# Data, privacy and help

URL: https://aycode.ai/docs/data/

Where AyCode keeps your things, what leaves your computer, and what to do when something does not work.

## Where your data lives

On the Mac in `~/Library/Application Support/AyCode/`, on Windows in `%APPDATA%\AyCode`.

| Path | What |
| --- | --- |
| `aycode.json` | Projects and settings (a damaged file is backed up, never silently replaced) |
| `threads/` | Your chats |
| `trash/` | Deleted chats, restorable for 30 days |
| `brain-cache/` | The index of your vault |
| `mobile/` | Paired phones and the certificate; back these up together |
| `logs/` | Logs of the app and the engine |

Artifacts from Work and Design are saved in `.aycode/artifacts/` inside each project.

## What leaves your computer

- Your messages go to the provider you chose, the way its own app would send them. AyCode adds no tracking.
- Link previews show icons without asking any other server.
- The privacy gate can mask personal data before it is sent (see [Settings](https://aycode.ai/docs/settings/#general)).
- Phones connect directly and encrypted; the Cloud only relays or stores what is encrypted on your Mac.

## When something does not work

### A provider does not answer

Open **Settings → Providers** and click **Prüfen** (check) next to it. The status says what is missing: sign-in, credit, the app itself or a broken configuration. After 45 seconds without a sign of life a chat shows “Wartet auf …” (waiting for …).

### macOS will not open AyCode

Since 7.4.2 the Mac app is notarized by Apple and opens without a warning. If macOS still blocks it, you have an older build: load the current one from the [download page](https://aycode.ai/#download).

### macOS asks for permissions again

That happens once after updating from a version before 7.4.2, because the app carries a new signature. Allow Accessibility, Screen Recording, Microphone, Automation and access to “AyCode Safe Storage” again.

### The engine stopped

AyCode restarts it by itself; your chats are saved. Under **Settings → About** you can copy a diagnosis and see crash reports, which stay on your computer.

> Found a bug or have an idea? Release notes and downloads live on [GitHub](https://github.com/Ayont/AyCode/releases).