Understanding Privacy Mode and Cloud Sync

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Available on: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android

Important: This new two-control experience is currently rolling out. Until it reaches your account, Settings → Data & Privacy will show the legacy single Privacy Mode toggle. Cloud Sync availability follows the rollout, and on Android the two-toggle UI only appears once the new experience is enabled for your account.

Wispr Flow now uses two separate controls to govern how your data is used: Privacy Mode decides whether your dictation data is used to train AI models, and Cloud Sync decides whether your transcription data is stored on Wispr's servers. This article explains what each control does, how they interact, and what to expect on each plan.

What it is

We've split model training and server-side storage into two independent controls so you can keep your data out of model training without giving up cross-device features.

Note: Turning Privacy Mode on and Cloud Sync off gives you the same end-to-end protection as the original single Privacy Mode setting: no training and no server-side storage of your dictation data.

How it works in Flow

Overview

Privacy Mode and Cloud Sync are independent toggles in Settings → Data & Privacy. You can set either one on or off without affecting the other.

Privacy Mode

Privacy Mode controls whether your dictation data (audio, transcripts, and edits) is used to train or improve AI models.

Privacy Mode ON: Your dictation data is never used to train or improve models, by Wispr or any third party.
Privacy Mode OFF (Share Data): Your dictation data may be used to improve Wispr Flow's features and models, subject to our Privacy Policy.

Regardless of your Privacy Mode setting, Wispr maintains zero data retention agreements with all third-party AI providers that process dictation data, so your data is never stored or used for training by them. Transcription always runs in the cloud.

Cloud Sync

Cloud Sync controls whether certain transcription and notes data is stored on Wispr's servers. Server-side storage powers cross-device sync for Wispr Scratchpad and future features like personalized speech models and cross-device dictation history.

Cloud Sync ON: Data is stored on Wispr's servers. You get cross-device sync for Wispr Scratchpad and access to features that require server-side storage.
Cloud Sync OFF: Scratchpad sync, meeting sharing, and todos sync (when those features ship) are disabled. Dictation still works, and raw dictation transcripts may still be uploaded to power core dictation functionality.

How the controls combine

Privacy Mode	Cloud Sync	What this means
OFF	ON	Data may be used for training models and is stored on Wispr's servers. All features available.
ON	ON	No training, but data is stored on Wispr's servers so feature-dependent functionality (Scratchpad sync and future features) still works.
ON	OFF	Enforces Zero Data Retention — identical to the original Privacy Mode behavior. No training and no server-side storage. Scratchpad sync, meeting sharing, and todos sync are unavailable. Future features that require Cloud Sync will also be unavailable.
OFF	OFF	No server-side storage of Cloud Sync–gated data, but data may still be used for training when transmitted in real time.

Note: You can update your preferences at any time in Wispr Flow settings.

What syncs regardless of Cloud Sync

Some data syncs across your devices independently of Cloud Sync:

Dictionary entries always sync.
Snippets always sync.
Subscription and account settings always sync.

These features depend on Cloud Sync being on:

Cross-device sync for Wispr Scratchpad
Meeting sharing
Todos sync (when shipped)

Defaults and existing users

New users: Cloud Sync is on by default so the full feature set is available out of the box. You can turn it off at any time.
Existing users who had Privacy Mode on: Your account remains protected. Privacy Mode stays on and Cloud Sync is off, matching your original setting.
Existing users who had Privacy Mode off: Cloud Sync is on by default and Privacy Mode remains off. You can change either toggle at any time.

Enterprise and HIPAA

Enterprise Zero Data Retention (ZDR): Enterprise organizations can enable Zero Data Retention. When enabled, Privacy Mode is forced on and Cloud Sync is forced off for all members. To make this lock irreversible at the org level so members cannot override it, contact Wispr support.
HIPAA BAA: Signing a Business Associate Agreement permanently locks Privacy Mode on and Cloud Sync off. This cannot be undone.
Local data storage (desktop): Controlled separately under Settings → Data & Privacy. Choose Store data locally, Auto-delete every 24 hours, or Never store data locally. This setting governs your device only — it does not affect Cloud Sync.

How to change your settings

Mac and Windows

To update your settings on desktop:

Open Wispr Flow.
Go to Settings → Data & Privacy.
Select your preferred Privacy Mode setting (Privacy Mode or Share Data), then toggle Cloud Sync on or off.

The Data & Privacy page on desktop also contains additional controls, including Context Awareness, Notes sharing defaults, and a Hard refresh notes button. The Hard refresh notes button is disabled when Cloud Sync is off.

iOS

To update your settings on iOS:

Open the Wispr Flow app.
Tap Settings → Data & Privacy.
Adjust Privacy Mode and Cloud Sync.

When turning Cloud Sync off on iOS, you'll see a confirmation dialog. Turning it back on applies immediately.

Android

To update your settings on Android:

Open the Wispr Flow app.
Tap Settings, then scroll to Data & Privacy.
Adjust Privacy Mode and Cloud Sync.

When turning Cloud Sync off on Android, you'll see a confirmation dialog. Turning it back on applies immediately.

FAQs

I had Privacy Mode on before — is my data still protected?

Yes. Your account was migrated with Privacy Mode on and Cloud Sync off, which together provide the same protection as the original Privacy Mode setting: no training and no server-side storage of your dictation data.

Why did Wispr split Privacy Mode into two controls?

To support new features that require cross-app context and cross-device syncing, we separated training and storage into independent controls. This lets you maintain privacy while still accessing features that depend on server-side storage.

If I turn Cloud Sync off, what stops working?

Dictation continues to work normally. Cross-device sync for Scratchpad notes, meeting sharing, and todos sync will stop. Dictionary, snippets, subscription, and account settings keep syncing.

Does Cloud Sync send my data to third parties for training?

No. Cloud Sync only controls server-side storage. Training is governed by Privacy Mode. If Privacy Mode is on, your data is never used for training by Wispr or any third party — even if Cloud Sync is on.

Is HIPAA still supported under this model?

Yes. Signing a HIPAA BAA locks Privacy Mode on and Cloud Sync off. The end state is the same as before — no training and no server-side retention of dictation data.

Can my organization enforce Cloud Sync settings?

Yes. When an enterprise admin enforces Zero Data Retention, Privacy Mode is locked on and Cloud Sync is locked off for all members. Locked settings show an indicator (a tooltip on desktop, a subtitle on mobile) explaining that they are managed by your organization.

Why isn't Cloud Sync supported with a HIPAA BAA?

We're working to enable this as soon as possible. We're currently iterating quickly on features that involve Cloud Sync and don't want beta features conflicting with BAA provisions. The main feature you lose access to today is cross-device sync for Scratchpad notes. If this prevents you from using Wispr Flow, we'll gladly provide a refund. BAA signing is irreversible — if you have questions about your BAA, please contact support.

Limitations and notes

Privacy Mode and Cloud Sync are independent settings. Either one can be on or off without affecting the other.
Dictionary entries and snippets always sync across devices, regardless of Cloud Sync.
Signing a HIPAA BAA is irreversible — it permanently locks Privacy Mode on and Cloud Sync off.
Local data storage on desktop is a separate control from Cloud Sync. Local storage governs your device; Cloud Sync governs Wispr's servers.
For full details on data handling, visit our Data Controls page or the Wispr Trust Center.

Still need help?

Reach out to our support team if:

You're unsure which combination of settings is right for your workflow.
You need help understanding how Cloud Sync interacts with your enterprise or HIPAA policy.
A toggle is locked and you don't know why.

In the Flow desktop app, click Help, then Talk to support. Include your platform, plan type, and a description of what you're trying to achieve.