📤 Exporting Data

What Gets Exported

• All Shows: Your complete watchlist with metadata
• Watch Progress: Episode and season completion status
• Streaming Services: All services and subscription status
• Service Packages: Pricing tiers and active selections
• Provider Data: Your cable/internet/mobile providers and bundles
• Provider Selections: Which providers you've selected for recommendations
• Show-Service Relationships: Which shows are on which services
• Seasons & Episodes: Complete episode tracking data

How to Export

1. Go to Data → Export Data in the navigation menu
2. Click the export button
3. A JSON file will be downloaded automatically
4. The filename includes the export date and time

📥 Importing Data

Import Modes

Import Process

1. Go to Data → Import Data
2. Select your JSON export file
3. Choose Merge or Replace mode
4. Review the import summary
5. Click Import to complete

🔒 Data Safety & Backup

Backup Strategy

• Regular Exports: Export monthly or after major changes
• Multiple Copies: Keep exports in different locations
• Version Control: Date your export files clearly
• Test Imports: Occasionally test that imports work

What's Preserved

• All watch progress and timestamps
• Subscription status and preferences
• Service pricing and package selections
• Provider bundles and your provider selections
• Show metadata and streaming assignments
• Custom service additions

Migration Scenarios

• New Device: Export from old, import to new (Replace mode)
• Sharing Lists: Export and share with family (Merge mode)
• Sync Devices: Regular exports/imports to stay synced
• Backup Restore: Recover from data loss (Replace mode)

🔧 Advanced Features

Subscription Status Import

One of our most important features:

• Preserved in Both Modes: Subscription status is always imported
• Merge Mode: Updates existing service subscription status
• Replace Mode: Completely restores subscription preferences
• Recent Fix: This was enhanced to ensure no data loss

File Format Details

Export files are in JSON format and include:

• Metadata: Export timestamp and version
• Structured Data: Organized by data type
• Human Readable: Can be viewed in any text editor
• Cross-Platform: Works on any device with Thrifty Streamer

💼 Common Use Cases

Setting Up a New Device

1. Export data from your current device
2. Install Thrifty Streamer on new device
3. Import using Replace mode
4. Verify all data transferred correctly

Family Synchronization

1. One person maintains the master list
2. Export data regularly
3. Family members import using Merge mode
4. Everyone stays synchronized

Backup & Restore

1. Export data before major changes
2. If something goes wrong, use Replace mode
3. Import your most recent export
4. Resume from where you left off

🔍 Troubleshooting

Import Fails

• Check that the file is valid JSON
• Ensure the file wasn't corrupted during transfer
• Try a different browser if upload fails
• Make sure the file is from Thrifty Streamer

Missing Data After Import

• Check you used the correct import mode
• Verify the export file contains the expected data
• Look for import summary messages
• Some duplicates might be skipped in Merge mode

Subscription Status Issues

• This was recently fixed - update to latest version
• Check both Merge and Replace modes preserve subscriptions
• Manually verify subscription status after import
• Re-export if you notice any issues

Large File Issues

• Very large watchlists may take time to import
• Don't close the browser during import
• Consider breaking up very large collections
• Remove unnecessary shows before exporting