To export your TV tracking data before an app shuts down, start by checking the app’s settings for a built-in export feature. If none exists, try a browser extension, request your data from the company, or use manual backups. Then verify your file and migrate to a new app that supports import. Below, we walk through each method and the trade-offs to consider.

Key Takeaways

  • Check app settings and synced services for a built-in export option first.
  • Use unofficial browser extensions (e.g., TV Time Data Extractor) that run locally to create a CSV file.
  • Submit a data request to the company, citing GDPR if applicable, but set realistic expectations.
  • As a last resort, manually copy data using screenshots or browser developer tools.
  • Always verify your exported file and choose a new app that supports import/export for future-proofing.

1. Check for a Built-in Export Option

Open the app and navigate to the settings or account section. Look for options labeled “Export Data,” “Backup,” “Download My Data,” or similar. If you find one, note the file format offered. Common formats include CSV, JSON, or XML. CSV is the most portable and can be opened in a spreadsheet editor. JSON is more structured but harder to read manually.

If the app syncs with a service like Trakt, log in there too. Some services provide an export function for synced data. Check the app’s FAQ or support pages for official instructions. The company may have published a shutdown FAQ that includes data recovery steps.

Not all apps provide a direct export feature. Even if one exists, it might omit community comments, ratings, or personal notes. Run the export as soon as possible — servers may go offline before the announced shutdown date.

2. Use a Browser Extension or Third-Party Tool

If the app has a web version, a browser extension can scrape your own watch history. One example is the TV Time Data Extractor Chrome extension. It reads your watched shows, episodes, and movies from TV Time and saves them as a CSV file. Everything runs locally in your browser — your data is not sent to any server.

For Trakt users, becoming a VIP premium member unlocks a direct CSV export from Trakt. This is a paid option. Alternatively, you can use a data aggregation service like Zenobase to pull your Trakt history and download it. Zenobase offers free tier access with limits.

Risks to consider with unofficial tools: they may break after app updates, or the app might block them. Only use tools that operate locally and do not send your data to third parties. Check the extension’s permissions and source code if possible. These tools are not affiliated with the original app, so use them at your own risk.

3. Request Your Data Directly from the Company

If no technical export option exists, submit a data request to the company via email or support ticket. Provide your account details and specify you want all watch history, ratings, personal notes, and any associated metadata.

If you are based in the European Union or the company serves EU users, you may have a right to data portability under the GDPR. This legal framework can strengthen your request, but it does not guarantee a response before shutdown. Companies may be overwhelmed with requests or may simply ignore them once services are ending.

Be realistic about what you will get back. Most apps do not export community comments, friend lists, or discussion posts. The company may provide only basic watch history in a CSV file. Also, the data may arrive too late if the shutdown happens quickly.

4. Manual Backup Methods (Last Resort)

When no automated path works, you must manually copy your data. Start by taking screenshots of your episode lists, ratings, and notes. If the app has a web version, you can use browser developer tools to inspect the page structure and copy text. Use the “Inspect Element” tool to find HTML containers holding your data, then copy and paste into a spreadsheet.

Be careful: scraping may violate the app’s terms of service. If you are only copying your own personal data for personal use, the legal risk is low, but each case differs. This method is extremely time-consuming — especially if you have hundreds of shows. Prioritize recording episode titles, seasons, watched dates, and your ratings. Skip metadata that is not meaningful to you.

For the mobile app, you can take screenshots and later transcribe them. Some apps allow you to copy text directly. This approach works but is best reserved for small libraries.

5. Verify Your Exported Data

Once you have a file, open it in a spreadsheet editor or text editor to check its contents. Look for episode titles, season numbers, episode numbers, watched dates, and any personal ratings. Ensure the column headers are clear and data is not truncated.

Count the total number of rows and compare it with the number of episodes you tracked. A mismatch may mean data is missing or the export was incomplete. Pay special attention to shows with multiple seasons; the file should list episodes in sequential order.

Community comments, user reviews, and social metadata are almost never included in standard exports. If those are important to you, consider taking screenshots separately. Also note that some file formats may encode dates differently — verify that all fields are readable.

6. Migrate to a New App

After verifying your exported file, choose a new tracking service that supports importing CSV or JSON files. Options include Trakt, SIMKL, and Listy. Listy, for example, provides import guides for TV Time exports. Test the import with a small subset — maybe a few episodes from one show — before importing your full history. This helps you confirm the mapping of fields is correct.

When evaluating a new app, check whether it also offers its own export feature. The ability to get your data back out is a critical future-proofing measure. Avoid apps that lock your data behind paid subscriptions or lack any export function. Read the privacy policy to understand how your data is handled.

Once your data is safely in the new app, update your tracking habits. Set a reminder to perform an annual backup. The shutdown of your old app is a reminder that no service lasts forever, and your digital history deserves a portable home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I export my community comments, ratings, and discussion posts? Most apps do not provide a way to export social features like comments or friend lists. Your best bet is to screenshot or copy that content manually before the shutdown. Some apps may include ratings in a data export, but comments are rarely included.

Q2: Is it legal to use an unofficial browser extension to scrape my own data? Generally, extracting your own personal data for personal use is legal, but check the app’s terms of service. Unofficial extensions carry privacy risks; choose ones that process data locally and do not send it to third parties. If the terms explicitly prohibit scraping, you may face account termination, but the legal risk for non-commercial use is minimal.

Q3: What if my app shuts down and has no export option at all? Try all methods: request data from the company (GDPR request if applicable), use browser developer tools to scrape the web version, or manually copy screenshots. If nothing works, consider it a lesson to choose apps that support import/export going forward. Prioritize saving your most precious records — the shows you rated highest or the notes you wrote.