When you move a save file from your PC to an Android phone, or download a 100% completion save from an online forum, Ren'Py cross-references the file's encryption keys against your local machine token. If they do not match, the system triggers two warnings:
If you want to move saves without encountering this error frequently, consider using the official Ren'Py Sync On the original device: "Upload Sync" in the game menu to get a 10-character code. On the new device: "Download Sync"
: If a game's interface layout hasn't been updated to support these exact security prompts, the engine crashes or leaves you looking at an empty, unclickable background screen. Method 1: Using the Official Ren'Py Sync Feature
| Action | Command / Path | | :--- | :--- | | Windows Save Key | %APPDATA%\RenPy\[GameName]\persistent | | Linux Save Key | ~/.renpy/[GameName]/persistent | | Console Force Unlock | renpy.session.data["needs_restart"] = False | | Permanent Dev Fix | config.save_token = None |
If you are playing a Ren'Py game on Steam and moving between a PC and a Steam Deck, ensure that Steam Cloud Sync is fully completed before shutting down your PC. If you boot the game on your Steam Deck while the cloud sync is "Conflict" or "Out of Date," it will generate a corrupted cross-device file. Always force a cloud sync retry in the Steam game properties if you see this error pop up. renpy this save was created on a different device link
You can add a custom "Import Save" button to your game by bypassing the validate_save function in 00saveload.rpy , but this requires editing the engine source.
Click the , and Ren’Py will ask if you want to force-load the save anyway.
This message appears due to a Save Token Security system introduced in Ren'Py 8.1
What are you transferring the save file between? (e.g., Windows PC to Android phone, Mac to Steam Deck) When you move a save file from your
To prevent "spiked" save files from running unauthorized scripts, Ren'Py now tracks where a save was created.
Are you trying to move a save from , or are you seeing this while using a cloud service like Steam Cloud?
The developers of Ren'Py recognized the need for cross-platform save transfer. Since Ren'Py 8.0 and later, they've introduced , an official, built-in feature that makes transferring saves between devices straightforward.
def save_game(filename): # Get the current device identifier device_id = get_device_id() # Create a new save file save_file = os.path.join(get_save_directory(), filename) # Encrypt the save file encryption_key = generate_encryption_key() encrypted_save_data = encrypt(save_data, encryption_key) with open(save_file, "wb") as f: f.write(encrypted_save_data) Method 1: Using the Official Ren'Py Sync Feature
The game looks for specific file directories to load images or user data. A file pathway on Windows ( C:\Users\... ) looks nothing like a pathway on Android ( /storage/emulated/0/... ). If the save file contains hardcoded absolute paths, Ren'Py flags it.
This message is a crucial security feature in Ren’Py games that ensures your progress stays safe when moving between a PC, phone, or cloud storage. 🛡️ Why It Matters
Navigate to your game's , typically found in %AppData%\RenPy\GameName . Find the tokens folder and open the security_keys.txt file.
Ensure the game folder is named identically on both devices.