====== Disappearing maps, points and tracks ======

----
From time to time, some users complain that their **Locus Map data mysteriously disappeared**. Most often, they noticed that after their system update, after restarting the phone, and of course, after the factory reset. Here's the list of the most probable reasons for this issue:
===== Memory cleaner =====

99,9% of these users are owners of **Xiaomi** or **Huawei/Honor** phones and tablets. The most probable cause of disappearing Locus data in these devices is a very **aggressive memory cleaning software**, part of MIUI or EMUI operating platforms running on these devices.
==== Solution ====
**Exclude Locus Map from memory cleaning**. When your Xiaomi or Huawei alerts you that they desperately need memory cleaning, please, be careful. In some devices/OS versions, it is possible to exclude Locus Map from memory cleaning:
  * run memory cleaner once
  * if Locus Map is marked as an app to be cleaned, hold your finger on it and then select to **exclude Locus Map from the process**

Other devices don't offer this option so you have to **exclude Locus from cleaning each time manually** - unfold all categories in the cleaning list and uncheck all boxes containing Locus Map.
<WRAP center round important>
**Never allow fully automatic memory cleaning!!**
</WRAP> 
===== Malfunction of the SD card =====
Many users still use the external SD card as the storage for the main directory of Locus Map. As we [[locus_on_external_sdcard#all_locus_map_s_data_on_the_external_sd_card_-_not_recommended|mentioned elsewhere]], the **SD card is not suitable** for it because of the app's random read/write access to the main database. The SD card is not constructed for this, and it may result in damaging the database. And even the **slightest change to the database may result in its unavailability**.
==== Solution ====
**Don't use the external SD card for the main Locus directory**. Use it for maps, elevation or geocaching data but **keep the main directory in the internal storage**. [[locus_on_external_sdcard#locus_map_in_the_internal_and_some_data_in_external_storage_-_recommended|Check our recommendation for the best setup >>]]
===== Uninstallation or factory reset =====
Locus Map, in its default settings, stores its data in the private sector of the device's **internal memory**. 
  * if you uninstall Locus Map, its data is deleted
  * during the factory reset, the inner memory is **completely wiped out**.

==== Solution ====
**Back up your data** before uninstalling the app or resetting your device. **[[manual:faq:disappearing_data#backup_-_the_best_prevention|See below >>]]**
===== System-forced change of default app's working directory =====
With the arrival of Android 11, Locus Map lost the option to have its working directory in the root of the internal or external storage and was forced to [[https://www.locusmap.app/android-11-brings-a-major-change-to-locus-directories/|use the private sector in /Android/data/ directory]]. Immediately after the change, we introduced an optional **[[manual:faq:android_11_filesystem|simple data transfer]]** which was available to Locus Map users for a temporary period. **When the period expired, the Android OS automatically changed the path to the Locus Map default directory WITHOUT WARNING**.
==== Solution ====
  * open Settings > Backup & Filesystem > File system manager > Set the main directory > 3 dot menu by the **Private folder in 'Android/media'** > tap **Select**:\\ {{ :manual:faq:faq06.jpg |}}
  * go to Settings > Backup & Filesystem > App data transfer > Load app data > continue:\\ {{ :manual:faq:faq07.jpg |}}It is necessary to select the original **Internal storage/Locus** directory for data move.
===== Backup - the best prevention =====
We strongly recommend making **backups of your data outside of your phone or tablet**. Tracks, points, settings and also downloaded maps can be backed up to a cloud (Dropbox/Google Drive/OneDrive) in Locus:
  * **[[manual:user_guide:tools:backup|How to back up your tracks, points, and settings >>]]**
  * **[[manual:user_guide:maps_offline#cloud_backup_of_maps|How to back up your downloaded maps >>]]**

**With your data regularly backed up, you don't have to worry.**