Your first inventory
Start on Android
Install ThingzSafe and open the initial setup. You can use Free without creating a cloud account.
Choose an optional first name and whether to require device unlock. Android must already have a passcode or supported biometrics to enable the lock.
Edit the suggested Sites and Areas. A Site is a whole place; an Area is an optional room or section. Keep at least one Site.
Choose your Categories. Keep at least one Category, then select Finish setup and open Home. Nothing is committed until this final step.
Add your first Thing
Open a Site and, if useful, an Area. Choose Add Thing manually or Capture here.
Give the Thing a recognisable name and Category. Add its quantity, position, photos and purchase details where known.
Save, then open its card to check the result. A photograph saved to the Review queue still needs review before it becomes a completed Thing.
A useful structure
House → Kitchen → Freezer → Contents is one example. A tractor may instead sit directly in a Barn Site. Use Position for a shelf, cupboard or other precise location.
Finding your way around
This is your inventory overview. Capture an item takes new photos; Review queue opens captures still waiting for names and details; Search everything finds Things by text or filter. Upcoming events opens scheduled dates across all Things. A reminder popup appears once at startup if any outstanding events are overdue or due within the reminder window set in Configuration. Tap a Site card to explore its Areas and Things. The cog opens Configuration, including Sites, Categories, reminders and security. Tap ? at any time to reopen help.
Sites and Areas
A Site is a whole place such as Barn. Tap an Area card to see Things stored there, or tap a Thing stored directly in this Site. The pencil beside the Site name renames it; the red bin deletes it after confirmation only when it has no Areas or Things. The three buttons below the list do different jobs: Capture here opens the camera and queues a new Thing at this Site; + Add Thing here opens a form to create a Thing without assigning an Area; + Add area creates one or several sections (separate names with commas). Done returns to the previous page; the house icon goes Home.
Categories, colours and icons
Enter the Category name and optional description. Type one emoji using your keyboard, or choose a bundled icon. Choose a colour swatch or enter a six-digit #RRGGBB colour code. Enable Contents for stock or individual items held inside a Thing, and choose whether their values add to its total. Enable Parts for fitted components; their costs do not add to the normal valuation. High risk includes Things in the optional high risk search. Save applies changes; Cancel discards edits.
Add and edit a Thing
Add or edit a Thing or a Part/Content using the labelled fields. Status defaults to Active; choose On loan, Sold or Disposed if needed. Scan barcode / ISBN checks for matches. Purchase price and current value are per item; totals multiply by quantity. Size / pack size is optional for Parts and Contents. Online price lookup and barcode catalogue are available on Household and Pro. In Add more items, enter a quantity to add and check the resulting balance. Changed details apply to all units unless Add as a separate entry is ticked. Optional labels print only for added units. Search online for a current value looks up the entered Make and Model; it does not fill a price automatically. Choose a purchase date before opening the warranty calendar to start at one year later; a warranty end date creates or updates a scheduled event. Needs further review adds the saved record to the Review queue. Save records changes; Cancel discards edits; the house icon saves and goes Home.
Capture photos for later review
First choose a Site and optionally an Area or parent Thing. Take item photo, Scan barcode and Take detail photo work in either order. Scan barcode uses the live scanner and suggests a name from existing inventory or the food catalogue; check details in Review. Below the camera, ★ Main selects the image displayed on the Thing card; ▤ Code marks a barcode photo; Remove photo deletes one after confirmation. + Add photo accepts up to ten images. Save to queue · Next starts a fresh Thing, Done · Home queues it and returns Home, and Review queue opens drafts that still need details.
Quick one-photo capture
Choose a Site and optional Area, then frame one item. Select Standard, Square, Wide or Thin before taking the photo. Check the image, Retake if needed, then Save & add another for the next item or Save & done to return Home. Saved photos go to the Review queue for names and details.
Add a list for later review
Choose the Site and optional Area, then type names separated by commas. Each name creates a draft Thing in the Review queue. Review each draft later to add photos and details.
