FAQs

Question: "How do I mark an episode as watched?",

Answer: "To mark an episode as watched, navigate to the relevant series page (you may have to purchase access - with a 1 month free trial - if you have not subscribed to the series already). Once you are in the series page click ‘Record an Episode’. Search for, and select, the episode you are watching and record the episode detail in the following screen; episode information, watched date, and star rating. When you are ready click save (in the top right hand corner of the screen). This will record the episode as having been watched by you."

Question: "How does the recommendation system work?",

Answer: "Our recommendation engine reviews and analyses the episode details and star ratings of all our users in a given series. It uses this aggregate data to provide you with episode suggestions that you might enjoy. You can filter these suggestions based on factors such as episode themes, guest stars, and other episode detail."

Question: "What data does the app store about me?",

Answer: "The Episode App stores your watched episode history, ratings, and preferences locally on your device. The episode information you provide is securely uploaded to an external database. If you are not signed in this data is anonymous and cannot be linked to specific user accounts. If you sign in, this episode data is also synced securely with a unique identifier that allows episode data to be synced between devices. We never collect personal information beyond what's necessary for the app to function, and we don't share your personal details with third parties."

Question: "Where is my data stored?",

Answer: "The episode data that you input is stored in two places: locally (and securely) on your iPhone or iPad, and in an external (and secure) third party database. Your episode ratings and viewing history are transmitted and stored securely with encryption. Anonymous user episode details are stored anonymously in Firebase. The login details of users that are signed in (using apple login) are stored securely, and the episode detail information that is stored externally is provided with a user identifier allowing watched episode data to be synced between devices (and deleted in line with GDPR best practice)."

Question: "Can I delete my data?",

Answer: "Yes, absolutely! You have full control over your data. Go to Settings > Manage My Data where you can: 'Delete All My Data'. Permanently removing all episode data and account information from both your device and the external database. This ensures full GDPR compliance."

Question: "Can I use the app without an account?",

Answer: "Yes! You can use most features without creating an account. The app will sign you in anonymously, allowing you to record episode details and get recommendations. However, to sync your watched episodes between devices or access advanced features like Marple Challenges, you'll need to sign in using Apple ID (available in settings)."

Question: "How do I filter out episodes I've already watched from recommendations?",

Answer: "Episodes you have already watched (and recorded in the app) are automatically filtered out of the recommendations list provided by clicking ‘Recommend an Episode’ in the series page. This list is organised by star rating (with the highest rated episodes - taken as an average of all user ratings for that episode - at the top). By toggling the 'Unwatched Episodes Only' switch you can include episodes you've already watched. When watched episodes are visible, those episodes will display with a green checkmark."

Question: "How can I sync my watched episodes data on a new device?",

Answer: "To sync watched episode data between devices simply sign in (using Apple ID - in settings) on your old device. All your watched episode data (that is stored securely on your phone) will be securely uploaded to our external database. Then, when you sign in on your new device, your watched episode data will be automatically transferred to your new device."

Question: "Is my data private and secure?",

Answer: "Yes, your privacy is our priority. Your account and viewing data is stored securely on your device, and is transmitted and stored securely in our third party external database. We use industry-standard encryption, never sell your data to advertisers, and don't track your viewing habits for marketing purposes. Your data stays yours."

Question: "What happens to my data if I delete the app?",

Answer: "If you delete the app from your device, all locally stored data will be permanently removed from that device. However, if you've signed in, your data remains in Firebase and can be restored by reinstalling the app and signing in again. To completely delete all data including cloud storage, use Settings > Manage My Data > Delete All My Data before uninstalling."

Question: "How do I communicate missing episode information to you?",

Answer: "If you notice missing or incorrect episode information, you can report it by clicking ‘Report Missing Information’. You’ll find this option by clicking record an episode, selecting the relevant episode, and scrolling to the bottom of the episode detail page. Our team reviews all submissions to keep the episode database accurate and up-to-date."

Question: "What are Suspect Challenges?",

Answer: "Suspect Challenges are a fun feature for ‘whodunit’ fans. Playing individually you can view / eliminate / and nominate as ‘prime suspect’ the characters you feel ‘dun it’! You can challenge others with the app using the ‘Challenge a Friend’ feature that you’ll find highlighted at the top of the suspect section. You can challenge friends, track your detective skills, and see how well you solve mysteries compared to other users. This feature requires a signed-in account."

Question: "What happens if I lose internet connection?",

Answer: "The app works offline! You can continue rating episodes and marking episodes whilst offline. Your changes will be automatically synced to our database when you reconnect to the internet."

Question: "How do I change from anonymous to a full account?",

Answer: "Go to Settings and tap 'Sign In with Apple ID'. All your existing data will be preserved and linked to your new account."