Support

Last Updated: November 7, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Q: How do I start my first timer?

A: Tap the "Pause a Spend" button on the home screen, enter the purchase amount (optional), select duration, and tap "Start."

Q: What timer duration should I choose?

A: Start with 30 minutes for small purchases (<$50), 1-2 hours for medium purchases ($50-$200), or 24 hours for large purchases (>$200). You can create custom durations up to 7 days.

Live Activities & Notifications

Q: Why isn't my Live Activity showing on the Lock Screen?

A:

  1. Check Settings → Notifications → HelpStash → Allow Notifications: ON
  2. Ensure Live Activities are enabled: Settings → HelpStash → Live Activities: ON
  3. Requires iOS 18.0+ and iPhone (not iPad)
  4. Low Power Mode may suppress Live Activities

Q: I didn't receive a notification when my timer ended.

A:

  1. Check notification permissions: Settings → Notifications → HelpStash
  2. Ensure "Do Not Disturb" is off
  3. Check "Scheduled Summary" isn't delaying notifications
  4. Notification accuracy: ±5 seconds (timer may have just completed)

Subscription & Billing

Q: How do I start the 1-month free trial?

A: Tap "Upgrade to Premium" in the app, select a plan (monthly or annual), and tap "Start Free Trial." You won't be charged until the trial ends.

Q: How do I cancel my subscription?

A:

  1. Open Settings on iPhone
  2. Tap your name at top
  3. Tap Subscriptions
  4. Select HelpStash
  5. Tap "Cancel Subscription"

You'll retain Premium access until the end of your billing period.

Q: How do I restore my Premium subscription on a new device?

A: Open HelpStash → Settings → "Restore Purchases." Your subscription is linked to your Apple ID.

Q: I hit the 3 free pauses limit. How do I continue?

A: Either wait until Monday (weekly limit resets) or upgrade to Premium for unlimited pauses.

Q: Can I get a refund?

A: Refunds are handled by Apple. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, find HelpStash, and select "Request a refund."

Features & Usage

Q: Can I pause the breathing exercise mid-way?

A: Currently, you can exit at any time, but the exercise restarts from the beginning if you return.

Q: How does the streak work?

A: Complete at least 1 timer per day to maintain your streak. You have a 48-hour grace period if you miss a day.

Q: Can I edit or delete a completed timer?

A: Not currently. This ensures data integrity for your stats. If you marked a timer incorrectly, the impact on overall stats is minimal.

Technical Issues

Q: The app crashed. Will I lose my active timer?

A: No. Timers are saved locally and persist through app crashes, force-quit, and phone restarts.

Q: How do I delete all my data?

A: Open Settings in-app → "Delete All Data" → Confirm. Alternatively, uninstall the app.

Q: Can I use HelpStash on iPad?

A: HelpStash is currently iPhone-only. iPad support may be added in the future.

Troubleshooting Guides

Timer Not Starting

  1. Restart the app (force-close and reopen)
  2. Check for app updates in App Store
  3. Ensure iOS 18.0+ (Settings → General → About → Software Version)
  4. If issue persists, email support@helpstash.app with your device model and iOS version

Live Activity Stuck or Not Updating

  1. Lock and unlock your phone to refresh
  2. Swipe down on Lock Screen to refresh
  3. If timer expired but Live Activity remains: Long-press Live Activity → "Remove"
  4. Known iOS limitation: Live Activities may continue past timer end if app force-quit

Stats Not Updating

  1. Verify you marked the timer outcome ("I Didn't Buy It" or "I Bought It Anyway")
  2. Pull-to-refresh on Stats screen
  3. Restart the app

Feature Requests & Feedback

Have an idea for HelpStash? We'd love to hear it!

Email: support@helpstash.app

Subject Line: "Feature Request: [Your Idea]"

Additional Resources