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Offline Access & Updates

One of ResponderOne's key features is offline access. Learn how it works and how to keep your content up to date.

How Offline Access Works​

ResponderOne is designed to work anywhere, even without an internet connection. Here's how:

Initial Download​

When you first sign in or select a department:

  1. Automatic download begins - All resources and documents start downloading to your device
  2. Progress indicator - You'll see the download progress
  3. Stored locally - Everything is saved securely on your device
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The initial download time depends on:

  • The size of your department's resource library
  • Your internet connection speed

Accessing Content Offline​

Once the initial download completes:

  • All resources are available - Browse and access everything without internet
  • Full functionality - PDFs, pages, and contacts all work offline
  • No connectivity needed - Use the app anywhere, anytime
  • Reliable access - Resources remain available until you manually update or sign out

What Works Offline​

✅ Available Offline:

  • Browse all resource pages and sections
  • View PDF documents
  • Access phone numbers and contact information
  • Search through resources
  • Bookmark resources
  • View bookmarked items

❌ Requires Internet:

  • Opening web links (external websites)
  • Checking for content updates
  • Downloading new updates
  • Initial sign-in

Keeping Content Updated​

Your department's resources may change over time. ResponderOne makes it easy to stay current.

Automatic Update Checks​

When you open the app with an internet connection:

  1. Background check - The app automatically checks if updates are available
  2. Smart detection - Only checks for new content and updates accordingly
  3. No interruption - You can continue using the app while it checks
  4. Update notification - If updates are found, you'll see a prompt

The Update Prompt​

When updates are available, you'll see a notification with options:

Update Now

  • Downloads the latest content immediately
  • Shows progress during the update
  • Replaces old content with new versions

Not Now

  • Dismisses the prompt and continues with current content
  • Your existing content remains accessible offline
  • You'll be prompted again next time you open the app with internet
  • Useful when you're in a hurry or have limited connectivity
tip

It's recommended to update regularly to ensure you have the latest protocols, contact information, and documents from your department.

Update Process​

When you choose to update:

  1. Update screen opens - A full-screen modal displays the update progress
  2. "Updating Department..." message - Shows that the update is in progress
  3. Download completes - New and changed resources are downloaded
  4. "Update Complete!" message - You're notified when the update finishes
  5. Tap Continue - Tap the Continue button to return to the app
  6. Ready to use - Updated content is immediately available
important

During the update process, you cannot navigate away from the update screen. The back button is disabled until the update completes or fails. Stay on the screen until you see the completion message.

Update Progress​

During an update, you'll see:

  • Spinning refresh icon - Visual indicator that the update is in progress
  • "Updating Department..." text - Confirms the update is running
  • System Update header - Shows you're in the update process

Managing Storage​

All offline content is stored on your device. Here's what you need to know:

Storage Usage​

  • Varies by department - Some departments have more content than others
  • PDF documents - These typically use the most storage space
  • Efficient caching - ResponderOne only stores what you need
  • Automatic cleanup - Old versions are removed during updates

Checking Storage​

To see how much space the app is using:

iOS:

  1. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage
  2. Scroll to ResponderOne
  3. View the app's storage usage

Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → ResponderOne
  2. Tap Storage
  3. View the app's storage usage

Clearing Storage​

If you need to free up space:

  1. Sign out - This clears all downloaded content
  2. Sign back in - Content will re-download
  3. Uninstall the app - Completely removes all data
caution

Clearing storage will require re-downloading all resources when you sign back in.

Best Practices​

Updating Content​

  • Update on WiFi - Use WiFi when possible to avoid mobile data charges
  • Update regularly - Keep content current by updating when prompted
  • Plan ahead - Update before going to areas with limited connectivity
  • Allow time - Don't start an update right before you need to use the app

Managing Connectivity​

  • Download first - Make sure initial download completes before going offline
  • Periodic checks - Open the app with internet occasionally to check for updates
  • WiFi preferred - Large updates are best done on WiFi networks
  • Be patient - Large resource libraries may take time to download

Update Scenarios​

When Content Changes​

Administrators can update content at any time. Changes include:

  • New resources - Additional documents, pages, or contacts
  • Updated documents - New versions of existing PDFs
  • Removed resources - Items that are no longer relevant
  • Reorganization - Changes to how content is structured

After an Update​

After updating:

  • Review changes - Check for new or updated resources
  • Update bookmarks - If structure changed, you may need to re-bookmark
  • Familiarize yourself - Learn any new organizational changes

Troubleshooting​

Updates Failing?​

If updates aren't working:

  • Check your internet connection
  • Make sure you have enough storage space
  • Try closing and reopening the app
  • Sign out and sign back in if problems persist

For more help, see our Troubleshooting Guide.