Saying Goodbye to Pocket? How to Secure Your ‘Read It Later’ List with Open Source

TL;DR / Checklist

Export your data from Pocket
Convert your Pocket export for Wallabag
Choose a hosted Wallabag provider
Import your data into Wallabag
Enjoy secure, open-source reading!

You have valuable data in Pocket

For years, Pocket has been a beloved tool for saving articles, videos, and stories. However, with the recent announcement of its shutdown, users are looking for a more permanent, secure home for their “read it later” lists. It’s the perfect time to consider an open-source alternative like Wallabag.

This guide will walk you through migrating from Pocket to a hosted Wallabag instance, ensuring your data remains safe, accessible, and under your control.

Pocket Main Interface — Pocket's familiar interface that many users have come to love

Open Source is Your Data’s Best Friend

When a service like Pocket shuts down, your data can be lost forever. Open-source software is different. Because the code is public, you can host it yourself or choose from various providers. If one provider goes down, you can simply move your data to another. This means your data is never locked into a single service, giving you the ultimate protection against service closures.

Open source gives you control and flexibility with your data

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating from Pocket to Wallabag

Step 1: Export Your Pocket Data

First, you’ll need to download all of your data from Pocket.

Pocket Export Page — The Pocket export page where you can request your data

Pocket will begin processing your request. This can take some time (up to 7 days, according to their page).

Pocket Export Confirmation — Confirmation screen after requesting your data export

You will receive an email with a link to download your data. Save the file to your computer.

Pocket Export Email — The email notification with your download link

Step 2: Convert Your Pocket Export for Wallabag

Your Wallabag server may not directly import Pocket’s export format. Luckily, a community-made tool makes conversion simple.

Go to the Pocket to Wallabag Converter.

Drag and drop the export file you downloaded from Pocket onto the page. The tool will automatically convert it to a Wallabag-compatible “Instapaper” format and download it.

The conversion process is quick and straightforward

Step 3: Choose a Hosted Wallabag Provider

There are several hosted Wallabag providers to choose from. You can find a list of trusted providers on getoffpocket.com . After you sign up for one, log into your new Wallabag account.

Wallabag Main Interface — Wallabag's clean, modern interface

Step 4: Import Your Data into Wallabag

Finally, it’s time to import your converted file.

In your Wallabag account, open the menu and click Import. On the next screen, select Instapaper as the source.

Wallabag Import Screen — The import interface in Wallabag where you can upload your converted data

Click the “FILE” button and select the converted file from Step 2, then click “UPLOAD FILE”. Wallabag will begin importing your articles. This may take some time depending on the size of your library.

Wallabag will process your import in the background

Your Data Is Now Safe and Secure

That’s it! You’ve successfully migrated your “read it later” list to a secure, open-source platform. Now, you can enjoy all the features you loved about Pocket, with the added peace of mind that comes from knowing your data is truly yours. With Wallabag, you’re not just a user—you’re in control.

Saying Goodbye to Pocket? How to Secure Your 'Read It Later' List with Open Source