❓ Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what we get asked the most. Not here? Write to us at hola@sobres-app.com.
The basics
Does Sobres connect to my bank?
No. You enter all the information yourself. The app never connects to banks or reads statements. That's on purpose: entering your transactions is what keeps you aware of your money.
Do I need to create an account to use it?
No. You can choose "Continue without an account" and use everything in local mode, with your data stored only on your iPhone. An account is optional and lets you sync between devices.
Which devices does it work on?
Sobres is an iPhone app, and it also works in your browser at app.sobres-app.com. With an account, your data syncs between them.
Where do I start?
With the Start here guide and then How your money moves. Those two cover 90% of the app.
About money
How do I assign money to an envelope?
In Budget, tap the amount in the category's "Assigned" column and type the amount. You can use + or − to add to or subtract from what it already had.
What does it mean when «Unassigned» is at $0?
That all your money already has a job: everything you have available is split into envelopes. That's the goal every month, not having a zero bank balance.
What happens if I overspend in an envelope?
Its available amount turns red (negative). To fix it, move money from another envelope that has some, or assign more to it next month.
Is the money I don't spend lost at the end of the month?
No. Each envelope's available amount accumulates and starts the next month right there. That's how you can save little by little for big things.
How do credit cards work?
Each card has a payment envelope. When you spend with it from an envelope that has funds, that money is set aside to pay the card. All the details are in Credit cards.
Can I have accounts in another currency?
Yes. Your budget has its own currency and each account can use a different one; amounts are converted to the budget's currency. See Settings.
Data and privacy
Does my data sync between devices?
Yes, if you sign in: your information syncs encrypted and kept separate per user. Without an account, everything stays on your device.
Can I export or back up my information?
Yes. From Settings you can export a full JSON backup or your transactions as CSV.
How do I hide my balances or lock the app?
Turn on privacy mode to hide amounts, and the Face ID / Touch ID lock in Settings.
How do I delete my account?
In Settings → Account → Delete account on iPhone, or Settings → Danger zone on the web. It deletes your user and all your data permanently and irreversibly.
Do you use ads or trackers?
No. No ads, and no third-party trackers or analytics. In the web app we count visits with our own measurement, without cookies and without storing your IP. See the Privacy Policy.
Mini glossary
- Envelope (category)
- Money set aside for a purpose (Rent, Groceries, Vacation). Like a labeled paper envelope with cash in it.
- Unassigned
- Money you already have but haven't given a job yet. Goal: $0.
- Assigned
- How much you put into an envelope this month.
- Activity
- What came in or went out of the envelope through transactions this month (spending negative, income positive).
- Available
- What's really left in the envelope: Assigned + Activity + what was left last month.
- Carryover
- Unspent available money rolls over to the next month instead of being lost.
- Card reserve
- Money set aside in a card's envelope to pay its charges when the statement arrives.
- Cleared
- Marks that a transaction has already shown up at your bank.
- Reconcile
- Match the app's balance with the bank's and "lock in" that point as the truth.
- On / off budget
- Spending accounts feed your envelopes; investment accounts can stay off budget and their money doesn't count toward assigning.
Write to us at hola@sobres-app.com and we'll reply within 24–48 hours.