Add several draft names
Choose the Site and optional Area. In Things to add, separate each name with a comma, for example: Drill, Circular saw, Workbench.
Save the drafts, then open Review queue to complete each one. Add photos, Category and identifying details before finalising it.
Review your captures
Tap a photo to view it full screen and zoom. Select the Main photo and optionally mark a Code photo. Read product label suggests empty fields from photos for Household or Pro members; check its suggestions before saving. Add an existing photo or document and choose which files to read. Needs further review keeps the saved Thing in this queue. If a code matches an existing Thing, choose whether to increase its quantity, open it or create a separate Thing. Discard draft deletes this capture after confirmation.
Find a Thing
Results are empty until you type a name, model, code or note, choose a Site or Category, tick High risk only, or change Status. Tick Include Event text to search Event descriptions too; when text matches, the Thing card shows the matching Event text. Status starts at Active and can switch to On loan, Sold, Disposed or All statuses. Print uses the same search filters and includes matching Event text. Tap a Thing to open it; Done returns Home.
Scan a barcode or QR code
The dedicated Android barcode scanner opens automatically and reads continuously with autofocus and auto-zoom where supported. You can scan again or type a barcode or serial number manually. Matching Things show their name, photo, location and quantity. In Home scan, a match opens directly; if none exists, you can create a Thing with this code. Cancel leaves the form unchanged.
Photos, documents and downloads
All pictures and documents attached to this Thing are here. Tap a photo to open it full screen and pinch to zoom; Download lets you choose where to save its original bytes. Make main photo changes its picture on the Thing card. + Add photo or document offers a new photo, gallery image or existing file. Tap a document to open it with a suitable app; Download beside it writes the original file to a location you choose. Done returns to the Thing.
Read an Outlook email
For Household or Pro, attach a supported .msg file, then choose Read email for Thing details. Review the suggested fields in the edit form before saving.
If an email cannot be read, keep it as an attachment and enter the details manually. Label reading is an aid to entry, not a guarantee that every field is correct.
Zoom a photo
This is a full-screen photo viewer. Pinch with two fingers to zoom in or out; drag a zoomed photo with one finger to read a receipt or serial number. Download opens Android's location picker and writes the original stored image. Close returns to the previous screen. Tap Got it to leave more room for the photo, and ? to see this guidance again.
Contents and quick entry
Contents can be stock or individually tracked items held inside this Thing. Search filters the list; tap an entry to edit or move it. Add Content opens a full form, Quick Entry list records names and quantities, barcode scan looks for an identifier, and one-photo capture saves a shaped photo to Review for later details. You can also use the multi-photo capture. Label printing and Stockcheck are available here. The printer icon prints the Contents list.
Track Parts
Parts are separately tracked components of this Thing, each with its own photos and history. Tap a Part to open it. + Add Part creates one with a form; Photograph Part queues its photos for review; Done returns to the parent Thing.
Add stock and quantities
Type a Content name to find an existing entry, or continue with a new name. The full Add more items form lets you add a quantity, amend details, choose a separate entry and optionally print labels for added units.
Remove stock
Enter the quantity to remove and check the resulting balance. Remove items asks for confirmation, updates quantity and records history. You cannot remove more than is available. A zero balance keeps the record. Cancel or Home leaves the quantity unchanged.
Move or split stock
Enter the quantity to move. For a Content or Part, choose whether it will be a Content or Part at the destination, then select a Site, Area and compatible parent Thing. A full move keeps its photos, files and history. A split creates a separate entry while the original keeps its attachments and valuations. Confirm to record both sides.
Check actual quantities
Enter the quantity physically present beside each Content, including zero if none is left. Review differences confirms and saves the new counts and date of the check. The house icon completes the check before going Home.
Count what is actually there
Open the parent Thing, then Contents and Stockcheck Contents. Enter each actual quantity, including zero for stock that is missing.
Review the differences before saving. Saving updates quantities and records the check date.
A stockcheck records the physical balance. Use Add more items or Remove items for routine arrivals and usage.
