> ## 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.

# Reinstall or downgrade Alter safely

> Replace Alter with another version without removing your local chats, transcripts, and other app data.

Use this process when Alter is acting up or when you want to install an older version.

<Warning>
  Do not use uninstall cleaners such as CleanMyMac before reinstalling. They can remove Alter's local data.
</Warning>

## Safe way to reinstall or downgrade

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the version you want">
    Go to [alterhq.com/changelog](https://alterhq.com/changelog) and download the release you want to install.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Quit Alter">
    Fully quit the app before replacing it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Replace the app in Applications">
    Drag the downloaded Alter app into your `Applications` folder and choose **Replace**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Alter again">
    Launch Alter and confirm your existing chats, transcripts, and settings are still there.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Why this works

Replacing the app updates the application bundle. It does not do a cleanup pass over your local support files.

## What not to do

* Do not drag Alter to the trash if you are trying to keep your data
* Do not use CleanMyMac or similar uninstall tools unless you want a full removal
* Do not assume reinstalling will restore data from the cloud later

## If you need a true clean uninstall

Back up your local Alter data first. Alter does not keep a cloud copy of your chat history or transcripts for restore.

See [Local data and privacy](/references/local-data-and-privacy).