## What is SimpleSchedule?
SimpleSchedule helps you track work time with almost no effort. It creates an invisible “fence” around your workplaces and:
- Automatically clocks you in when you arrive
- Automatically clocks you out when you leave
- Lets you add quick, timestamped Notes that stay in sync across your devices via iCloud
## Key features
- Automatic clock in/out using geofencing (no constant live GPS tracking)
- Notes with date/time stamps and quick add
- iCloud sync via your private iCloud (CloudKit) account
- Designed to be battery‑friendly
- Privacy-first: your data is yours
## Getting started
1. Open SimpleSchedule and grant Location permission.
2. Add your workplace(s) by setting their location pins.
3. Allow “Always” location access so auto clock in/out works in the background.
4. Sign in to iCloud on your device to enable syncing across devices.
5. Optional: Enable notifications to be alerted on clock in/out.
## How automatic clock in/out works
- The app places a virtual boundary around your saved workplace(s).
- iOS detects when you enter or leave that area and wakes the app.
- Entering triggers a clock‑in; leaving triggers a clock‑out.
- Real devices use a boundary of about 50 meters. iOS Simulator may use a larger radius, so behavior in Simulator can differ from a real iPhone.
## Notes
- Tap “+ Add Note” to write a quick note.
- Each note includes the date and time automatically.
- Notes are saved locally and sync with iCloud when available.
- Swipe left on a note in the list to delete it.
## Data storage and iCloud sync
- Local storage: Your data is kept on your device so the app works offline.
- iCloud sync: When signed into iCloud, your data securely syncs via your private iCloud (CloudKit) database so it appears on your other devices using the same Apple ID.
- What syncs:
- Workplaces and shifts
- Notes
- Selected app settings that are designed to roam (device‑specific settings may remain local)
- First launch on a new device: You may briefly see “Downloading from iCloud…” while your data is restored.
- Offline behavior: If you’re offline or signed out of iCloud, the app continues to work and will sync changes the next time you’re online and signed in.
- Deleting the app: Your data typically remains in iCloud and reappears when you reinstall and sign back into the same Apple ID (unless you manually delete the app’s iCloud data).
## Privacy and security
- Your data syncs via your private iCloud (CloudKit) database associated with your Apple ID.
- It’s encrypted in transit and at rest by Apple. The developer cannot see your private database contents.
- Location is used only to detect entry/exit around your saved workplaces for automatic clock in/out.
## Battery impact
- Geofencing is designed to be low‑power. iOS relies on Wi‑Fi/cell signals and wakes GPS only when needed.
- The app uses coarse accuracy and allows iOS to pause updates automatically to save power.
- Typical battery impact is minimal, even with multiple workplaces.
Tips for best reliability and efficiency:
- Allow “Always” location access and keep Wi‑Fi on (helps location with low power).
- Keep Background App Refresh enabled for SimpleSchedule.
- Avoid force‑quitting the app; iOS manages background geofencing efficiently.
- Low Power Mode or poor signal can delay entry/exit events.
## Permissions checklist (iPhone)
- Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → SimpleSchedule:
- Allow Location Access: Always
- Precise Location: On (recommended near workplace boundaries)
- Settings → Apple ID → iCloud:
- iCloud Drive: On
- SimpleSchedule: Allowed to use iCloud
- Settings → General → Background App Refresh: On
## Troubleshooting
- Not clocking in/out:
- Confirm Location Access is set to Always and Location Services are On.
- Ensure Precise Location is On for SimpleSchedule.
- Verify your workplace pin is placed where you actually enter/exit.
- iCloud isn’t syncing:
- Make sure you’re signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID on all devices.
- Check iCloud Drive is On and SimpleSchedule is allowed to use iCloud.
- Ensure you have iCloud storage available.
- Keep Background App Refresh On and try connecting to Wi‑Fi.
- Give it a few minutes—CloudKit sync can be near‑instant or take a little time.
- Data didn’t appear on a new device:
- Verify iCloud is On and you’re signed into the same Apple ID.
- Open SimpleSchedule and keep the app in the foreground briefly; look for “Downloading from iCloud…”.
- Swipe down on Schedule tab to refresh data
## FAQs
- Do you track my location all the time?
- No. The app uses geofencing. iOS wakes it when you cross a workplace boundary.
- Why “Always” location access?
- Required so geofencing works in the background to auto clock in/out.
- Do my notes sync?
- Yes. Notes are saved locally and sync via your private iCloud account when available.
- What if I’m offline?
- Everything works locally. Changes sync to iCloud later.
- Will this drain my battery?
- Impact is designed to be minimal. iOS optimizes geofencing for low power.
## Contact support
If you need help, contact me at jag735@icloud.com