Scan or count
The Contents barcode scanner finds matching entries and offers quantity actions. For a stockcheck, record the quantities physically present in the actual-count fields and review the differences before saving.
Check an entire Area
Count the Things directly in this Area and their Contents. Enter zero for missing stock, review the differences, then save. Parts are excluded from stock quantities. A completed check clears this Area's Needs review flag.
Scan Contents barcodes
The dedicated live barcode scanner opens automatically, focuses continuously and auto-zooms where supported; no shutter button is needed. After a code is read, a working indicator stays visible while ThingzSafe checks your inventory or product lookup. Existing matches show their name, full location and quantity; choose to increase quantity, open the item or create a separate one. Manual entry remains available; enter the complete printed barcode including any separated leading digit at the far left.
Print barcode labels
From a Thing's Labels tile, set the number of identical labels to print; this does not change stock quantity. From Configuration, tick multiple Things, Parts or Contents for a sheet. A ThingzSafe identifier can be reprinted unchanged. Optional + and − labels for Contents are print only until scanner recognition is added. Choose plain A4 or named Avery A4 or US Letter. Tiny Avery 5167 uses QR rather than Code 128. Set the first unused row and column, then preview.
Individual Content labels
Choose Contents for individual labels and adjust quantities with plus and minus. Select paper and starting position, then confirm any stock changes before previewing labels.
Events and receipts
Choose the date and describe what happened. Under Contact, search saved contacts and tap one to link it, add a new contact then select it, or leave a typed name as unlinked free text. Repeat as a reminder optionally schedules the next occurrence. Photograph receipt or event takes a new picture; Choose existing photo uses your gallery; Choose document attaches a file. Save event records it; Cancel leaves without creating an event.
Calendar and repeating reminders
This shows the due date, repeat interval, details, linked Thing and previous completions. Mark this occurrence done to record completion and advance a repeating event; then choose whether to add a separate Event log entry describing work and cost. View Thing opens the linked record. Edit or delete a manual event here; change a warranty date in Edit Thing. The printer icon prints this event.
Contacts and linked people
Name and type describe a retailer, supplier, service engineer or other contact. Choose from phone copies its current name, phone and email into these fields; the phone entry stays unchanged. On an existing ThingzSafe contact you can preview those details before replacing your copy. Save keeps the contact available offline.
Inventory valuation
The three optional review filters include missing valuation details (including entered values without a recorded date), calculated values at their category minimum, and out-of-warranty or unwarranted items with an old or missing valuation date. Multiple filters match any selected reason. Choose all Sites, one Site, or an Area; optionally include only high-risk Things or include categories normally excluded from valuation, such as cars. The report shows the count and known value of excluded Things. Select sorting and a landscape printable report or CSV download. Entered values take precedence over estimates. Things without enough information are labelled Needs valuation.
How values are chosen
An entered current value takes precedence over the calculated estimate. Without one, the app needs enough purchase information to calculate a value.
The New for old valuation switch in Configuration uses purchase price as an estimate when no current value is entered and the necessary purchase details are available. It does not look up the current retail replacement cost.
Normal calculated estimates use age, the warranty period where available and the Category minimum retained value. Values are per item and totals multiply by quantity.
Contents and exclusions
A Category can allow Contents values to add to the parent Thing. Parts costs are excluded from normal valuation. Check the report scope to avoid interpreting a subtotal as the value of the whole inventory.
Categories normally excluded, such as cars, can be included using the report option. Use the missing or old valuation filters to identify records needing attention.
Print and save PDF reports
Select which parts of the Thing report to print: photos, details and warranty, Contents, Parts, Events and calendar, and attached document names. All start selected. The document files themselves remain separate. Tap Print / Save as PDF to open Android's print chooser; Done returns to the Thing.
Plans, purchases and cancellation
Compare ThingzSafe usage plans. Free keeps inventory on one device; Household includes shared cloud sync, the web portal, local label reading, online price lookup and the shared product barcode catalogue. Pro will add advanced tools in future releases, including AI identification and Alexa skills. Sign in from Household cloud, load Google Play prices, then subscribe or restore purchases. Buying preserves local inventory; creating and syncing a household is a separate step. Manage or cancel renewals in Google Play.
