Mobile App Setup

Balance is available on iOS and Android, giving you access to your budget wherever you go. Here’s how to get started with the mobile app.

Downloading the App

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

1. Open the App Store on your device
2. Search for “Balance Budget” or “Balance The Simple Budget”
3. Look for the app by Balance (blue icon)
4. Tap “Get” or the download button
5. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password
6. Wait for the download to complete
7. Tap “Open” or find the Balance icon on your home screen

Direct Link: Download on the App Store

Android

1. Open the Google Play Store on your device
2. Search for “Balance Budget”
3. Look for the app by Balance
4. Tap “Install”
5. Accept permissions
6. Wait for the download to complete
7. Tap “Open” or find the Balance icon in your app drawer

Direct Link: Get it on Google Play

System Requirements

iOS:

• iOS 13.0 or later
• Works on iPhone and iPad
• Compatible with Face ID and Touch ID

Android:

• Android 8.0 or later
• Works on phones and tablets
• Compatible with fingerprint sensors

First-Time Setup

If You’re a New User

1. Open the Balance app
2. Tap “Sign Up”
3. Follow the account creation process
4. Complete the onboarding flow
5. Start budgeting!

If You Already Have an Account

1. Open the Balance app
2. Tap “Log In”
3. Enter your email and password
4. Tap “Sign In”
5. Your budget syncs automatically

Enabling Biometric Login

For quick, secure access, set up biometric authentication:

iOS (Face ID/Touch ID)

1. Log in to the Balance app
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-left
3. Find “Login with Face ID” or “Login with Touch ID”
4. Toggle ON
5. Authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID when prompted
6. Biometric login is now enabled

Next time you open the app:

• You’ll see the login screen
• Your device will prompt for Face ID/Touch ID
• Authenticate to enter the app
• No password needed!

Android (Fingerprint/Face Unlock)

1. Log in to the Balance app
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-left
3. Find “Login with Biometric”
4. Toggle ON
5. Authenticate with your device’s biometric when prompted
6. Biometric login is now enabled

Next time you open the app:

• You’ll see the login screen
• Your device will prompt for biometric authentication
• Authenticate to enter the app
• No password needed!

Biometric Security Notes

• Your biometric data never leaves your device
• Balance doesn’t store fingerprints or face data
• Works with your device’s built-in security
• Can be disabled anytime from settings

App Permissions

Balance may request these permissions:

iOS Permissions

Required:

• Internet Access - Sync transactions and budget data
• Keychain Access - Securely store authentication token

Optional:

• Face ID/Touch ID - For biometric login
• Notifications - For reminders (coming soon)

Android Permissions

Required:

• Internet Access - Sync transactions and budget data
• Storage - Cache data for offline viewing

Optional:

• Biometric - For fingerprint/face login
• Notifications - For reminders (coming soon)

To manage permissions:

• iOS: Settings > Balance > Permissions
• Android: Settings > Apps > Balance > Permissions

Navigating the Mobile App

Main Navigation

Three tabs at the bottom:

1. Budget - Dashboard with categories and current balance
2. Transactions - List of all transactions
3. Accounts - Connected bank accounts

Gestures and Controls

• Tap - Select items, open details
• Swipe right - Quick actions on transactions
• Pull down - Refresh transactions
• Long press - Additional options
• Pinch - (Planned) Zoom on charts

Menu Access

Tap your profile picture in the top-left to access:

• Manage Profiles
• Biometric Login toggle
• Change Password
• Plan & Subscription
• Help & Support
• Log Out

Mobile-Specific Features

Quick Categorization

On mobile, categorizing is fast:

1. Tap a transaction
2. Scroll through categories
3. Tap to assign
4. Automatically returns to list

Pull-to-Refresh

Update your transactions:

1. Go to Transactions tab
2. Pull down on the list
3. Release to refresh
4. Wait for “Checking for new transactions…”
5. New transactions appear

Add Transaction Button

Floating action button (+ icon) on Transactions tab:

