Android App Guide

Balance works great on Android phones and tablets. This guide will help you install, set up, and optimize the Android app.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Android 10.0 or later - Check Settings > About Phone > Android Version
• Device from 2019 or newer - Or equivalent hardware
• Internet connection - For syncing transactions
• Google account - To download from Play Store

Recommended

• Android 13 or later - Latest features and security
• 2GB+ RAM - For smooth performance
• 100 MB free storage - For app and data
• Wi-Fi or mobile data - For bank syncing
• Fingerprint sensor or face unlock - For biometric login

Download & Installation

From Google Play Store

1. Open Play Store on your Android device
2. Tap Search icon
3. Search for “Balance Budget”
4. Find Balance Budget (look for our blue logo)
5. Tap “Install”
6. Wait for download - Usually 30-60 seconds
7. Tap “Open” when complete

Direct link: Visit balancebudget.app and tap “Download” for Android

Alternative: APK installation (for advanced users only, not recommended)

First Launch

1. Tap Balance icon in app drawer
2. Allow permissions if requested:
   • Storage - May be requested for local caching
   • Biometric - For fingerprint/face login
   • Notifications - For future transaction alerts
3. Sign in or Create account
4. Enable fingerprint if prompted

Android-Specific Features

Fingerprint & Face Unlock

Biometric authentication for quick, secure access:

Setup:

1. Log in with email and password
2. After successful login: “Enable Fingerprint?”
3. Tap “Enable”
4. Scan fingerprint or face
5. Future logins use biometric instead of password

Compatibility:

• Works with most fingerprint sensors (2015+)
• Face unlock on supported devices
• In-display fingerprints supported
• Side-mounted or back sensors supported

Learn more about biometric authentication →

App Shortcuts

Quick actions from home screen:

1. Long press Balance app icon

2. Quick action menu appears:

   • Add Transaction
   • View Budget
   • Transactions
   • Accounts

3. Tap to jump directly to that screen

Pin to home screen:

• Long press a shortcut
• Drag to home screen
• Direct access without opening app first

Widgets (Coming Soon)

Balance will support Android widgets:

• 1x1 widget - Budget progress indicator
• 2x2 widget - Recent transactions
• 4x2 widget - Full budget overview
• Resizable - Adjust to fit your home screen

Current status: In development

Material You / Material Design

Balance follows Android design guidelines:

• Material Design 3 - Modern, clean interface
• Material You (Android 12+) - Colors adapt to your wallpaper
• Dynamic theming - Matches your system theme
• Smooth animations - Native Android feel

Android Tablets

Balance works on Android tablets:

• Optimized layout - Takes advantage of larger screen
• Split screen - Use Balance alongside other apps
• Multi-window - Resize and position freely
• Stylus support - Use S Pen or other stylus for input

Note: Current version uses phone layout scaled up. Tablet-optimized UI coming in future update.

Android Settings & Permissions

Manage App Permissions

To check permissions:

1. Open Settings on Android
2. Apps or Applications
3. Find Balance
4. Tap Permissions
5. Review and adjust:
   • Biometric - Fingerprint/face login
   • Notifications - Push alerts (coming soon)
   • Storage - Local data caching
   • Network - Internet access for syncing

Biometric Permission

Enable fingerprint/face authentication:

1. Settings > Security > Biometric
2. Ensure fingerprint or face enrolled
3. Open Balance app
4. Enable biometric login in settings

Troubleshooting:

• If not working, check permission in Android Settings
• Ensure biometric enrolled in Security settings
• Try disabling and re-enabling in Balance
• Some devices have multiple biometric options

Notification Permission

When notifications launch:

1. Settings > Apps > Balance > Notifications
2. Allow notifications toggle ON
3. Choose notification types:
   • Transaction alerts
   • Budget warnings
   • Sync status
   • Account updates
4. Set importance level (high, medium, low)

Background Data & Battery

Keep Balance syncing:

1. Unrestricted data access:

   • Settings > Apps > Balance > Mobile data & Wi-Fi
   • Allow background data
   • Allow unrestricted data

2. Battery optimization:

   • Settings > Apps > Balance > Battery
   • Select “Unrestricted” or “Not optimized”
   • Allows background syncing

3. Data Saver exception:

   • Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver
   • Add Balance to exceptions

Why this matters:

• Syncs transactions in background
• Up-to-date data when you open app
• Minimal battery and data impact (few MB/month)

Android Gestures & Navigation

Navigation Modes

Balance works with all Android navigation:

Gesture navigation (Android 10+):

• Swipe from left edge - Go back
• Swipe up - Home
• Swipe up and hold - Recent apps

3-button navigation:

