Beta

The beta, and how TestFlight works

What TestFlight is, how to install HomeHQ with it, and what to expect from a beta build.

Coming soon

iPad · iPhone · Built on Google Calendar · 30-day free trial

The short version

TestFlight is Apple's own app for handing out apps that have not launched yet.

Install TestFlight from the App Store first, then open your HomeHQ invite link.

Beta builds expire after 90 days. TestFlight tells you when a new one is ready.

Good to know

What TestFlight is

TestFlight is made by Apple and lives on the App Store like any other app. Developers use it to give people a build before it is publicly released. Installing HomeHQ through it is normal and safe, and it is the only way to get the app until we ship.

It is free, and it does not change anything about your phone.

Step by step

Installing HomeHQ as a beta tester

Install TestFlight

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, search for TestFlight, and install it. It is published by Apple.

Open your HomeHQ invite link

Whoever invited you sends a link. Tap it on the device you want HomeHQ on. It opens TestFlight and shows the HomeHQ listing.

No invite link yet? Email admin@home-hq.com and ask for one. Beta spots are limited but we are not stingy.

Tap Accept, then Install

HomeHQ lands on your home screen like any other app. There is no separate beta icon or sandbox.

Sign in and set up

From here it is the normal flow. Continue with Google, then either set up a household or enter a join code someone sent you.

Good to know

Living with a beta build

Beta builds expire 90 days after they are made. TestFlight nags you before that happens, and updating is one tap.

Turn on automatic updates inside TestFlight and you will always be on the newest build without thinking about it.

Things will occasionally be rough. That is what a beta is. If something breaks, tell us what you tapped and what you expected to happen, and we will usually have it fixed within days.

Good to know

Telling us something is wrong

Two ways, both fine. Shake your phone inside the app and TestFlight offers to send a screenshot and feedback straight to us, or email admin@home-hq.com.

The more boring detail the better: which device, which screen, what you tapped, what happened instead.

Common questions

Questions people ask.

Yes. It is Apple's own app, downloaded from the App Store, and apps distributed through it go through Apple's beta review.

Yes. Your household, calendar and chores live in your account, not in the build. When the App Store version ships you install it and sign in as usual.

No. Beta testers are not charged. Pricing starts when the app is publicly released, and beta families get plenty of warning.

Open TestFlight and tap Update on HomeHQ. If there is no update showing, email us and we will push a new build.

Yes, and you should. Add them in the app and share their join code. They will need the same TestFlight invite link to install the app first.

Keep reading

Getting started with HomeHQ

Install it, sign in, name your household, connect a calendar, add your family. About ten minutes.

Joining a household someone else set up

You were sent an eight-character code. Here is what to do with it.

When something is not working

The handful of things that go wrong, and what to do about each.

Still stuck? Send us a message — we reply within a day on weekdays.

Ready when you are

Bring the calm home.

30 days free. Then $12/mo billed annually, or $14.99/mo. Your whole household, on the iPad and iPhone you already own.