> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Data missing after reinstall or cleanup

> Understand why chats and transcripts can disappear after uninstalling Alter and what recovery options you may still have.

## What's happening?

After reinstalling Alter, you open the app and your chats, transcripts, or other local history are gone.

This often happens after:

* Using CleanMyMac or another uninstall utility
* Removing the app and related support files
* Downgrading by uninstalling first instead of replacing the app in `Applications`

## Why this happens

<Warning>
  Alter data is local-only. There is no cloud history restore for chats, transcripts, or other local app data.
</Warning>

If an uninstall tool deletes Alter's support files, it can remove the local database and transcript files along with the app.

## What you can check

1. Open the local data location from Alter settings if the shortcut is still available.
2. Check whether your Alter files are still present in `~/Library/Application Support/Alter`.
3. If you use Time Machine or another Mac backup, restore the missing Alter data from that backup.

## When recovery is unlikely

If the uninstall utility already removed the Alter support files and you do not have a separate backup, the missing chats and transcripts usually cannot be restored.

## How to avoid this next time

<Steps>
  <Step title="Do not uninstall before changing versions">
    Download the version you want from [alterhq.com/changelog](https://alterhq.com/changelog) and replace the app in `Applications`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Back up local data first">
    Copy your Alter data to another location or make sure your normal Mac backup is current.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Avoid cleanup uninstallers for troubleshooting">
    Use a simple app replacement first. Cleanup tools are best only when you want a full reset.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Related help

* [Reinstall or downgrade Alter safely](/how-to/reinstall-or-downgrade-alter)
* [Local data and privacy](/references/local-data-and-privacy)