How cross-device sync works

Orbit syncs your data across devices using Supabase Realtime (Pro/Ultra only). Here's everything you need to know about how it works.

How real-time sync works

1. You make a change (add a job, update a contact, etc.)
2. The change saves to localStorage instantly (for speed)
3. The change is pushed to Supabase in the background
4. Other devices receive the change via WebSocket in real-time
5. Their localStorage updates and the UI refreshes

This happens in under a second for most changes.

What syncs instantly

These sync in real-time via WebSocket:

• Jobs (add, edit, delete, status changes)
• Contacts (add, edit, delete, linking)
• Activities (new entries)
• Offers (add, edit)
• User settings (theme, preferences, dashboard order)
• Follow-up snooze/dismiss actions
• Calendar edits
• Profile image changes

What syncs on reconnect

These sync when you open the app or come back online:

• Templates
• Runway data (expenses, income)
• Wellness data (mood, journal, exercises)
• Goals and streaks
• Resume and cover letter data

The green dot

The small green dot on your profile avatar in the top nav means real-time sync is connected. If the dot is:

• Green — Connected and syncing
• Orange (pulsing) — Connecting...
• Red — Disconnected (network issue)
• No dot — Sync not active (Free tier, or session loading)

If you go offline

• Changes queue locally (up to 200 entries)
• When you reconnect, the queue flushes automatically
• A reconciliation check compares timestamps and re-pushes anything that was missed
• If your device was asleep (e.g., closed laptop overnight), it pulls fresh data when you return

If sync fails

• Failed writes are logged (up to 50 entries, kept for 30 days)
• A yellow banner appears at the top of the page
• Click "Retry" to re-push failed changes
• Go to Settings > Your Data to see sync status and retry manually

iOS and Safari

Safari suspends background tabs aggressively. When you return to Orbit:

• The WebSocket reconnects automatically
• Fresh data is pulled from Supabase (within 5 seconds)
• Any changes you made offline are flushed

Free tier

Free tier data stays in localStorage only. There is no cross-device sync. Upgrading to Pro enables real-time sync across all your devices.