Something not working?
Most things are on this page. If yours isn't, email me. A real person reads it, usually within a couple of days.
support@thebuddysystem.devYour journal
How do I move my journal to another computer?
In the app's settings, Export JSON. That downloads a single file with everything in it. On the other machine, open the same app and use Import JSON. Import replaces what's currently there, so export from the destination first if it has anything you want to keep.
My entries disappeared
Almost always one of: browser data was cleared, you're in a private window, you're on a different browser or profile, or the site was opened on a different domain. None of these are recoverable by me, because I never had a copy. If you have an exported JSON file, importing it restores everything.
Can I bring my Goodreads library into BookBuddy?
Yes, on iPhone and on the web. On goodreads.com go to My Books, then Import and export, and click Export Library. Then choose Import from Goodreads in BookBuddy: on iPhone it's in the menu at the top of the Journal tab, and on the web it's on the Shelf and in settings. Pick that file. Your shelves, star ratings, read dates, reviews and private notes come across; books you already have are skipped. On the web there's an Undo button straight afterwards if it isn't what you expected.
Do the web apps work offline?
Yes, once loaded. Add the app to your home screen or dock, and it'll open and save without a connection.
Does the iPhone app share data with the web app?
No. They're separate stores. The iPhone app uses your device and iCloud, the web app uses your browser. To move between them, export from one and import into the other.
Do the web apps cost anything?
No. They used to be a subscription, and that ended in November 2026. Every web app is free, with no account, and nobody is billed any more. If you think you were charged after that, email me and I'll sort it out.
The iPhone apps
Which iOS version do I need?
iOS 17 or later, on iPhone or iPad. Some extras, like the on-device label scanning in TeaBuddy and CoffeeBuddy, get better on newer devices with Apple Intelligence, but nothing is required.
How do I back up the iPhone app?
Turn on iCloud sync in the app's settings and it rides along with your iCloud backup. Every app also has a CSV or JSON export in its share menu, which is worth doing occasionally regardless.
I found a bug
Please tell me at support@thebuddysystem.dev. Include the app, your device or browser, and what you did just before it went wrong. That last part is worth more than any crash log.
SwipeBuddy
Which devices does it work on?
An iPhone on iOS 18 or later, or an iPad on iPadOS 18 or later, with Screen Time turned on in Settings. SwipeBuddy uses Apple's Screen Time to block apps, so it only works on the device itself. There's no web version.
Do my iPhone and iPad share a limit?
Yes. With sync on, your devices share one daily limit and one set of emergency unlocks through your own iCloud, so an hour a day means an hour across both. Sync is on unless you turn it off in SwipeBuddy's Settings, and both devices need to be signed in to the same Apple Account with iCloud on. Each device catches up on the others every few minutes of use, so the total can run a few minutes over, and a device that's offline counts only what it last heard. Pick your apps on each device, because iOS keeps those separate. Per-app caps are set on each device for the same reason.
My apps didn't get blocked when my time ran out
Open SwipeBuddy once so it can refresh its limits, and check that Screen Time is still on in Settings and that SwipeBuddy still has Screen Time access. Blocking happens inside iOS, so a restart of the device clears up most hiccups. If it still misses, email me with your daily limit and roughly when it should have kicked in.
Why did I get "10 minutes left" right after setting it up?
Use from earlier in the day counts toward your limit, including the day you set it up, so changing a setting can't reset your count. Since the first day, SwipeBuddy skips that heads-up when it's only catching up on earlier use.
How do emergency unlocks work?
Tap "Need a minute?" on the block screen to open SwipeBuddy's unlock screen. After a short wait and a quick reason, everything unblocks for a few minutes of use, then the blocks come back. You get one a day by default. You can change that in Settings, but more unlocks only take effect the next day.
I raised my limit but nothing changed
That's on purpose. Anything that loosens SwipeBuddy (a higher limit, fewer blocked apps, more unlocks) starts at midnight, and the Today screen shows what's waiting. Anything stricter applies straight away.
How do I turn on the Safari extension?
It's part of SwipeBuddy Pro. Open the Settings app, then Apps → Safari → Extensions, turn on SwipeBuddy, and allow it on youtube.com, instagram.com and facebook.com. It only works in Safari, because other browsers on iPhone and iPad don't support extensions.
How do I restore or cancel Pro?
To restore, open SwipeBuddy's Settings and tap Restore purchases. To cancel a subscription, open the Settings app, tap your name, then Subscriptions. Refunds go through Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com, since I never see your payment.
How do I stop using SwipeBuddy?
Delete the app from each device you use it on. That removes its Screen Time access and lifts every block it set. Your history goes with it, because it was only ever on the device. With sync on, your settings and the last week of minutes also sit in your own iCloud, which I can't reach.