📖 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How do I sync with Apple Calendar?
Go to Settings → Integrations → Apple Calendar Sync and enable the toggle. You'll be asked to grant calendar access permissions. Once enabled, your RealLifeHQ events will sync bidirectionally with Apple Calendar.
❓ How does the Cleaning Tracker work?
The Cleaning Tracker helps you maintain a clean home with scheduled tasks. Set up your cleaning schedule in the wizard, and the app will assign tasks daily. Complete tasks to build streaks and track your progress over time.
❓ What is the Life Reminder Wizard?
The Life Reminder Wizard asks you questions about your life (pets, vehicles, health, etc.) and automatically creates important recurring reminders for things like vet visits, oil changes, tax deadlines, and more.
❓ How do I use the Recipe & Meal Planning features?
Add recipes manually or import them. Create meal plans by scheduling recipes for specific dates and meal types (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack). Shopping list items are automatically generated from your meal plans and can be checked off as you shop.
❓ How do I back up my data?
Your data is stored locally on your device for maximum privacy and security. All data is automatically included in your device's iCloud backup if enabled. There is no cloud sync to protect your privacy.
❓ How do I set up recurring events?
When creating or editing an event, toggle 'Recurring Event' and choose your preferred frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly). You can also use the Life Reminder Wizard to set up common recurring events automatically.
❓ What's the difference between Events and Habits?
Events are one-time or recurring appointments with specific dates and times. Habits are daily activities you want to track and build streaks for. Think of Events as your schedule and Habits as your goals.
❓ How secure is the Vault?
Vault passwords and secure notes are stored in iOS Keychain, Apple's most secure storage system, with hardware-level encryption. You can enable Face ID/Touch ID for additional protection. All data stays on your device and is never transmitted.
❓ Can I use RealLifeHQ offline?
Yes! RealLifeHQ is designed to work completely offline. All your data is stored locally on your device for maximum privacy and reliability. No internet connection is required for any feature.
❓ How do Budget Categories work?
Set up your monthly budget with income and category limits. Track expenses by category throughout the month. The Budget view shows remaining amounts, spending trends, and alerts you when approaching limits.
❓ Can I set recurring expenses?
Yes! When adding an expense, toggle 'Recurring' and choose the frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly). Recurring expenses are automatically added to your budget calculations.
❓ How do I change my subscription?
You can manage your subscription through the App Store. Go to iPhone Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → RealLifeHQ to change plans, cancel, or restore purchases.
❓ How do I delete my data?
Go to Settings → Data → Clear All Data. This will permanently delete all your events, habits, journal entries, recipes, meal plans, budget data, and vault items. This action cannot be undone.
❓ Why am I not receiving notifications?
Check that notifications are enabled in both iOS Settings → Notifications → RealLifeHQ and within the app at Settings → Notifications. Also ensure Do Not Disturb/Focus modes are not blocking notifications.
❓ What data does RealLifeHQ collect?
None! All your data stays on your device. We don't collect, transmit, or share any personal information. See our Privacy Policy for complete details on our privacy-first approach.
❓ Can I customize the app theme?
Yes! Go to Settings → Theme to choose from multiple color themes. Pick colors that match your style and make the app feel personalized to you.
🎯 Feature Guides
📅 Calendar & Events
Create one-time or recurring events with times, notes, and reminders. Sync bidirectionally with Apple Calendar. Use the Life Reminder Wizard for automatic life event setup.
🎯 Habit Tracker
Track daily habits, build streaks, and set custom reminders. Choose icons and colors to personalize each habit. View statistics and maintain consistency with streak tracking.
✨ Cleaning Tracker
Maintain a clean home with rotating task schedules. Complete daily tasks to build streaks. Track statistics including completion rates, streaks, and task history.
📖 Journal
Write daily entries with optional mood tracking and tags. Get daily journal prompts for inspiration. Reflect on your thoughts and experiences privately.
💵 Budget & Expenses
Set monthly budgets with category limits. Track expenses and recurring payments. View spending trends, remaining budgets, and financial insights throughout the month.
🍽️ Recipes & Meal Planning
Save recipes with ingredients, instructions, and prep times. Plan meals for the week. Generate shopping lists automatically from meal plans and check items off as you shop.
🔒 Secure Vault
Store passwords, secure notes, and sensitive photos safely. Protected by iOS Keychain encryption and optional Face ID/Touch ID. Your data never leaves your device.
