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Version: 1.0

Installing Formulus App

Complete guide for installing the Formulus mobile application on Android devices.

Overview

Formulus is available for Android devices through multiple installation methods. Choose the method that best fits your needs:

  • F-Droid (Recommended for end users) - Official app store for free and open source Android apps
  • Direct APK - Download and install the APK file directly
  • Development Build - For developers who want to build from source

System Requirements

Before installing, ensure your device meets these requirements:

RequirementMinimum
Android VersionAndroid 7.0 (API level 24) or higher
Storage Space50 MB free space
Internet ConnectionRequired for initial setup and synchronization
PermissionsCamera, Storage, Location (for form features)

Installation Methods

F-Droid is the recommended installation method for end users. It provides automatic updates and ensures you're installing the official version.

Step 1: Install F-Droid

If you don't have F-Droid installed:

  1. Download F-Droid from f-droid.org
  2. Enable installation from unknown sources:
    • Go to Settings → Security → Unknown Sources
    • Enable the option for your browser or file manager
  3. Install F-Droid by opening the downloaded APK file

Step 2: Add Formulus Repository

  1. Open F-Droid on your device
  2. Navigate to Settings → Repositories
  3. Tap the "+" button to add a new repository
  4. Enter the Formulus repository URL (provided by your organization)
  5. Tap "Add" to save the repository

Step 3: Install Formulus

  1. Open F-Droid on your device
  2. Navigate to the Updates tab or search for "Formulus"
  3. Find Formulus in the app list
  4. Tap on Formulus to open the app details
  5. Tap "Install" to begin installation
  6. Wait for installation to complete
  7. Tap "Open" to launch the app

Automatic Updates

Once installed via F-Droid, Formulus will automatically update when new versions are available:

  1. F-Droid checks for updates periodically
  2. Notifications appear when updates are available
  3. Tap the notification or open F-Droid to update
  4. Updates install automatically through F-Droid

Method 2: Direct APK Installation

If F-Droid is not available or you prefer direct installation:

Step 1: Download the APK

  1. Download the latest APK from the releases page
  2. Save the file to your device's Downloads folder

Step 2: Enable Unknown Sources

  1. Go to Settings → Security (or Apps on newer Android versions)
  2. Enable "Install unknown apps" or "Unknown Sources"
  3. Select your browser or file manager and enable installation

Step 3: Install the APK

  1. Open your file manager or Downloads app
  2. Navigate to the Downloads folder
  3. Tap on the Formulus APK file
  4. Review the permissions requested by the app
  5. Tap "Install" to begin installation
  6. Wait for installation to complete
  7. Tap "Open" to launch the app

Method 3: Development Build

For developers who want to build and install from source, see the Development Installation Guide.

Post-Installation Setup

After installing Formulus, you need to configure it to connect to your Synkronus server:

Initial Configuration

  1. Open Formulus on your device
  2. You'll see the welcome screen with configuration options
  3. Choose your configuration method:
    • QR Code Scan (Recommended) - Scan a QR code with server details
    • Manual Entry - Enter server URL and credentials manually

QR Code Configuration

  1. Tap "Scan QR Code" on the welcome screen
  2. Grant camera permission if prompted
  3. Point the camera at the QR code provided by your administrator
  4. Settings auto-populate with server URL, username, and password
  5. Tap "Connect" to verify and save the configuration

Manual Configuration

  1. Tap "Manual Configuration" on the welcome screen
  2. Enter Server URL: http://your-server-ip:8080 or https://your-server-domain
  3. Enter Username: Your username provided by your administrator
  4. Enter Password: Your password
  5. Tap "Test Connection" to verify connectivity
  6. Tap "Save" to store the configuration

First Login

  1. After configuration, you'll be prompted to log in
  2. Credentials should be pre-filled (if using QR code)
  3. Tap "Login" to authenticate
  4. Wait for authentication - A token is stored locally for future sessions
  5. You'll be redirected to the main app interface

Verification

To verify that Formulus is installed correctly:

  1. Check app icon appears in your app drawer
  2. Open the app and verify it launches without errors
  3. Check Settings to confirm server configuration is saved
  4. Test connection by tapping "Test Connection" in Settings
  5. Verify login by logging in with your credentials

Troubleshooting Installation

Installation Fails

Problem: APK installation fails with "App not installed" error.

Solutions:

  • Ensure you have enough storage space (at least 50 MB free)
  • Check that "Unknown Sources" is enabled for your file manager
  • Try downloading the APK again (file may be corrupted)
  • Ensure your device meets minimum Android version requirements (7.0+)

App Crashes on Launch

Problem: Formulus crashes immediately after opening.

Solutions:

  • Restart your device
  • Clear app data: Settings → Apps → Formulus → Storage → Clear Data
  • Uninstall and reinstall the app
  • Check that your device has sufficient RAM available

Cannot Connect to Server

Problem: App cannot connect to the Synkronus server.

Solutions:

  • Verify server URL is correct (check for typos)
  • Ensure device has internet connection
  • Check that server is running and accessible
  • Verify firewall settings aren't blocking the connection
  • For local development, use 10.0.2.2 instead of localhost on Android emulator

F-Droid Not Finding Updates

Problem: F-Droid doesn't show Formulus updates.

Solutions:

  • Ensure the Formulus repository is added correctly
  • Refresh F-Droid repositories: Settings → Repositories → Tap refresh
  • Check that F-Droid has internet connection
  • Verify repository URL is correct and accessible

Updating Formulus

Via F-Droid

Updates are automatic when using F-Droid:

  1. F-Droid checks for updates automatically
  2. Notification appears when updates are available
  3. Open F-Droid and navigate to Updates tab
  4. Tap "Update" next to Formulus
  5. Wait for download and installation

Via Direct APK

  1. Download the latest APK from the releases page
  2. Install over existing installation (no need to uninstall)
  3. App data is preserved during update

Uninstalling Formulus

To uninstall Formulus:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps (or Application Manager)
  2. Find Formulus in the app list
  3. Tap on Formulus
  4. Tap "Uninstall"
  5. Confirm uninstallation

Note: Uninstalling will remove all local data, including:

  • Saved observations (not yet synced)
  • App configuration
  • Cached app bundles
  • Local database

Important: Ensure all data is synced to the server before uninstalling.