# Which sign-up option should I choose?

Whichever matches your threat level. There are three of them. One: sign in with Google, Apple, or GitHub, with your key stored on our server. Two: the same sign-in, with your key kept on your device only. Three: "Generate a phrase", with no email, no name and no login at all. All three keep your notes end-to-end encrypted, and what separates them is who holds the key and how much we learn about you.

Signing in with one of those three then asks where your key lives. "Keep it simple & convenient" stores it on our server, encrypted, so any new device signs in with that login alone and there is nothing for you to keep safe. That is the right level if what you fear is losing your own credentials. "Maximum security & privacy" keeps the key on your device: we could not read a note under any pressure, and a new device needs your 12 words or a QR scan from one already signed in.

The phrase-only route is the highest level: no email, no name, nothing tying the account to a person. In exchange the key is yours alone, so losing it with no signed-in device left means nobody can help. Nothing is permanent, though. Settings > Security > Your Phrase moves you between modes whenever you like, and every level can add a PIN or biometric lock on top. The full ladder, with what each rung costs, is in [the threat-level ladder](https://privacynotes.app/help/threat-model-levels/).

---
Source: https://privacynotes.app/help/signup-options