Start with the Quick how-to guide. If FamilySlate is already set up, the fixes below cover the most common beta issues.
Quick how-to guideReport a problemConnect another phone, tablet or computer
On an already-connected FamilySlate, open Settings → Connect another device → Create pairing invitation. The invitation shows a QR code, a single-use link and a 6-digit PIN. Scan locally or send the link remotely and provide the PIN separately. It expires after 30 minutes and stops working after one successful connection.
The wrong or empty FamilySlate opened
The bare app address does not reveal an existing household. If you expected an existing FamilySlate, create a fresh pairing invitation from a connected device instead of entering replacement data.
This device has been disconnected
A household member removed this device from Connected devices, or its credential is no longer valid. Create a new pairing invitation on a currently connected device and pair again.
Different modules on different devices
This is intentional. The initial setup defines the starting modules for new devices. Afterwards, Settings → Modules changes only Modules on this device. Hiding a module does not delete its household data.
How do the Star chart and rewards work?
- Open Settings → Reward charts and add a child or person.
- Give them a reward target, such as “Cinema trip”, and choose how many stars they need.
- Add chores, choose who each chore belongs to, set its star value and optionally make it repeat.
- Open the Star chart module. Chores due today appear on the child’s chart; tap the ✓ when a chore is finished.
- The stars are added to that child’s total. Recurring chores move to their next due date; one-off chores are completed.
When the star total reaches the target, the chart shows that the reward is ready. You can change the reward, target or chores at any time in Settings.
Using FamilySlate without internet
FamilySlate keeps its app shell and last saved information available offline. An Offline banner is shown. When Wi-Fi or mobile data returns it should reconnect and refresh automatically. Make changes that need syncing once the connection is back.
Calendar feed is not updating
- Use Refresh on Calendar.
- Check the source still appears in Settings → Calendars.
- Confirm the source provider has not changed or withdrawn the iCal/webcal feed.
- If the device was offline, reconnect and refresh again.
FamilySlate validates feeds before adding them, so an invalid URL should be rejected rather than breaking the Calendar module.
FamilySlate looks like an older version
Close and reopen the app first. If it still looks old, open https://app.familyslate.co.uk in the browser once and reload. Installed Home Screen versions should then refresh their cached files automatically without losing the household link.
Installing on iPhone or iPad
Open the FamilySlate pairing invitation in Safari, enter the 6-digit PIN, then use Share → Add to Home Screen. Launch the Home Screen icon after pairing.
Installing on Android
Open the pairing invitation in Chrome, enter the 6-digit PIN, then use Install app / Add to Home screen when offered.
Something is still not right
Use the feedback form. It can include the FamilySlate version, browser and screen information automatically, which makes device-specific bugs much easier to reproduce.
Report a problemCurrent beta: FamilySlate v0.20.18