Simply Finance
Relay Docs

Run sync on your own terms.

Simply Finance already includes built-in relays, so most people never need to touch this. This page is for advanced users who want to self-host their sync infrastructure or choose their own relay servers.

  • Local-first by default
  • End-to-end encrypted sync
  • Bring your own relay when needed

What a relay does

A relay is the network service that helps your devices exchange encrypted changes. Think of it as a mailbox for sync updates, not as a database operator reading your finances.

Simply Finance stays local-first. Your device keeps the working copy of the database. The relay only helps devices discover and exchange encrypted updates so the same owner can restore and sync across iPhone, iPad, and web.

  • Your data is encrypted before it leaves the device.
  • Relays cannot read balances, transactions, budgets, or notes.
  • Adding a custom relay changes the transport path, not the ownership model.

Who should use this

Most users should keep the built-in setup. It is the easiest path and it keeps restore working out of the box.

Bring your own relay when you want tighter infrastructure control: self-hosting, a provider you trust, a regional endpoint, or a second relay for resilience.

Good rule of thumb

If you do not already know why you want a custom relay, you probably do not need one yet.

How it works in Simply Finance

Open Settings > Relay Servers to inspect current relays, check their status, or add a new one. When you add a compatible relay URL, Simply Finance starts using it for the same encrypted owner data.

  • Built-in relays remain enabled so restore is not blocked by manual setup.
  • You can verify a relay is healthy from the Connected status badge.
  • You can remove added relays later without affecting local data already on the device.
Important

Custom relays are an advanced feature. They are best for people who want to self-host their sync infrastructure and are comfortable managing servers.

Requirements

Simply Finance speaks the Evolu relay protocol, so your relay endpoint needs to be compatible with that protocol. Public endpoints should use secure WebSockets.

wss://relay.example.com
  • Use wss:// for internet-facing relays.
  • Use ws:// only for local development or trusted internal networks.
  • Start from the Evolu relay docs if you need deployment details.

Setup checklist

This is the shortest safe path for trying a custom relay without breaking your current sync setup.

1

Deploy or choose a compatible relay

Use the Evolu relay guide if you are hosting your own, or get a stable WebSocket endpoint from your provider.

2

Add it in Relay Servers

Paste the relay URL into Simply Finance. Keep the built-in relays enabled unless you have a specific migration plan.

3

Confirm the connection badge

Wait for the status to switch to Connected. If it fails, double-check the URL, TLS, and server logs.

4

Test restore on another device

Before you rely on the new relay, verify another device can restore and sync the same encrypted owner data.

FAQ

Can the relay read my financial data?

No. The relay can transport encrypted sync data, but it does not have the keys needed to read your transactions.

Do I need a custom relay to use sync?

No. Built-in relays are the default and are the right choice for most people.

What happens if my custom relay goes down?

Your local database stays intact. Sync pauses until a healthy relay is available again.

Where do I learn the server-side details?

The official Evolu relay docs are the right source for hosting, protocol expectations, and deeper implementation notes.