Instructions & FAQ
Use this page for quick answers. For step-by-step help, open the General Guide, Learning Group guide, or Persuasive Tech Group guide.
Install And Update
How do I install KakeiBuddy?
Use the Google Play closed-testing invitation sent by the researcher while signed in to the approved Google Account on your Android phone. Join the test, open the Play Store listing, and tap Install.
Why does Google Play say the app is unavailable?
Check that the Play Store and testing invitation use the same approved Google Account. If the account was added recently, wait a short time and try again. Contact the researcher if it remains unavailable.
How do I get an update?
Updates are delivered through Google Play. Open KakeiBuddy’s Play Store listing and tap Update when a newer testing build is available.
Your Study
Which study features should I use?
Use the features that appear in your own app and follow the guide for the group selected during onboarding:
Do not switch groups or try to enable a feature that is not shown unless the researcher directs you to do so.
Why can’t I see a feature shown in another participant’s app?
The Persuasive Tech study has two server-assigned conditions: Persuasive Full and Persuasive Control. Full includes optional challenges, progress, rewards, points, badges, streaks, and levels. Control uses the same shared budgeting app and study check-ins without those features. The assignment is balanced, locked after consent, and cannot be changed by a participant. This is expected and does not mean the app is broken.
When are my check-ins due?
Both studies run for 28 days. Complete pre-study questions during setup. The app shows the next required study task in the notification list and may send an optional phone reminder.
Learning participants complete weekly feedback, a midpoint check-in after Week 2, and a final check-in after Week 4. Persuasive Tech participants complete a midpoint check-in around Day 14 and a final check-in around Day 28.
Do I need to log something every day?
No. Budgeting does not need to be daily. Record transactions and review your budget when useful. An empty study week can still be intentionally reviewed when the app offers that option.
Can I use my existing transaction records?
Yes. Open Profile > Settings > Data Management > Import CSV Transactions. Download the template if needed, choose your CSV file, match the columns, review the result, and import valid rows.
Privacy And Account Access
What is Sync Mode?
Sync Mode sends supported summary data and selected profile metadata for available features. It does not upload or restore individual transaction rows.
What is Private Mode?
Private Mode keeps transaction rows, notes, exact income, and exact targets on your phone and turns off monthly-total syncing. Limited communication may still be needed for authentication, consented research activity, or features available to you.
Can I reinstall or clear app storage during the study?
Please do not uninstall KakeiBuddy or clear Android app storage during the study. If access is lost, contact the researcher or support before reinstalling.
What financial details are included in research data?
Research exports exclude raw transaction rows, notes, exact income and expense amounts, balances, and monetary aggregates. Read the Privacy Policy for more detail.
Help And Issue Reporting
How do I report a problem?
In the app, open Profile > Settings > Support > Report an Issue. If the app cannot open, use the KakeiBuddy Tester Bug Report Form.
Include your participant code, phone model and Android version, data mode, the screen where the issue occurred, and what happened. Blur or crop screenshots that show names, notes, account details, or exact amounts.
Can I email for help?
Yes. Email sample@gmail.com and include your participant code. Do not send passwords, access tokens, transaction rows, notes, or sensitive financial details.