Operations
Frequently asked questions
The questions that come up most often, organized by topic. If yours isn't here, write us — we add to this page when we see a question more than twice.
Billing
Account & billing
- Is the free tier really free forever?
- Yes. Three workflows, all triggers, all actions, local execution. No card. No time limit.
- What does Pro unlock?
- Unlimited workflows, cloud sync between devices, the template marketplace, version history, longer run-history retention, and email support with a 24-hour SLA. See the full breakdown on the pricing page.
- How do refunds work?
- 14 days no-questions-asked on your first paid month. After that, case-by-case. Full policy: /legal/refunds.
- Can I cancel anytime?
- Yes. Settings → Billing → Manage subscription opens the Stripe customer portal. Access continues to the end of the current paid period; we don't pro-rate.
- Do you take a cut of automation runs?
- No. We charge for the platform, not the work. Some automation tools take 30% of every action they perform; we don't.
Android
The Android app
- Which Android versions are supported?
- Android 8.0 (Oreo) and up. Some triggers require newer features — geofencing needs Play Services and works back to 8.0; screenshot-to-Spaces needs MediaProjection (added in 5.0 and stable since 6.0).
- Play Store or direct APK — which should I use?
- Direct APK is recommended. It updates faster, supports the in-app updater, and isn't subject to Play Store policy changes. Play is fine too if you prefer the familiar route.
- Does the app need root?
- No, and it never will. We use Android's public Accessibility API. Anything that requires root, shell, or Xposed is out of scope and always will be.
- Can I install both versions?
- They install as separate apps with different applicationIds (com.smartordercapture vs com.smartordercapture.direct). Technically yes, but they'll fight over the same Accessibility service slot and confuse each other on triggers. Pick one.
- Does it work offline?
- Yes. Workflows execute on-device with no cloud round-trip. Run history queues locally and uploads when network returns. Only the marketplace and cloud sync need a connection.
Platforms
iPhone & desktop
- Is there an iOS version?
- No. iOS sandboxing prevents an app from automating other apps on-device. We're building a companion-device program — a hosted Android device running alongside your iPhone, controlled from your iPhone or laptop. Join the waitlist at /companion.
- What about a desktop / web client?
- The web is for building workflows. Execution happens on Android because that's where the apps you're automating live. We don't plan to run workflows in the browser.
Policy
What you can and can't automate
- What can I automate with this?
- Anything where you have a legitimate right to act on a phone you own. Productivity routines, accessibility helpers, creator workflows, field-work data entry, single-account social posting, idle-game farming where the game permits it, personal finance check-ins, smart-home glue.
- What CAN'T I automate?
- Gig-delivery driver apps, ticket-purchase platforms, and ad-network SDKs are hard-blocked by our denylist at three layers (server, marketplace, on-device). Anything that requires root. Anything intended to violate a host platform\'s ToS. See the full list at /docs/denylist.
- Why do you block gig delivery automation?
- Three reasons: it violates the platforms' ToS, it puts drivers' accounts at risk of deactivation, and it takes work from human drivers. There's also litigation precedent against operators of such tools. We're not the right tool for that use case and never will be.
- Will you ever remove a package from the denylist?
- Possibly, if the underlying conditions change (a platform officially allows automation, for example). Additions are common; removals are rare and explicit.
Privacy
Privacy & security
- Do you read my screen content?
- No — except for the specific reads your workflows ask for. The Accessibility service is enabled only when you allow it, and the on-screen state is read only when an action you authored asks for it. We never log or upload screen content.
- Where is my data stored?
- Account data, workflows, and run history live in a managed Postgres in the US. Screenshots (only when you explicitly use the screenshot action) go to DigitalOcean Spaces, account-bound and signed-URL-only. See our Privacy Policy and sub-processor list.
- Can I export my data?
- Yes. Settings → Data export gives you JSON of your workflows and run history. Free plan exports the last 30 days; Pro/Team go further back.
- How do I delete my account?
- Settings → Account → Delete account. The action requires typing the confirmation phrase. We delete your workflows, runs, and devices; audit log entries about your account stay (with your id nulled) for legal record-keeping.
Marketplace
Marketplace
- Can I share workflows with friends?
- Yes — Pro and Team plans can publish workflows as templates. Anyone can install them from the marketplace; the template carries the author's name and a license you set at publish time.
- How does marketplace moderation work?
- Every paid template is human-reviewed. Free templates are auto-scanned for denylist hits; suspicious ones are queued for review. Repeat offenders lose publishing privileges.
- What do creators get?
- 70% revenue share on paid templates. Payouts via Stripe Connect Express; KYC required for first payout.