Frequently Asked Questions

To start using Roomies:

1. Download the app from your app store
2. Create a new account or sign in
3. Create a new apartment or join an existing one
4. Invite your roommates
5. Start managing expenses and tasks

To create a new account:

1. Open the app
2. Tap "Sign Up" or "Create Account"
3. Enter your email address
4. Create a strong password
5. Confirm your account via the email we send you

To invite new roommates:

1. Open the main screen
2. Tap "Manage Roommates"
3. Tap "Invite New Roommate"
4. Enter the roommate's email address
5. Send the invitation
6. The roommate will receive an invitation and can join

To add a new expense:

1. Open the "Expenses" screen
2. Tap "+" or "Add Expense"
3. Enter the expense amount
4. Choose a category (food, bills, etc.)
5. Add a description (optional)
6. Select who paid
7. Save the expense

To manage the shopping list:

1. Open the "Shopping" screen
2. Tap "+" to add a new item
3. Enter the item name
4. Add quantity (optional)
5. Tap the item to mark it as purchased
6. Tap again to unmark it

To set up cleaning schedules:

1. Open the "Cleaning" screen
2. Tap "Set Schedules"
3. Add cleaning tasks
4. Set frequency for each task
5. Assign roommates to tasks
6. The app will remind automatically

The app sends automatic notifications for:

• Adding items to the shopping list
• Purchasing items from the list
• Adding new expenses
• New roommates joining the apartment
• Completing cleaning turns
• Cleaning turn reminders (2 days in advance)
• Unlocking new achievements and earning badges

The achievements system adds a gamification element to shared living:

• Earn points for every action in the app - adding expenses, shopping, cleaning tasks, and more
• Unlock special badges like "Clean Keeper", "Kitchen Chef", "Expense Manager", and more
• Compete with your roommates on the apartment leaderboard
• Get notified when you unlock a new achievement
• View all your achievements on your profile screen

You earn points automatically for various actions:

• Adding a new expense - points for responsible financial management
• Marking items on the shopping list - points for contributing to the household
• Completing cleaning tasks - bonus points for keeping things clean
• Activity streaks - bonuses for consistent daily activity
• Inviting new roommates - points for growing the community

The more points you earn, the more badges and achievements you unlock!

The leaderboard shows the ranking of all roommates in your apartment:

1. Open the app's home screen
2. Scroll down to the "Achievements" section or tap the trophy icon
3. View rankings by points, achievements unlocked, and activity streaks
4. Filter by time period - weekly, monthly, or all-time

If the app doesn't work properly:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Close and reopen the app
3. Update the app from the app store
4. Uninstall and reinstall the app
5. If the problem persists, contact us

To fix sync issues:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Close and reopen the app
3. Sign out and sign back in
4. Clear the app's temporary data
5. If the problem persists, contact support

If you're not receiving notifications:

1. Check your device notification settings
2. Make sure the app is allowed to show notifications
3. Check the notification settings inside the app
4. Try closing and reopening the app
5. If the problem persists, contact us

If your achievements aren't updating:

1. Make sure you have a stable internet connection
2. Close and reopen the app - achievements update in real-time from the server
3. Check that you successfully completed the required action (e.g., the expense was saved)
4. Sign out and sign back in to refresh the data
5. If the problem persists, contact support

To change language:

1. Open the app settings
2. Tap "Language"
3. Select your preferred language
4. The app will update automatically

To change your password:

1. Open the app settings
2. Tap "Account"
3. Tap "Change Password"
4. Enter your current password
5. Enter a new strong password
6. Confirm the change

To delete your account:

1. Open the app settings
2. Tap "Account"
3. Tap "Delete Account"
4. Confirm the deletion
5. All data will be permanently deleted

Warning: Account deletion is irreversible! All achievements and points you earned will be deleted.