If you are a player transferring files and want to eliminate the warning on your device, use these platform-specific workarounds. Fix 1: Transfer the Security Keys (PC to PC)
Ren'Py now creates a cryptographic token (a key) tied to the specific device where the game was first run or saved.
If you are the developer or have access to the game’s files, add this to options.rpy or screens.rpy :
To understand the "different device" error, you need to know a little about how Ren'Py saves work "under the hood." When you create a save file, the Ren'Py engine essentially takes a snapshot of the game state. However, for security and to prevent game corruption, it also tags that file with a unique, randomly generated key that is tied to your specific installation of that game.
If playing via Steam, the cloud might have synced a save from a different OS (e.g., Mac to Windows), which occasionally causes pathing errors within the save metadata [3]. How to fix it Force Load: Most of the time, you can simply click renpy this save was created on a different device link
In some games with custom UIs, this prompt may appear as a blank screen if the developer hasn't updated their confirm screen to include the new security prompts ( UNKNOWN_TOKEN and TRUST_TOKEN ). Workarounds & Solutions
Delete all long key strings listed underneath the headers signing-key and verifying-key . Leave the headers blank. Save and close the text document.
Syncthing is a free, open-source file synchronization tool that connects devices directly over Wi-Fi. Install on your PC and your Android device. Link the two devices by scanning the generated QR code. Add the Ren'Py save folder from your PC to Syncthing.
If you frequently jump between a PC and a laptop or a Steam Deck, you can automate the link using cloud syncing tools like or OneDrive . If you are a player transferring files and
This only works if the game wasn’t built with device checking hardcoded.
How to Fix the "This Save Was Created on a Different Device" Error in Ren'Py Games
Open it with a text editor and find the line: if token_dir is none: .
Developers can customize the "screens.rpy" or project files to adjust how the engine handles this conflict, but for the average player, the solution lies in using official tools like Ren'Py Sync or manually copying the save data in a specific way. However, for security and to prevent game corruption,
Many players encounter a frustrating bug: instead of a prompt asking them to click "Yes" or "No", the game completely freezes or displays a .
: 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
If a game freezes on a black screen because of missing UI elements, you can force Ren'Py to ignore token validation by stripping the signing string.
In conclusion, the "Save created on a different device" issue in Ren'Py can be resolved by implementing a comprehensive solution that standardizes file paths, manages encryption keys, ensures save file compatibility, and provides automatic save file conversion. By following the proposed solution and implementation guide, developers can create a seamless gaming experience for players across different devices.
Ren’Py games generate unique security keys locally on your device. They are stored inside a file called security_keys.txt within your local AppData directory.