> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.clianta.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cloud vs Desktop

> Understand the difference between desktop and cloud automation

Clianta runs automation in two modes. They aren't separate products — the same profiles, groups, leads, and settings work in both.

## Desktop mode

Runs on your computer using the Clianta desktop app. Your computer must be on and the app running for automation to work.

* Available on all plans, including Free
* Full control — watch the browser in action
* Best for testing, manual browsing, and monitoring accounts closely

## Cloud mode

Runs on Clianta's servers around the clock. No need to keep your computer on.

* Handles DM sending, follow-ups, inbox monitoring, and warmup automatically
* Best for production campaigns and consistent uptime

<Note>
  Cloud mode requires the **Scale** or **Power** plan.
</Note>

## Same profile, same data

Profiles aren't duplicated between desktop and cloud — one profile lives in both:

* Cloud-managed profiles still appear on your desktop for manual use
* Activity history shows whether each action happened on Desktop or Cloud
* Leads, messages, and settings stay in sync

## Enabling cloud mode

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check your plan">
    Make sure you're on Scale or Power.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter credentials (recommended)">
    In your account's **General** tab, enter your Instagram username, password, and 2FA secret key. This is recommended so the cloud can log in automatically when sessions expire.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Move to Cloud">
    Click **Move to Cloud**. Clianta transfers your session to the cloud servers.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  If you logged in via the desktop browser first, your session is synced automatically during the handoff.
</Tip>

## Using both together

When cloud mode is active for a profile:

| Action           | Cloud     | Desktop     |
| ---------------- | --------- | ----------- |
| DM sending       | Automatic | Manual only |
| Follow-ups       | Automatic | Manual only |
| Inbox monitoring | Automatic | Manual only |
| Warmup           | Automatic | Manual only |
| Manual browsing  | —         | Available   |

Desktop waits if the cloud is currently using the profile, then opens it when free. Sessions sync in both directions so nothing is lost.

## How handoffs work

Moving a profile between desktop and cloud is a handoff, not an instant switch:

* **Moving to Cloud** — The desktop app uploads the latest session before the cloud takes over. The profile shows "Moving..." during this process.
* **Taking back to Desktop** — The cloud stops first, then the desktop app pulls the session. The profile shows "Returning..." status.

<Warning>
  If you request "Move to Cloud" while the desktop app is offline, the handoff completes the next time you open the app.
</Warning>

## Which should I use?

| Situation                | Recommendation                                 |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Just getting started     | Desktop — learn how everything works           |
| Ready to scale           | Cloud — campaigns run while you sleep          |
| Managing clients         | Cloud — reliable, always-on outreach           |
| Testing new messages     | Desktop — watch the browser in action          |
| Posting content manually | Desktop — open the browser and browse normally |

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Moving to Cloud" icon="cloud-arrow-up" href="/guides/moving-to-cloud">
    Step-by-step guide for enabling cloud automation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Plans & Pricing" icon="credit-card" href="https://clianta.com/#pricing">
    Compare Free, Scale, and Power plans
  </Card>
</CardGroup>