Free, Household and Pro
Free provides unlimited local inventory on Android. It does not include shared cloud sync or the web portal.
Household adds cloud sync and sharing, the web portal and bulk grid editing, on-device product-label reading, online price lookup and a shared product barcode catalogue.
Pro currently includes Household. Additional AI and Alexa tools are future features; they are not available in this version. Final prices and tier boundaries are being reviewed.
Subscribe or restore
Sign in from Household cloud before purchasing so the purchase links to your ThingzSafe account. Open usage plans and load Google Play prices. Review the price and renewal period shown by Google before confirming.
Restore purchases uses the Play account that bought the subscription. Creating and syncing a household remains a separate step after purchase.
Manage or cancel renewal through Google Play subscriptions. Cancellation does not remove the app’s local Free functionality. Before a paid entitlement ends, keep an export or backup of data you need.
Product catalogue sharing
Confirmed retail product barcodes, names, sizes and manufacturers may be contributed to the shared catalogue. Personal inventory, household details, quantities and photos are not part of that catalogue.
Create or join a household
If someone invited you, sign in with the invited email address, paste only the code from their email, and tap Accept invitation. Joining replaces this phone's local inventory. If you need its existing records, save a backup from Configuration before accepting; joining itself does not ask for a backup password. The first download shows progress. To start your own household, sign in and tap Create my household. Cloud sync needs Household or Pro; Free remains local-only. Once connected, use Sync now or, as an owner, invite someone by email. Automatic sync runs only in the foreground, every 60 seconds with pending changes or every five minutes when idle. Startup checks immediately, subject to Wi-Fi-only settings. The last five sync events show counts and outcomes. The email opens as a draft for you to send.
Create your household
Make an encrypted backup before changing how your inventory is stored. Sign up / sign in from Household cloud.
For your own household, obtain Household or Pro through usage plans. Return to Household cloud and choose Create my household, then connect this phone.
Follow the migration prompts and wait for the inventory and its files to sync. Keep the app open while the first sync finishes.
Join an invitation
Sign in with exactly the email address the owner invited. Paste only the invitation code into Invitation code and choose Accept invitation. Codes expire after seven days.
Joining replaces this phone’s local inventory with the shared household. Back up records you need before accepting.
Invitees do not need to buy a separate subscription to join a paid household.
Sync and conflicts
Automatic Android sync operates while the app is in the foreground: every 60 seconds with pending changes, or every five minutes when idle. Startup also checks, subject to Wi-Fi-only settings.
Use Sync now to request an update. Inspect the status and recent outcomes rather than assuming every photo has uploaded.
Open Review sync conflicts when prompted. Compare both versions and resolve deliberately before making further changes.
Encrypted backup and restore
Save encrypted backup creates one complete password-protected file including the inventory, queued drafts, photos and documents. You need the same password on a new phone; it cannot be recovered. Portable export creates an unencrypted ZIP containing CSV, XML, HTML, full JSON and original media in folders. Anyone with that ZIP can read it. Restore selects a backup, checks every file, previews record counts and asks you to type RESTORE before restoring separate local inventory, clearing the old sync journal and removing this phone’s household link. It never rewinds a live cloud household. Recover phone from household cloud instead downloads the current household into a temporary store and replaces this phone only after a successful download; sync and resolve conflicts first. Android's file picker lets you choose save and restore locations.
Save a complete backup
Open Configuration → Backup and export. Enter a password of at least 12 characters and repeat it. Choose Save encrypted backup and select a file location.
Keep the .tsbackup file and its password safely. The password cannot be recovered. A backup includes inventory, queued drafts, photos and documents.
Restore safely
Enter the password for the saved backup, then choose the backup file. Check the preview counts and confirm by typing RESTORE when prompted.
Restore replaces the entire local inventory and disconnects the phone from household sync. It does not rewind the live cloud household.
