Navigating Your CommCare Mobile App
This page provides a step-by-step walkthrough of navigating your newly downloaded CommCare mobile app, sharing some tricks along the way.
1. Logging in
You can log into CommCare for Android as a Mobile User or as a Demo User.
a. Logging in as a Mobile User
After clicking on the CommCare icon, you will reach the login screen. Enter your (mobile user's) username and password (see the attached GIF). For more information on creating and managing users, click here.
Note the following:
The first time you log in, you must have internet connectivity. CommCare will update your phone's information with the server.
After the initial login, you do not need internet connectivity to log in again with the same username.
The username of the last user to log in will remain in the “username” box, even after logging out.
b. Logging in as a Demo User
To enter demo mode, click on the three dots and select "Enter Practice Mode" as shown in the attached GIF. A warning message will appear (forms submitted in Practice Mode will be ignored by CommCare HQ). You'll log in as ‘demo_user’ and see the option to ‘Submit Practice Data to Server’ under Sync option. To exit Practice Mode, log out as ‘demo_user’ and log back in with your normal username and password.
2. Home Screen Overview
Once logged in, you will see the main screen (“home screen”) of CommCare. It is the first screen you see when you log in as a user with user credentials. (image attached below of a home screen)
This screen serves as the main navigation hub and typically includes some elements of Home Screen and Home Screen Settings.
a. Elements of Home Screen
Start: This is where users access forms and submit data.
Sync with Server: This button synchronizes the phone with the server data. The text below indicates pending forms, if there are a lot of pending forms, the text will turn red to alert the user. If you have forms you want to send right away, press "Sync with Server." But remember, you'll need to press ‘Sync’ again after sending the forms to update the ‘sync status’ and ‘last sync time’.
Log Out of CommCare: Logs the user out for data security.
You can translate many parts of the home screen into most languages. See our page on user-interface translations to learn more.
b. Home Screen Settings: For more information- Advanced Form Settings and Menu Options
Update App: Checks for newer CommCare builds, requires internet and re-login.
Saved Forms: Lists submitted forms, filter by status. Tags as "Unsent" until confirmed by CommCare HQ.
Change Language: Switch application language.
About CommCare: Provides legal information.
Advanced: Includes options like force log submission, clear user data, and connection test.
Clear User Data: Deletes all user data, returns to login.
Force Log Submission: Sends technical data for troubleshooting.
Connection Test: Diagnoses device connection issues.
Settings: Adjusts settings like auto-update and search preferences.
3. Selecting a Module/Menu
After clicking the Start icon, you will be taken to the application’s main screen, which lists the available modules. Modules (also called Menu’s) are organized sets of forms and workflows within the application. To learn more about Menu’s see this link : Menus .
Module List: Displays all the modules within the selected application.
Module Names: Tap on the module name to select it. Modules are typically named to reflect the type of data collection or process they support (e.g., "Patient Registration," "Follow-Up Visits").
4. Choosing a Form
Within the selected module, you will see a list of forms. Each form represents a different data collection instrument or task.
Form List: Displays all the forms available within the selected module.
Form Names: Tap on the form name to select it. Forms are named to indicate their purpose (e.g., "New Patient Intake," "Monthly Report").
5. Filling Out the Form
Once you have selected a form, the form interface will open, allowing you to enter data. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the form interface and navigation:
a. Form Interface Elements:
Questions/Fields: Each screen will display one or more questions or fields to fill out. These can include text inputs, date selectors, multiple-choice questions, and more.
Navigation Buttons:
Next/Forward Arrow: Move to the next question or section.
Back Arrow: Return to the previous question or section.
Multimedia Inputs: If required, you may need to capture photos, record audio, or scan barcodes. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete these tasks.
Save Button: Save your progress if the form supports it, allowing you to return later.
Progress Bar: The progress bar on the top of the screen shows how far you have reached in the form.
b. Input Data:
Enter the required information in the respective fields. Pay attention to any field validation messages that may prompt you to correct errors.
To read more about Adnaved Form and Menu Settings, visit this page: Advanced Form Settings and Menu Options
6. Exiting a Form
Exiting or ending a form involves a few steps to ensure that the data you have entered is either saved or submitted properly.
At the end of the form, you have options to save, submit, or exit the form. The exact options may vary depending on the configuration of the form and the workflow requirements.
a. Save Progress:
Partial Save: If you need to save your progress and complete the form later, look for a "Save" or "Save and Exit" button. This option saves your current progress without submitting the form.
Draft Mode: Some forms may allow you to save your work as a draft. Drafts can be accessed and edited later before final submission.
b. Exiting without Saving
If you need to exit the form without saving or submitting, you can do so, but be aware that unsaved data may be lost. When you hit the “back” button on a form you are working on, you will get two options
Stay in Form: brings you back to the form you were working on
Exit without Saving: deletes any changes you made/data you entered and brings you back to the home screen
Save as Incomplete Form: saves form for you to pick up later.
7. Submitting the Form
Once you have completed all the required fields, review your entries for accuracy and navigate to the last page.
On the last page of the form, there will be a button labeled "FINISH". Clicking this button will save the form and exit, sending the completed form data to the CommCare server. After clicking "FINISH", you will see a confirmation message indicating whether your form was "Successfully Completed". This message ensures that your submission has been received and processed.