• Back button - Navigate back
• Home button - Exit to home
• Recent apps - Switch apps

2-button navigation:

• Home button - Exit
• Swipe up - Recent apps
• Swipe from edge - Back

Standard Gestures

Balance follows Android conventions:

Pull to refresh:

• Pull down on transaction list
• Release to sync new transactions

Swipe back:

• Swipe from left edge (if using gestures)
• Or tap back button/arrow

Long press:

• Long press transaction to enter selection mode
• Select multiple transactions

Scroll:

• Swipe up/down to scroll
• Tap status bar to scroll to top (some devices)

Manufacturer-Specific Features

Samsung Devices

Samsung-specific features:

Bixby Routines:

• Set up routine to open Balance at certain times
• Automate based on location or time

Secure Folder:

• Can run Balance in Secure Folder for extra privacy
• Separate instance with separate data

Edge Panels:

• Add Balance to edge panel for quick access
• Swipe from edge to open

One UI:

• Balance adapts to Samsung’s One UI design
• Material You theming works with One UI

Google Pixel

Pixel-specific features:

Quick Tap:

• Can set Quick Tap (back of phone) to open Balance
• Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap

At a Glance:

• May integrate Balance widget with At a Glance (future)

Material You:

• Full dynamic color support
• Colors match your wallpaper

OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, etc.

Works on all major brands:

• OnePlus OxygenOS
• Xiaomi MIUI
• Oppo ColorOS
• Realme Realme UI
• Motorola My UX

Manufacturer skins:

• Balance adapts to each manufacturer’s Android skin
• Some features may vary by device
• Permission locations may differ

Syncing & Data

How Syncing Works on Android

Automatic syncing:

• When you open the app
• In background (if unrestricted)
• When you pull to refresh
• 1-2 times daily (automatic)

Manual sync:

1. Go to Transactions tab
2. Pull down on transaction list
3. Release when “Checking for new transactions…”
4. Wait 10-30 seconds
5. New transactions appear

Background sync:

• Requires unrestricted battery optimization
• Requires background data enabled
• Updates even when app closed
• Very efficient (minimal battery/data)

Data Storage

Where your data is stored:

• Cloud - Primary storage on Balance servers
• Device cache - For offline access and speed
• Secure storage - Biometric credentials encrypted
• No SD card - App must be on internal storage

Data safety:

• Encrypted in transit (TLS)
• Encrypted at rest (AES-256)
• Regular backups
• Synced across all your devices

If you uninstall:

• Data remains in cloud
• Reinstall and log in to restore
• Nothing lost

Performance & Battery

Optimizing Performance

For best performance:

• Keep Android updated - Latest version
• Keep Balance updated - Check Play Store
• Clear cache - Settings > Apps > Balance > Storage > Clear Cache
• Restart app - Force stop and reopen
• Good internet - For syncing
• Sufficient storage - Keep 500MB+ free

Battery Optimization

Balance is designed to be battery-efficient:

Battery usage:

• Normal use - Minimal impact (<1% per day)
• Background sync - Very efficient
• Biometric - Less battery than typing
• No location tracking - Balance doesn’t use GPS

Battery settings:

• Settings > Apps > Balance > Battery
• Select “Unrestricted” for best sync
• Or “Optimized” to save battery (less frequent sync)

If battery drains:

• Check battery usage in Settings
• Balance shouldn’t be in top users
• Disable background sync if needed
• Contact support if unusually high

Troubleshooting Android Issues

App Crashes or Freezes

Solutions:

1. Force stop app:

   • Settings > Apps > Balance
   • Tap “Force Stop”
   • Reopen app

2. Clear cache:

   • Settings > Apps > Balance > Storage
   • Tap “Clear Cache” (not Clear Data)

3. Restart phone:

   • Hold power button
   • Tap “Restart”

4. Update app:

   • Play Store > My apps & games
   • Update Balance if available

5. Reinstall app:

   • Uninstall Balance
   • Restart phone
   • Download from Play Store
   • Log back in

6. Contact support - If issues persist

Fingerprint Not Working

Solutions:

1. Check fingerprint enrolled in Security settings
2. Clean fingerprint sensor
3. Re-register fingerprint in Android settings
4. Disable and re-enable in Balance settings
5. Try password login first, then re-enable
6. Check app has biometric permission

Syncing Issues

Solutions:

1. Check internet connection - Wi-Fi or mobile data
2. Pull to refresh manually
3. Check background data - Should be allowed
4. Check battery optimization - Should be unrestricted
5. Log out and back in
6. Update app - Latest version from Play Store
7. Clear app cache

Cannot Download from Play Store

Solutions:

1. Check Android version - Need Android 10 or later
2. Sign in to Play Store - With your Google account
3. Check storage space - Need 100MB+ free
4. Clear Play Store cache - Settings > Apps > Play Store > Clear Cache
5. Restart phone
6. Check country - Balance may not be available in all regions yet

Notification Issues

Solutions:

1. Check notification permission granted
2. Settings > Apps > Balance > Notifications > Enabled
3. Check Do Not Disturb mode isn’t blocking
4. Check battery optimization isn’t stopping notifications
5. Some manufacturers (Xiaomi, Huawei) have aggressive battery saving

Android Updates & Compatibility

When Android Updates Released

Should you update?

