TroubleshootingHelp

Solutions to common issues and answers to frequently asked questions.

Recipes Not Syncing

Problem: Your recipes aren't appearing or aren't updating.

Solutions:

• Check your internet connection
• Pull down on the recipe list to force a refresh
• Go to Settings and tap "Sync Now"
• Make sure you're signed into the same account on all devices
• Check if there's a sync error message in Settings

Sync Error Messages

"Unable to connect to server"

• Check your internet connection
• Try switching from WiFi to cellular data (or vice versa)
• Wait a few minutes and try again - the server may be temporarily unavailable

"Authentication expired"

• Sign out and sign back in
• Go to Settings → Sign Out, then sign in again

iCloud Sync Not Working

• Make sure iCloud Drive is enabled in your device settings
• Check that Cook has permission to access iCloud Drive
• Verify recipes are in the correct folder
• Open the Files app and check if your recipes appear there

Login Issues

Not Receiving Verification Code

Problem: You're not getting the email with your login code.

Solutions:

• Check your spam/junk folder
• Make sure you entered the correct email address
• Wait a few minutes - emails can sometimes be delayed
• Tap "Resend Code" to request a new one
• Try a different email address

Code Not Working

Problem: The verification code is rejected.

Solutions:

• Make sure you're using the most recent code (check for newer emails)
• Codes expire after 10 minutes - request a new one if needed
• Type the code carefully - it's case-sensitive
• Don't include spaces in the code

Signed Out Unexpectedly

If you're signed out unexpectedly, it may be due to a security update or token expiration. Simply sign in again with your email.

Recipe Issues

Recipe Not Displaying Correctly

Problem: A recipe looks wrong or is missing information.

Solutions:

• Check the Cooklang syntax in the source file
• Make sure ingredients are formatted correctly: @ingredient{amount%unit}
• Verify cookware uses: #cookware{}
• Check for missing or extra brackets

Recipe File Not Recognized

Problem: Your recipe doesn't appear in the app.

Solutions:

• Ensure the file has a .cook extension
• Check the file is in your recipes folder (not a subfolder of a subfolder)
• Verify the file isn't hidden (doesn't start with a dot)
• Try renaming the file to remove special characters

Missing Images

Recipe images should be in the same folder as the recipe file and named identically (except for the extension). For example, pasta.cook should have pasta.jpg or pasta.png.

Timer Issues

Timer Notifications Not Working

Problem: You don't receive alerts when timers complete.

Solutions:

• Check that notifications are enabled for Cook in Settings → Notifications
• Make sure "Do Not Disturb" is not enabled
• Verify the device volume is up (for sound alerts)
• Restart the app if timers seem frozen

Timer Stops When App Closes

Timers should continue running in the background. If they're stopping:

• Make sure Low Power Mode is not restricting background activity
• Check that Cook isn't being aggressively closed by the system
• Avoid force-quitting the app while timers are running

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Is the app free?

Yes, the Cook iOS app is free to download and use. Basic features are available to everyone. Some advanced features may require a CookCloud subscription.

What is Cooklang?

Cooklang is a simple, human-readable format for writing recipes. It uses special symbols like @ for ingredients, # for cookware, and ~ for timers. Learn more at cooklang.org.

Can I use the app offline?

Yes! Once your recipes are synced, they're stored locally on your device. You can browse, cook, and use timers without an internet connection. Sync requires connectivity.

How do I export my recipes?

Your recipes are stored as plain text .cook files. If using iCloud, access them directly in the Files app. With CookCloud, export through the desktop app or web interface.

Sync Questions

Which sync method should I use?

CookCloud is recommended for most users - it's easy to set up and works across all platforms. Use iCloud if you only use Apple devices and prefer keeping data in your iCloud. Use Local only for testing.

Can I switch sync methods?

Yes, but you'll need to sign out first. Go to Settings → Sign Out, then relaunch the app and choose a different sync method.

How often do recipes sync?

Recipes sync automatically when the app launches and periodically while you're using it. You can also manually sync by pulling down on the recipe list or using the Sync Now button in Settings.

Recipe Questions

How do I create new recipes?

The iOS app is primarily for viewing recipes. Create and edit recipes using the desktop app, CookBot, or any text editor. Save them with a .cook extension.

Can I edit recipes on my iPhone?

Direct editing isn't available in the iOS app. To make changes, edit the .cook file on your computer or through the Files app (if using iCloud).

What file formats are supported?

The app only supports .cook files (Cooklang format). Other recipe formats need to be converted first.

Shopping List Questions

How are aisles determined?

Aisles are configured via a config/aisle.conf file in your recipes folder. See the Cooklang shopping documentation for configuration examples.

Does the shopping list sync across devices?

The shopping list is currently stored locally on your device and doesn't sync. This is to prevent accidental overwrites during shared shopping trips.

Contact Support

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Contact us directly.

In-App Support

The easiest way to reach us is through the app:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap "Contact Us"
3. Describe your issue and tap Send

Email Support

You can also email us directly at [email protected]

Report Issues on GitHub

Found a bug? Report it on GitHub.

Feature Requests

Have an idea for improving the app? We'd love to hear it! Use the Contact Us form and select "Feature Request" as the category.