• Tap to add manual transaction
• Quick access from anywhere
• Always visible when needed

Profile Switching

Switch between yours and your partner’s profiles:

1. Tap profile picture
2. See list of profiles
3. Tap to switch
4. View changes instantly

Syncing Across Devices

How Syncing Works

• Automatic - Changes sync in real-time
• Bi-directional - Works both ways (phone ↔ web)
• Secure - Encrypted during transfer
• Fast - Updates appear in seconds

What Syncs

Everything:

• Transactions and categories
• Budget amounts
• Account connections
• Profile information
• Settings

Using Multiple Devices

You can use Balance on:

• iPhone
• iPad
• Android phone
• Android tablet
• Web browser
• All simultaneously!

Example: Your partner categorizes a transaction on their phone, and you see it update on your tablet in real-time.

Mobile vs. Web Differences

Mobile Advantages

✅ Biometric login (Face ID, Touch ID, Fingerprint)
✅ Always with you
✅ Push notifications (coming soon)
✅ Quick access on the go
✅ Touch-optimized interface

Web Advantages

✅ Larger screen
✅ Keyboard shortcuts
✅ Better for data entry
✅ Easier for setup tasks
✅ Multiple windows

Feature Parity

Both mobile and web have:

• Full budget management
• Transaction categorization
• Bank account connections
• Profile management
• All settings

Troubleshooting Mobile Issues

App Won’t Open

Try:

1. Force close and reopen
2. Restart your device
3. Check for app updates
4. Reinstall if needed

Login Issues

If you can’t log in:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Verify email and password
3. Try “Forgot Password”
4. Disable biometric and try password
5. Contact support if issues persist

Biometric Login Not Working

If biometric login fails:

1. Make sure it’s enabled in Settings
2. Check device biometric settings
3. Re-enable in Balance settings
4. Use password as backup
5. Contact support

Sync Problems

If data isn’t syncing:

1. Check internet connection
2. Pull down to refresh
3. Log out and log back in
4. Check app version (update if needed)
5. Restart the app

Bank Connection on Mobile

Connecting banks on mobile:

• Uses device browser for security
• Returns to app automatically
• Same security as web
• May take slightly longer

Note: Some banks work better on web for initial setup, then work great on mobile.

Battery and Data Usage

Battery Impact

Balance is optimized for battery life:

• Minimal background activity
• Efficient syncing
• No constant GPS usage
• Similar to other finance apps

Data Usage

Balance uses minimal data:

• ~5-10 MB per month for typical usage
• Text-based data (not media-heavy)
• Wi-Fi recommended for bank connections
• Offline viewing of cached data

App Updates

Keeping Balance Updated

iOS:

• Enable auto-updates in App Store settings
• Or manually check for updates

Android:

• Enable auto-updates in Play Store settings
• Or manually check for updates

What Updates Include

• New features
• Bug fixes
• Performance improvements
• Security enhancements
• UI improvements

Mobile Tips and Tricks

Speed Tips

• Enable biometric login - Fastest way to open app
• Use bulk categorize - Select multiple transactions
• Keep app updated - Latest version is fastest
• Pull to refresh - Manual sync when needed

Battery Tips

• Use Wi-Fi when possible
• Close app when not in use
• Disable unused features
• Update regularly - Updates include optimizations

Security Tips

• Always use biometric or strong password
• Don’t share your device when logged in
• Log out on shared devices
• Keep OS updated for security patches

Getting Help on Mobile

In-App Support

• Tap profile picture → “Help & Support”
• Opens email to support@balancebudget.app
• Include screenshots if helpful
• Response within 24 hours

Online Help

• Visit balancebudget.app/help on your mobile browser
• Search for specific topics
• Read detailed guides
• Access FAQs

Next Steps

Now that your mobile app is set up:

1. Enable Biometric Login - Detailed biometric guide
2. Quick Start Guide - Set up your budget
3. Understanding the Dashboard - Navigate the app
4. Mobile App Guide - Platform-specific tips

Need help with the mobile app? Contact our support team - we’re here to assist!