Mobile Usage Guide

Mobile Usage Guide

Proposed guide - will be updated as project progresses (placeholder)

This guide provides detailed instructions for using QuietDrop on Android and iOS devices, including setup, navigation, and best practices for secure messaging.

Installation

Android Installation

1. Download:

   • Download the latest APK from the Releases page
   • Alternatively, use the Play Store link (coming soon)

2. Install:

   • Tap the downloaded APK
   • If prompted about "Install unknown apps," tap "Settings" and enable the permission for your browser
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation

3. Permissions:

   • On first launch, grant necessary permissions when prompted:
     • Storage (for saving attachments)
     • Camera (for QR code scanning)
     • Contacts (optional, for contact discovery)

iOS Installation

1. Download:

   • Download from the App Store (coming soon)
   • For TestFlight builds, use the invitation link provided

2. Install:

   • For App Store: Tap "Get" and authenticate with Face ID/Touch ID/password
   • For TestFlight: Follow the instructions in the TestFlight app

3. Permissions:

   • Grant permissions when prompted during initial setup

Account Setup

Creating an Account

1. Launch QuietDrop and tap "Create Account"
2. Enter your preferred username
3. Create a strong password (minimum 12 characters recommended)
4. Your encryption keys will be generated automatically
5. Optional: Set up recovery options

Connecting to a Server

1. From the welcome screen, tap "Server Settings"
2. Enter the server address:
   • Format: quietdrop.example.com or 192.168.1.100:8080
   • Use the default public server or your own server
3. Tap "Connect" to establish connection

Security Setup

1. Biometric Authentication (recommended):

   • Go to Settings > Security
   • Enable "Use Biometrics" for faster, secure access
   • Configure fingerprint or face recognition as prompted

2. Encryption Key Backup (optional):

   • Go to Settings > Security > Encryption Keys
   • Tap "Backup Keys"
   • Follow the guided process to securely back up your keys
   • Store the recovery phrase in a secure location

Mobile Interface

Navigation Overview

graph TD
    subgraph Mobile_Interface
        subgraph TopNav["Top Navigation Bar"]
            Menu["≡ Menu"] --- Search["🔍 Search"] --- Profile["👤 Profile"] --- More["⋮ More"]
        end
        
        subgraph MainContent["Main Content Area"]
            Conversations[Conversations List]
            ConvItem[["Conversation Item
            Contact Name
            Last message preview..."]]
            Conversations --> ConvItem
        end
        
        subgraph BottomNav["Bottom Navigation"]
            Messages["💬 Messages"] --- Contacts["👥 Contacts"] --- SecureNotes["🔒 Secure Notes"] --- Settings["⚙️ Settings"]
        end
        
        TopNav --- MainContent --- BottomNav
    end

Loading

Bottom Navigation

• 💬 Messages: View all conversations
• 👥 Contacts: Manage your contacts
• 🔒 Secure Notes: Access encrypted notes
• ⚙️ Settings: Configure app preferences

Top Navigation

• ≡ Menu: Access additional options
• 🔍 Search: Find conversations or messages
• 👤 Profile: View your profile
• ⋮ More: Additional options for current screen

Sending Messages

Starting a New Conversation

1. From the Messages tab (💬), tap the compose icon (+) in the bottom right
2. Select a contact or enter a username
3. Tap "Start Conversation"

Sending a Text Message

1. Tap the message input field at the bottom of the conversation
2. Type your message
3. Tap the send button (➤)
4. The lock icon (🔒) indicates your message is being encrypted

Sending Files

1. Tap the attachment icon (📎) next to the message input
2. Select file type:
   • 📷 Photo/Video
   • 📄 Document
   • 📍 Location
   • 📞 Contact
3. Select the file to send
4. Add an optional message
5. Tap send (➤)

Using Camera

1. Tap the camera icon (📷) to open the camera
2. Take a photo or record a video
3. Preview and edit if needed
4. Add an optional message
5. Tap send (➤)

Message Status Indicators

• Single check (✓): Message sent to server
• Double check (✓✓): Message delivered to recipient
• Blue double check (✓✓): Message read by recipient
• Clock icon (🕒): Message pending delivery

Group Conversations

Creating a Group

1. From the Messages tab (💬), tap the compose icon (+)
2. Select "New Group"
3. Select participants (2 or more)
4. Tap "Next"
5. Enter a group name and optional description
6. Add an optional group icon
7. Tap "Create Group"

