Fixing Sync Problems

When ChoreGami data doesn’t sync properly between devices or family members, it can cause confusion and frustration. Here’s how to diagnose and fix sync issues.

Understanding ChoreGami Sync

How Sync Works:

  • Real-time updates when internet connection is strong
  • Automatic sync when app is opened
  • Background sync for notifications and updates
  • Cross-device sync for all family members

What Gets Synced:

  • Completed chores and status updates
  • Point balances and transactions
  • New chores and assignments
  • Family member changes
  • Reward purchases
  • Settings and preferences

Common Sync Issues

Chore Completion Not Showing

When This Happens:

  • Child marks chore complete but parent doesn’t see it
  • Chore shows as “done” on one device but “pending” on another
  • Points awarded but chore still shows incomplete

Quick Fixes:

  1. Pull down to refresh the main screen
  2. Wait 30-60 seconds for automatic sync
  3. Check internet connection on both devices
  4. Force close and reopen the app

Point Balances Don’t Match

Possible Causes:

  • Recent transactions haven’t synced yet
  • Multiple family members spending points simultaneously
  • Network interruption during point activity

Solutions:

  1. Compare recent activity on all devices
  2. Wait for automatic sync (up to 2 minutes)
  3. Log out and back in if balances still differ
  4. Contact support if discrepancies persist over 24 hours

New Chores Not Appearing

Check These:

  • Who created the chore - are they assigned to see it?
  • Assignment settings - is the right family member selected?
  • Date/time settings - is the chore scheduled for the future?
  • Device time zones - are all devices set correctly?

Device-Specific Sync Issues

iPhone/iPad Sync Problems

iOS Settings to Check:

  1. Settings > ChoreGami > Background App Refresh - should be ON
  2. Settings > Screen Time - make sure ChoreGami isn’t restricted
  3. Low Power Mode - can interfere with background sync
  4. iCloud sync conflicts - if using multiple Apple IDs

iOS Solutions:

  • Double-check time zone settings
  • Ensure automatic date/time is enabled
  • Try cellular data instead of WiFi
  • Update to latest iOS version

Android Sync Issues

Android Settings to Check:

  1. Settings > Apps > ChoreGami > Battery - disable optimization
  2. Settings > Data Usage - allow background data
  3. Auto-sync should be enabled in account settings
  4. Do Not Disturb shouldn’t block background activity

Android Solutions:

  • Clear app cache (Settings > Apps > ChoreGami > Storage)
  • Check power saving mode isn’t too aggressive
  • Verify Google account sync is working
  • Update Google Play Services

WiFi Connection Problems

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Test other apps - do they sync properly?
  2. Check WiFi speed - run a speed test
  3. Try different network - mobile data vs WiFi
  4. Restart router if at home
  5. Move closer to router for stronger signal

Cellular Data Issues

When Using Mobile Data:

  • Check data allowance - you might be throttled
  • Verify app permissions to use cellular data
  • Try WiFi to see if issue persists
  • Check cellular signal strength

Family Sync Conflicts

Multiple People Using Same Account

Problems This Causes:

  • Conflicting updates when multiple devices edit simultaneously
  • Session conflicts that log users out
  • Data inconsistencies between family members

Solutions:

  1. Each family member should have their own login when possible
  2. Coordinate major changes (like adding many chores at once)
  3. Wait for one person to finish before others make changes
  4. Use designated “admin” for family settings

Different Time Zones

When Family Members Travel:

  • Chore deadlines might appear differently
  • Notification timing could be off
  • Daily reset times might not match

Fixes:

  1. Set family time zone in account settings
  2. Update device time zones when traveling
  3. Coordinate with family about deadline expectations

Advanced Sync Troubleshooting

Force Manual Sync

Try These Methods:

  1. Pull down on main screen to trigger refresh
  2. Navigate to different screens within app
  3. Log out and log back in
  4. Close app and reopen completely

Clear Sync Cache

iOS (Reinstall Method):

  1. Delete ChoreGami app
  2. Restart iPhone/iPad
  3. Reinstall from App Store
  4. Log in (your data is safe in the cloud)

Android (Clear Cache):

  1. Settings > Apps > ChoreGami
  2. Storage > Clear Cache (NOT Clear Data)
  3. Restart app

Check Account Status

Verify These Details:

  • All devices logged into same account
  • No account suspension or payment issues
  • Family members properly added to account
  • Subscription status is active

When Sync Fails Completely

Emergency Sync Recovery

If Nothing Else Works:

  1. Note current data on each device
  2. Contact support immediately
  3. Don’t make major changes until resolved
  4. Keep app installed on all devices

What Support Needs:

  • Account email address
  • List of affected devices
  • When sync stopped working
  • Recent changes made to account

Preventing Sync Issues

Best Practices:

  1. Keep apps updated on all devices
  2. Maintain good internet connections
  3. Don’t force quit apps unnecessarily
  4. Allow background activity for ChoreGami
  5. Coordinate major family changes

Regular Maintenance:

  • Restart devices weekly
  • Update operating systems when available
  • Check sync status regularly
  • Report issues quickly if they occur

Temporary Workarounds

While Waiting for Sync:

  1. Use one primary device for family management
  2. Communicate manually about chore completions
  3. Track points on paper temporarily
  4. Avoid making conflicting changes

Getting Help

When to Contact Support:

  • Sync issues persist longer than 24 hours
  • Data appears corrupted or incorrect
  • Multiple family members affected
  • Points or chores missing permanently

Information to Provide:

  • All affected devices and operating systems
  • When sync last worked properly
  • Recent account changes
  • Error messages you’ve seen

Most sync issues resolve within a few minutes. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out for help!