Guide section
Troubleshooting
Common issues
Fixes for sync, missing data, notifications, imports, and display problems.
Most problems are fixed by checking sync, permissions, or refreshing the app. Try the sections below before contacting support.
Sync not working
- Confirm you are signed in (Settings → Account)
- Turn Cloud sync on
- Check internet (Wi‑Fi or mobile data)
- Tap Sync now and wait for the indicator to finish
- Force-close the app and reopen; on web, hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R / Cmd+Shift+R)
End-to-end encryption: On a new device, enter your recovery phrase after sign-in.
Missing data after reinstall or new phone
- Sign in with the same account as before
- Enable Cloud sync and wait several minutes on Wi‑Fi
- If E2EE is on, enter the recovery phrase
- Never used cloud? Import your encrypted backup file
Data looks empty on web
- Browser private mode may have cleared storage — sign in and sync
- Hard refresh the page
- Check you are on the official URL: dashboard.expensetrail.app
Budget alerts not showing
- Settings → Alerts — enable Budget alerts
- Set a budget with a threshold
- Allow OS notifications for Expense Trail
- Android: disable battery optimization for the app
Bill reminders not arriving
- Create scheduled entries
- Enable Scheduled & bills under Settings → Alerts
- Allow notifications; on iPhone web, install to Home Screen first
Remember: scheduled transactions post when you open the app — push reminders help you open it on due dates.
Transfers greyed out or unavailable
Transfers require cloud sync. Sign in and enable sync under Settings → Account.
Import failed
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wrong password | Use the password from encrypted export |
| Unrecognized file | Ensure file is from Expense Trail JSON/CSV/encrypted backup |
| Partial import | Retry on stable Wi‑Fi; export current data first |
Export or cloud backup failed
- Check free space on device
- WebDAV: verify URL, username, password in Cloud backup
- Google Drive / Dropbox: reconnect account in Settings → Data
LAN sync failed
- Same Wi‑Fi on both devices
- Matching pairing codes
- Try manual IP on web or behind strict routers
- See LAN sync
Amounts show as dots (••••)
Stealth mode is on — press and hold to peek, or turn off under Settings → Account → Privacy.
Household partner cannot see shared expenses
- Expense visibility must be Shared, not Private
- Both members complete encryption / privacy setup
- Confirm invite was accepted on their device
Buddy invite not showing
- Confirm you are signed in with cloud sync on
- Check Settings → Family → Buddies & splits for a pending invite
- Open the in-app notification inbox from the Dashboard bell
- Allow push notifications — IOU requests also arrive as push when enabled
- Verify the inviter used your correct TRAIL- invite code from Settings → Account
IOU balances look wrong
- Check original expense had Split bill enabled
- Use Settle up when cash changes hands — Split expenses
- IOU data is local unless cloud-linked — export backup before device change
Goals not syncing
Goals need cloud sync. Sign in, enable sync, wait on Wi‑Fi.
Cash flow report empty
Requires cloud sync + internet. See Cash flow report.
App update required
Follow the in-app banner to App Store, Google Play, or refresh web. Hard refresh if web still shows old version.
Still stuck?
Email support@expensetrail.app with:
- Platform (iOS / Android / web)
- App version (Settings → General → About)
- Whether cloud sync and encryption are on (do not send password or recovery phrase)
- Short description of what you expected vs what happened
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