sending and receiving encrypted email on each device.

Support and Escalation

If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue:

  1. Collect relevant details including platform and version.
  2. If you encounter issues, send logs to Canary Mail Support at hello@canarymail.io following the steps in the official guide: How to Email Logs
  3. Include a clear description of what is not syncing and on which devices.

Providing logs helps the support team investigate sync or licensing inconsistencies more efficiently.

Related Apple quick paths

FAQ

Does cross-device sync include accounts?

Supported accounts sync when you are signed into the same Canary account. Refer to the official sync documentation for platform-specific details.

Why do some settings not sync?

Some preferences are device-specific by design or vary by operating system. Review the official sync breakdown to see which items are supported.

How do I restore my purchase?

Follow the official restore steps in: Unable to Sync Canary Pro Purchase

Can I transfer my license to a new Mac?

Yes, follow the documented transfer process here:  How can I transfer my license?

What should I do if one device is Pro and another is not?

Confirm you are signed into the same Canary account and run the restore process. If needed, review cloud sync troubleshooting.

Where can I see what syncs per platform?

Refer to the detailed help article covering what is synced and what is not synced across macOS, iOS, Windows and Android

Does sync work between Mac and Windows?

Yes, cross-device sync supports macOS and Windows when you are signed into the same Canary account, subject to the official sync scope.