How It Works

Afterward lets you write messages to your future self—or to others—that can only be read after a specific date and time.

Think of it as a time capsule for your thoughts. Write something now, lock it away, and rediscover it later when the moment is right.

Your privacy matters. Here's how we protect your notes:

• Notes are encrypted before they're stored
• Private notes cannot be read without your password—not even by us
• Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text
• We cannot decrypt or read your private notes

Your password is your key. Keep it safe.

Afterward doesn't use traditional accounts or logins. Instead:

• Your password is your access key
• One password can unlock multiple notes you've created
• Notes only unlock after their chosen date and time
• No username, no email required (unless you want notifications)

This means you're in complete control. But it also means if you forget your password, we can't help you recover it.

When you create a note, you choose when it unlocks. Until that moment arrives, the note remains sealed.

The waiting is intentional. It's part of the experience—a reminder that some things are worth the wait.

You can choose whether your note is private or public:

• Private notes: Only visible to those who know the password
• Public notes: Visible in the public feed after they unlock

Note: Your email and password are never made public, even for public notes.

Email is completely optional. If you provide one:

• You'll receive one notification when your note unlocks
• We won't send marketing emails or reminders
• Your email is stored encrypted, just like your note

Afterward is intentionally simple:

• No user profiles
• No tracking or analytics beyond basic usage
• No social features or follower counts
• Just you, your notes, and time