🏠 Home Dashboard
See all your important information at a glance. Quick access to today's events, habits, cleaning tasks, journal prompts, budget status, and more. Optimized for both iPhone and iPad.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🪄 Use the Life Reminder Wizard
Answer a few quick questions about your life (pets, vehicles, health, property, etc.) and the wizard will automatically create personalized recurring reminders for important tasks like vet visits, oil changes, tax deadlines, and home maintenance.
✨ Set Up Your Cleaning Schedule
Use the Cleaning Setup Wizard to create a personalized cleaning schedule based on your home size and preferences. Complete tasks daily to build streaks and maintain a consistently clean home.
📅 Sync with Apple Calendar
Enable Apple Calendar sync in Settings → Integrations to see your RealLifeHQ events alongside your other calendars. Changes sync bidirectionally so you can manage events from either app.
🍽️ Plan Your Meals
Add your favorite recipes to RealLifeHQ, then use the meal planner to schedule them throughout the week. Shopping lists are automatically generated from your meal plans, making grocery shopping easier.
🔔 Set Strategic Reminders
For events, set reminders 1-2 hours before to give yourself time to prepare. For habits, set reminders at times when you're most likely to complete them, like morning routines or before bed.
📈 Track Your Progress
Build momentum with habit and cleaning streaks. Check your statistics to see completion rates and patterns. Don't break the chain! Even if you miss a day, get right back to it.
💵 Set Realistic Budget Categories
Break down your monthly budget into realistic category limits. The app will alert you when you're approaching limits, helping you stay on track with your financial goals.
🔁 Use Recurring Expenses
Set up recurring expenses for subscriptions, rent, utilities, and other regular payments. These are automatically factored into your monthly budget, giving you accurate spending forecasts.
🔒 Protect Your Vault
Enable Face ID or Touch ID for your Vault in Settings for quick, secure access. Your passwords and notes are stored in iOS Keychain with hardware-level encryption.
🎨 Customize Your Theme
Go to Settings → Theme to choose colors that match your style. Pick a theme that makes you happy to use the app daily. Themes apply across the entire app instantly.
🏠 Use the Home Dashboard
The Home tab gives you a bird's-eye view of everything happening today. Check it each morning to see your events, habits, cleaning tasks, journal prompt, and budget status all in one place.
📱 iPad Sidebar Navigation
On iPad, RealLifeHQ uses a sidebar for quick navigation between features. All features are optimized for the larger screen with grid layouts and enhanced views.
🛡️ Your Privacy is Protected
All your data stays on your device. RealLifeHQ doesn't collect, transmit, or share any personal information. No analytics, no ads, no tracking. Your data is yours alone.
🔧 Troubleshooting
Calendar Sync Issues
If calendar sync isn't working:
- Check that you've granted calendar permissions in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Calendars
- Disable and re-enable the sync in RealLifeHQ Settings → Integrations
- Make sure you're signed into iCloud on your device
- Verify that the calendar you selected in settings still exists
- Try creating a test event to see if it syncs
Notification Problems
If you're not receiving notifications:
- Enable notifications in iOS Settings → Notifications → RealLifeHQ
- Check that Focus modes (Do Not Disturb, Sleep, Work) are not blocking notifications
- Verify notification settings in RealLifeHQ Settings → Notifications
- Make sure you've set reminders on your events and habits
- Check that notification time preferences are set correctly
- Try restarting your device
Cleaning Tracker Issues
If cleaning tasks aren't appearing:
- Make sure you've completed the Cleaning Setup Wizard
- Check that tasks are enabled in your cleaning schedule
- Verify that today is not set as a rest day in your schedule
- Try refreshing the view by navigating away and back
Budget Tracking Issues
If budget calculations seem incorrect:
- Verify your monthly income is set correctly in Budget Setup
- Check that all expenses are categorized properly
- Review recurring expenses - they're calculated for the full month
- Make sure you're viewing the correct month
- Check category limits are set as intended
Vault Access Problems
If you can't access the Vault:
- Make sure Face ID/Touch ID is enabled on your device
- Check that RealLifeHQ has permission to use biometrics in iOS Settings
- Try disabling and re-enabling biometric protection in Settings
- If biometrics fail repeatedly, use your device passcode
App Performance
If the app is running slowly:
- Close and restart the app by swiping up from the app switcher
- Update to the latest version from the App Store
- Restart your device
- Check available storage space on your device
- If issues persist after updating, contact support
Data & Backup
Important information about your data:
- All data is stored locally on your device for privacy
- Enable iCloud Backup in iOS Settings to protect your data
- Deleting the app will remove all local data permanently
- There is no cloud sync - data only exists on your device
- Clear All Data in Settings is permanent and cannot be undone