If a Ren'Py game shows the message “This save was created on a different device,” players may be blocked from loading saves across devices or after updates. Use this quick guide to explain the problem and give clear fixes for players and developers.
Ensure that you're using the same version of Ren'Py that was used to create the save file. You can check the Ren'Py version in the game/script.rpy file or in the Ren'Py launcher.
If possible, try loading the save file on the original device or platform where it was created. This can help you determine if the issue is device-specific.
The "This save was created on a different device" lock is a frustrating but solvable problem. While there is no official "link device" wizard, the solution is a simple file transfer ritual: migrate your persistent file.
Remember: The save file itself is not corrupt. It just doesn't trust your new computer. By copying the cryptographic key from the old computer, you complete the link. Next time you see that dreaded gray text, you will know exactly how to restore your progress.
Have a unique linking scenario? Share your Ren’Py save transfer experience in the comments below.
The message "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
. It is designed to protect users from potentially malicious save files that could harm their computer if modified by an untrusted party. Why the Message Appears Security Protection renpy this save was created on a different device link
: Ren'Py now tracks a unique "token" for each device. If you move a save file manually from one computer or phone to another, Ren'Py detects that the device token doesn't match the one in the save file. Verification Prompts
: Depending on the game's configuration, you may see two different prompts: UNKNOWN_TOKEN
: Asks if you trust the save's creator and anyone who could have changed the file. TRUST_TOKEN
: Asks if you trust the specific device the save was created on. How to Resolve or Bypass It
If you trust the source of the save (e.g., you moved it yourself between your own devices), you can use the following methods to clear the error: Official In-Game Method (Ren'Py Sync) Some modern games support Ren'Py Sync , a built-in cloud service. On the original device, select "Upload Sync" to get a 10-character code. On the new device, select "Download Sync"
and enter that code to transfer data securely without triggering security warnings. Manual Fix (PC) Navigate to your Ren'Py security folder: C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\RenPy\tokens\ security_keys.txt Open the file and delete everything except the string signing-key Back up this file first Load the save in-game and immediately save it again to generate a new, valid token for your current device. Manual Fix (Android) Use a file manager to find the game's save folder. security_keys.txt and delete all text inside except for signing-keys Alternatively, create a new security_keys.txt on a PC containing only the word Signing-key , set it to
, and transfer it to the device to replace the existing one. Common Issues Blank Screens If a Ren'Py game shows the message “This
: In some games, you might just see a blank screen instead of the prompt. This happens if the game's developer hasn't updated their "confirm" screen to include the new security message code. Missing Features
: Deleting security keys incorrectly can sometimes reset gallery progress or global settings if those were tied to specific device tokens. locating the specific save folder for a particular game or operating system? [RESOLVED] Save Files with no Stack? - Lemma Soft Forums
, the message "This save was created on a different device" is a security warning triggered when the game detects that a save file's digital signature doesn't match the current environment. This usually happens if you move saves between computers or manually edit the save data. How to Fix the Prompt
If you trust the source of the save file, you can bypass this by doing the following:
Confirm the Prompt: In most modern Ren'Py games, you can simply click "Yes" when asked if you trust the device or creator.
Manual Fix (Android): For Android, some users suggest creating a read-only security_keys.txt file containing the text Signing-key and replacing the existing signing_keys.txt in your save folder.
Developer Workaround: If you are the developer or have access to the code, you can update your confirm screen to properly display the UNKNOWN_TOKEN or TRUST_TOKEN messages so players can actually see and interact with the prompt. Why It Happens You can check the Ren'Py version in the game/script
Security: Maliciously constructed save files can execute arbitrary Python code, potentially harming your computer.
Missing Screens: Sometimes the screen appears blank because the game's custom UI hasn't implemented the specific prompt variables (gui.UNKNOWN_TOKEN or gui.TRUST_TOKEN) introduced in newer Ren'Py versions.
For syncing saves safely without these errors, consider using the official Ren'Py Sync service which provides a secure code to transfer data between devices.
Are you trying to transfer a save between devices right now, or are you developing a game and seeing this error on your build?
Save created on another device screen · Issue #4632 - GitHub
Third-party tools like UnRen (for unpacking RPA archives) or Ren’Py Save Editor can sometimes re-sign a save with a new device ID.
Search for: “Ren’Py save re-signer” or “Universal Ren’Py save patcher”.