Ren'Py: Resolving the "This Save Was Created on a Different Device" Error
Ren'Py is a popular visual novel engine used by many developers to create engaging stories and games. However, some users have reported encountering an error when trying to load a save file, which states: "This save was created on a different device." In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve it.
What Causes the Error?
The "This save was created on a different device" error occurs when Ren'Py's save file system detects that the save file was created on a different device or platform than the one you're currently using. This is due to a security feature implemented in Ren'Py to prevent saves from being loaded across different devices, which could potentially be used to cheat or exploit the game.
Solutions to the Error
Here are a few methods to resolve the "This save was created on a different device" error:
Method 1: Delete the save Folder
Try deleting the save folder in your game's directory. This will reset the save files and allow you to start fresh. Note that this will delete all your existing save files, so make sure to back them up if you want to keep them.
Method 2: Use the renpy.config.savedir Variable
You can try setting the renpy.config.savedir variable to a specific directory that is accessible across devices, such as a cloud storage folder or a USB drive. This will allow Ren'Py to save and load files from that directory.
import renpy
renpy.config.savedir = "path/to/savedir"
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Plugin or Script There are third-party plugins and scripts available that can help bypass the device check. One popular solution is the "Ren'Py Save Converter" plugin, which allows you to convert save files between different devices. renpy this save was created on a different device link
Method 4: Check Your Game's Configuration
Make sure that your game's configuration is set up correctly. Check the game/script.rpy file for any configuration settings that may be causing the issue.
Conclusion
The "This save was created on a different device" error can be frustrating, but it's not insurmountable. By trying out one of the methods above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to playing your game. If you're still having trouble, feel free to leave a comment below and we'll do our best to help.
Additional Tips
renpy.config.savedir variable correctly to point to the cloud storage folder."This save was created on a different device" a security notification introduced in Ren'Py 8.1 as part of a new Save Token Security Why this message appears
Ren'Py now assigns a unique "token" to save files to identify the device that created them. If you try to load a save from a different computer or a modified save file (e.g., from a save editor), Ren'Py prompts you to confirm that you trust the source.
This warning is designed to prevent "maliciously constructed save files" from potentially harming your computer. How to resolve it Depending on whether you are a , here is how to handle this: For Players: Click "Yes":
If you manually transferred the save yourself or trust the person who gave it to you, click to continue loading the file. Blank Screen Issue: Ren'Py: Resolving the "This Save Was Created on
If you see a blank screen instead of a "Yes/No" prompt, the game developer likely hasn't updated their UI to include the new security prompts. You may need to wait for a game update or manually disable the protection (see below). For Developers: Update your UI: Ensure your screens.rpy includes the gui.UNKNOWN_TOKEN gui.TRUST_TOKEN Disable Save Protection:
If you want to bypass this check during development, find the initialization file and replace the line if token_dir is none: Moving Saves Between Devices
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"
and enter the code to transfer your saves and persistent data. Ren'Py Sync
Not all games support Ren'Py Sync; it must be enabled by the developer using the Sync SDK. Ren'Py Sync Are you experiencing this message while playing a game developing one Ren'Py Sync
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
Prevents Corruption: Stops data crashes from mismatched versions. Security Check: Confirms you intend to load external data.
Seamless Portability: Enables playing the same save on multiple platforms. ✅ The Good Crystal Clear: You know exactly why the prompt appeared. Method 1: Delete the save Folder Try deleting
One-Click Fix: Usually requires just one confirmation to proceed.
Reliable Protection: Safely links your progress across hardware. ⚠️ The Catch Repetitive: Can feel tedious if you swap devices often. False Alarms: Sometimes triggers after simple OS updates. Minor Friction: Breaks the "immersion" for a split second.
⭐ Verdict: It is a small, necessary "handshake" that keeps your hours of gameplay from disappearing into a glitchy void.
If you'd like to disable or bypass this prompt in a specific game: Tell me if you are the player or the developer.
Share the operating systems you are linking (e.g., Windows to Android).
Here’s a short paper/explanation on the Ren’Py error “This save was created on a different device” and how to resolve it.
You cannot link devices in real-time, but you can trick Ren’Py into reading from a shared location (like Dropbox or a NAS). This creates a pseudo-link.
Ren'Py embeds device- or environment-specific metadata in save files (version, UUID, and sometimes absolute paths). If the runtime detects a mismatch it warns the player to avoid loading incompatible or corrupted saves.
Shift + O while in-game (developer console).persistent._multi_persistent = Truerenpy.save_persistent()