A wrong password should leave the current inventory intact. Check spelling, case and the selected file, then try again.
Recover a connected phone
To repair a phone linked to a household, use Recover phone from household cloud instead. First sync and resolve outstanding conflicts. Recovery downloads current household data before replacing the phone’s inventory.
Portable exports
Save CSV + XML + HTML ZIP creates an unencrypted export with original media and JSON. It is useful for reading and moving data, but anyone with that ZIP can read its contents.
Settings, reminders and app lock
Configuration is reached from the Home cog. Manage sites and areas opens your places; Manage categories controls types, icons and Contents / Parts rules. Manage contacts stores reusable local copies of retailer, supplier or engineer details. Print barcode label sheet offers plain A4 or Avery templates with a starting row and column. Backup, restore and export includes contacts and links. Add suggested sites and areas appears only when examples are missing. Set the number of days before an event to show startup reminders (0–365); overdue events are always included. Edit your first name and tap Save first name. The fingerprint / face switch changes the optional app lock after Android authentication. Send back error reports stores issue details locally until you choose to send them; the house icon saves the name and reminder setting before going Home.
Report a problem
Choose Bug or Change, write your comment and optionally add an email address for a reply. Tap Send feedback; a cloud account is not required. A reference number confirms the server recorded it. If sending fails, the comment stays on this screen so you can retry.
Access the web portal
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Before you sign in
The web portal is available with Household and Pro. First create or join a household in the Android app and finish its initial sync. The portal does not provision a new account itself.
Sign in
Open https://app.thingzsafe.com/ and choose Sign in. Use the same account and email address as on Android.
Follow the identity provider’s prompts. If asked for an email verification code, use the latest code sent to that address.
After signing in, check the household and your Owner or Member role. If Finish setup on Android appears, finish the household connection there, then return and sign in again.
Sign out
Save your edits, then choose Sign out. On a shared computer, also close the browser session. Never share an invitation code or verification code with anyone other than the intended recipient.
Navigate the web inventory
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Home and navigation
Home shows inventory counts, upcoming reminders and recently added Things. Use Sites and areas to browse places, or Things for the full list.
Search this list filters the current view. Search anything looks across record types. Use Category and other available filters to narrow results.
Open a Site, Area or Thing by selecting its name or card. Breadcrumbs return you to the parent location.
Phone and tablet use
On smaller screens the navigation becomes a horizontal strip. Swipe it to reach more sections. Detail forms stack vertically.
Wide bulk grids and file tables can scroll horizontally. A desktop or large tablet is usually more convenient for editing many records.
Add and edit Things on the web
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Create or edit a record
Choose Things and open the add form, or navigate into a Site or Area first. Enter a name and choose the appropriate location and Category.
Open an existing Thing and choose its edit action. Review purchase details, quantity, status, warranty and current value, then save.
Prices and current values are per item. The reported total uses quantity. A price search opens a search page; it does not automatically set a reliable current value.
Contents and Parts
Open a Thing and use its Contents or Parts sections when enabled by its Category. Add or edit entries under the correct parent.
Contents are held items or stock. Parts are fitted components. Parts costs do not add to the normal insurance valuation.
Files and history
Open the Thing’s file section to upload or open photographs and documents. Select a photograph for a larger view and use download actions for originals.
Events record dated work and receipts; calendar records schedule future reminders. These serve different purposes.
Bulk grid editing
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Open the grid
In an inventory list, use Bulk grid edit for the records in scope. Check that you are editing the intended Site, Area or Things.
Edit cells directly. Changed rows are marked; review names, quantities, dates, values and locations before saving.
Use the grid’s attachment actions for files belonging to the relevant row. Adding a file to one row does not attach it to every Thing.
Save and check results
Choose the grid’s save action and wait for the progress and row results. Correct rows marked with errors and retry as needed.
If the session expires, copy unsaved work before reconnecting. A rejected or conflicting row has not necessarily saved. Check its reported result.
Avoid editing the same record simultaneously on another device while doing a large batch.