• Generally yes, for security
• Wait a few days if you prefer stability
• Balance typically works with new versions
• We test and update for Android releases

After Android update:

• Balance should work normally
• May need to restart app
• Occasionally might need app update
• Re-check permissions (sometimes reset)
• Report any issues to support

Future Android Features

Balance will leverage new Android features:

• Android 14+ features - As they release
• Predictive back - Smooth navigation
• Widgets improvements - Enhanced widgets
• Material You enhancements - Better theming
• Privacy features - Latest privacy controls

Manufacturer Skin Considerations

Different Android Experiences

Android varies by manufacturer:

Pure Android (Pixel, Nokia, Motorola):

• Standard Android experience
• Balance works exactly as designed
• Fewest compatibility issues

Samsung One UI:

• Extra features (Bixby Routines, Secure Folder)
• Some permission menus in different locations
• Generally very compatible

Xiaomi MIUI:

• Aggressive battery saving (may need adjustment)
• Some permissions may require special settings
• “Autostart” permission may be needed

Oppo ColorOS, Realme UI:

• Extra battery restrictions
• May need to allow background running
• Similar to MIUI considerations

OnePlus OxygenOS:

• Close to pure Android
• Good compatibility
• Fewer issues

Multi-Device Usage

Using Balance on Multiple Android Devices

Sync across devices:

• Log in on all devices
• Data syncs automatically
• Changes appear everywhere
• Real-time updates

Biometric on each device:

• Set up separately on each
• Uses that device’s fingerprint/face
• Each device stores its own credentials

Switching Devices

Getting a new Android phone:

Option 1: Google Backup:

1. Backup old phone
2. Set up new phone with Google account
3. Restore from backup
4. Balance may auto-install
5. Open and log in
6. Re-enable biometric

Option 2: Manual:

1. Download Balance on new phone
2. Log in with email and password
3. All data appears (synced from cloud)
4. Set up biometric
5. Done!

What transfers:

• All budgets, categories, transactions
• Bank connections
• Settings

What doesn’t:

• Biometric login (must re-enable)
• Device-specific cache

Wear OS (Coming Soon)

Balance may add Wear OS support:

Potential features:

• Quick budget view on watch
• Recent transactions
• Add transaction
• Watch complications
• Vibrate alerts for budget warnings

Current status: Under consideration

Chromebook Support

Balance Android app runs on Chromebooks:

Installation:

1. Ensure Google Play Store enabled on Chromebook
2. Download Balance from Play Store
3. Runs as Android app

Chromebook advantages:

• Larger screen
• Keyboard and mouse input
• Desktop-like experience
• Good for initial setup

Note: Web version (app.balancebudget.app) may be better on Chromebook.

Common Questions

Q: Does Balance work on Android tablets?
A: Yes! Balance works on tablets with the same interface scaled to the larger screen.

Q: Can I use Balance on multiple Android devices?
A: Yes, log in on all devices. Data syncs automatically.

Q: Does fingerprint use my actual fingerprint data?
A: No, biometric data stays on your device. Balance only knows if authentication succeeded.

Q: Why doesn’t Balance have a tablet-specific interface?
A: We’re focused on core features first. Tablet-optimized UI may come later.

Q: Does Balance work on Wear OS watches?
A: Not yet, but it’s being considered for future development.

Q: How much data does Balance use?
A: Very little - typically just a few MB per month.

Q: Will Balance drain my battery?
A: No, Balance is optimized to be battery-efficient.

Q: Does Balance work on Chromebooks?
A: Yes, through the Play Store. Or use the web version at app.balancebudget.app.

Q: My phone manufacturer has heavy battery restrictions. Will Balance work?
A: Yes, but you may need to allow Balance in battery settings and autostart permissions.

Getting Help

In-App Support

Contact from Balance app:

• Open settings menu
• Tap “Help & Support”
• Opens email to support@balancebudget.app

Additional Resources

• iOS App Guide - For iPhone/iPad users
• Mobile vs Web Differences - Platform comparison
• Biometric Login - Fingerprint setup
• Troubleshooting - Fix common problems

Need help? Contact our team - we’re here to assist!