Group Management

1. In a group conversation, tap the group name at the top
2. Group info screen options:
   • Add participants
   • Remove participants (admin only)
   • Change group name/icon (admin only)
   • Leave group
   • Mute notifications

Security Features

Verifying Contacts

1. Open a conversation with the contact
2. Tap their name at the top to view contact details
3. Tap "Verify Identity"
4. Options for verification:
   • Scan QR code (in person)
   • Compare security numbers (verbally)
   • Compare verification phrase (verbally)

Message Expiration

1. Open a conversation
2. Tap ⋮ (more) in the top right
3. Select "Disappearing Messages"
4. Choose a timeframe:
   • Off
   • 5 seconds
   • 1 minute
   • 1 hour
   • 1 day
   • 1 week
5. Messages will automatically disappear after being read

Screen Security

1. Go to Settings > Privacy
2. Enable "Screen Security" to:
   • Block screenshots within the app
   • Hide app content in the app switcher
   • Prevent notifications from showing message content

File Handling

Receiving Files

1. Files appear in the conversation
2. Tap to download (auto-download can be configured in Settings)
3. Downloaded files are encrypted on your device

Managing Downloads

1. Go to Settings > Storage
2. Options:
   • View downloaded files
   • Clear cache
   • Configure auto-download settings
   • Set storage location

Media Gallery

1. In a conversation, tap the contact/group name
2. Select "Media" to view all shared photos and videos
3. Tap "Files" to view documents and other files

Advanced Mobile Features

Offline Mode

QuietDrop can function without an active internet connection:

• Draft messages are saved and sent when connection is restored
• Downloaded messages and media remain accessible
• Enable "Offline Mode" in Settings to manually control connectivity

Battery Optimization

For better battery life:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced
2. Enable "Battery Optimization"
3. Configure:
   • Connection frequency
   • Background sync intervals
   • Media auto-download restrictions

Data Usage

To manage data consumption:

1. Go to Settings > Network
2. Configure:
   • Use Wi-Fi only for media downloads
   • Set data usage limits
   • Enable data compression

Troubleshooting on Mobile

Connection Issues

If you cannot connect to the server:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Verify the server address is correct
3. Try toggling airplane mode
4. Restart the app
5. Ensure the server is accessible from your network

Performance Issues

If the app is running slowly:

1. Go to Settings > Storage
2. Tap "Clear Cache"
3. Restart the app
4. If problems persist, try reinstalling the app

Battery Drain

If experiencing excessive battery usage:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced > Battery Optimization
2. Enable all battery saving options
3. Reduce background sync frequency
4. Disable "Real-time Typing Indicators"

Notification Problems

If not receiving notifications:

1. Check system notification settings for QuietDrop
2. In the app, go to Settings > Notifications
3. Ensure notifications are enabled
4. On Android, disable battery optimization for QuietDrop
5. On iOS, ensure Background App Refresh is enabled

Platform-Specific Features

Android-Specific Features

• Widgets: Add QuietDrop widgets to your home screen

  • Conversation shortcuts
  • Quick compose
  • Security status

• Split-screen support: Use QuietDrop alongside other apps

• Custom notification channels: Configure different notification sounds and priorities for different conversations

iOS-Specific Features

• Share Extension: Send content to QuietDrop from other apps

• Siri Shortcuts: Create custom voice commands

  • "Send secure message to [contact]"
  • "Open conversation with [contact]"
  • "Enable/disable disappearing messages"

• Handoff: Start a conversation on iPhone and continue on iPad or Mac

Privacy Best Practices

Mobile Device Security

1. Lock your device:

   • Use a strong PIN, pattern, or password
   • Enable biometric authentication

2. Keep QuietDrop updated:

   • Enable automatic updates
   • Check for updates manually in app settings

3. Protect against shoulder surfing:

   • Enable screen privacy mode in public places
   • Use smaller font sizes when in public

4. Secure local data:

   • Enable device encryption (usually on by default)
   • Consider using a secure folder (Android) or encrypted backup (iOS)

Network Security

1. Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi:

   • Use cellular data for sensitive communications
   • Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi

2. Disable screenshots:

   • Enable "Block Screenshots" in Settings > Privacy

3. Verify server certificates:

   • Enable "Verify Certificates" in Settings > Network > Advanced

Additional Resources

• Security Model: Learn about QuietDrop's encryption and security features
• FAQ: Find answers to common questions
• Troubleshooting Guide: Detailed solutions for technical issues

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If you encounter any issues not covered in this guide, please:

• Check the GitHub Issues for known problems
• Submit a new issue with details about your problem
• Join the Discussion Forum for community support