Review queue on the web
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Review captures
Open Review queue. Filter Things, Sites or Areas to see the work that remains.
Open a captured draft, inspect photos and attachments and enter the details. Check suggested values rather than accepting them without review.
Select Needs further review if a saved Thing still needs checking. Discarding a draft is a separate deletion action.
Sites and Areas
Use the review flag to mark locations that need a physical check. Mark them reviewed only when you have checked the location and its records.
Reminders on the web
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Upcoming dates
Home’s upcoming section uses the reminder window synced from Android Configuration and includes outstanding overdue reminders. It should not show every future date.
The Reminders list also has separate period filters, including future, past and all dates. These filters are different from the Home reminder window.
Complete a reminder
Open the reminder, check its linked Thing and choose its completion action. A repeating reminder advances to its next date and retains completion history.
Edit warranty dates on the Thing itself. Use the reminder edit action for manual calendar entries.
People, invitations and devices
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Owner controls
Open People and devices. Owners can view household members, pending invitations and registered devices. Members have fewer administration controls.
Invite the recipient’s sign-in email address. Keep the invitation code private and use the indicated expiry. Initial joining is completed in Android Household cloud.
Remove access only after checking the correct person or device. Revocation prevents future authorised sync; it is not a guarantee of erasing an existing local copy.
Device limit
The V1 household is designed for up to ten active registered devices, including browser registrations. Remove unused devices when the limit is reached.
Import inventory
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Prepare the file
Open Import inventory and select a supported file. The V1 importer handles CSV and supported spreadsheet input; use the types offered by the file picker.
Use one row per record and clear column headers. Keep a copy of the original file before mapping it.
Map, preview and import
Map columns to the fields offered by the importer and choose the destination location. Check quantities, dates and unit values in the preview.
Correct validation errors before confirming. After importing, inspect a few records and compare the expected counts.
This is not a guarantee of direct migration from every competing inventory app. Images and files need their own supported attachment workflow.
Web valuation, labels and printing
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Inventory valuation
Open Inventory valuation. Choose the scope, sorting and review filters, then generate the report.
Entered current values take precedence over calculated estimates. Missing information can produce Needs valuation. Review exclusions and category rules before using a total.
Use the CSV or printable output provided. An inventory valuation is a recordkeeping aid, not an insurer’s assessment.
Barcode labels
Open Barcode labels, choose the records and template, and check the starting position on partially used sheets.
Preview first, then print with the matching paper size and without scaling. Test on plain paper before using label stock.
Browser printing
Use the browser print preview for printable reports. Choose Save as PDF where available. Wide reports usually need landscape orientation.
Web sync and session problems
Use your shared ThingzSafe inventory from a browser on a computer, tablet or phone.
Keep both devices current
Web saves are written to the household. Use Refresh to load current records, then allow Android to sync while it is open.
Do not close a save dialog until its result is shown. A refresh is not a substitute for saving an unsaved form.
Troubleshoot access
If no household appears, check the email address and finish creating or joining the household on Android.
If access is denied, check your paid entitlement, invitation acceptance, membership and device authorisation.
If the session expires, preserve any unsaved edits, sign in again and reload. Never send passwords, verification codes or access tokens to support.
Troubleshooting and support
Start with the symptom below. Keep an encrypted backup before replacing or reconnecting inventory.
Cannot find the Play listing
The public Play listing may not yet be available during internal testing. Use the tester invitation and eligible Google account supplied for your testing track. The public website links to the permanent com.thingzsafe listing.
Scanner cannot read a code
Allow camera access, improve light and hold the printed code steady. Manual entry is available; include any separated leading digit. Unknown codes may need manual naming.
A photo or document will not open
Check that the file has synced and that your device has a suitable viewer. Download the original and try again.
Backup password rejected
Check the selected backup and password case. The app cannot recover a forgotten backup password. Avoid uninstalling the app while your only copy is local.
Send useful details
Use Report a bug or suggest a change in Android or the portal, or use the Contact us page on this website. Include app version, device/browser, steps and what happened. Remove personal information from screenshots.