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Answers to common questions are below. Still stuck? Send us a note and we’ll get back to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account?
No. Download the app and start adding food. There’s nothing to sign up for, and your list stays on your phone.
How does Shelf Shepherd know when food expires?
It uses a mix: general shelf-life estimates based on the USDA FoodKeeper (counted from when you bought it), the date printed on the label if you use Scan Date, or a date you type in. You can edit every date. Dates are a helpful guide, so always check the food itself too.
I’m not getting expiry reminders.
Reminders are off until you turn them on. Go to Settings → Notifications → “Expiring soon alerts,” then choose how often (daily, weekly or monthly) and the reminder time. Also check that notifications are allowed for Shelf Shepherd in your phone’s settings.
Why can’t I scan receipts or use Snap Food?
Some smart features need on-device AI: Apple Intelligence on iPhone (iOS 26 or later on a supported iPhone), or Gemini Nano on a supported Android phone. On other phones, you can still scan barcodes and dates, type items in yourself, or add your own Claude API key in Settings to use Snap Food.
Does the app need the internet?
Mostly no. Your list, scanning, reminders and meal ideas all work offline. The internet is only used for buying Premium, the optional “Look up barcodes online” setting, Snap Food with your own Claude key, and links you tap, like “Find recipe.”
Does my list sync between devices?
No. Your list is stored only on your phone, with no cloud sync. Your phone’s own backup (iCloud or Google) includes your food list, so it comes back if you restore that phone or set up a new one from a backup. To move it yourself, use Settings → Data & privacy → “Back up to a file,” then “Restore from a backup” on the other phone.
How do I delete an item or all my data?
To delete one item, open it and tap “Delete item” at the bottom. On the shopping list, swipe an entry away. To delete everything, go to Settings → Data & privacy → “Delete all data.” That removes your food, shopping list, savings history, settings and a saved Claude key, and stops reminders and weekly automatic backups. Only your free-trial and free-scan status is kept, so the free plan can’t be restarted. It contains no personal information. Backup files you saved elsewhere stay where you put them.
Is Shelf Shepherd free?
Yes. The free plan includes unlimited items, barcode scans, reminders, the Use Soon list, the shopping list and 5 receipt or Snap Food scans a month. Premium adds unlimited scans, every meal idea with filters, more widgets and, on Android, weekly automatic backups. New users get a 30-day Premium trial with no card needed. Premium is $12.99 a year or $29.99 once in the US; prices may vary by country.
How do I get Premium back on a new phone?
Sign in with the same App Store or Google Play account, open Premium in the app and tap “Restore purchases.” To cancel a yearly plan, use your App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
Which phones does it work on?
iPhone with iOS 16 or later, and Android 8.0 or later. Smart scanning features need a newer phone, as described above.