Ways to Update an Application

CommCare offers various settings to manage application updates efficiently. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Auto-Update

CommCare can be configured to check for newly released versions on a regular schedule through the Auto Update Frequency option.

Steps to Enable Auto-Update Settings in an Application:

  • Click on the Settings button of the app in the top left corner, next to the app’s name.

  • Click on the Advanced Settings tab.

  • Scroll down to the Build Settings category and set the Auto Update Frequency.

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How to set an Auto-Update Frequency

What does Auto-Update do?

When set to auto-update, CommCare automatically checks CommCareHQ for new resources on a daily or weekly schedule. Here's how it works:

  • Automatic Checks: The app checks for updates in the background immediately after the user logs in.

  • Downloading Updates: If new updates are found, they are downloaded.

  • Applying Updates: The updates are applied the next time the user logs in.

  • Retry on Failure: If the app can't contact the server, it will try again on a future login.

  • User Control: Users can cancel the updates being downloaded by navigating to "Settings -> Update App" on their mobile device.

This ensures that users always have the latest version of the app without needing to manually check for updates.

2. Manual Update

A Manual App Update in CommCare allows users to manually check for and install updates to their application. Here’s how it works:

  • User-Initiated: The user initiates the update process rather than the app automatically checking for updates.

  • Check for Updates: Users can navigate to the "Settings" menu and select "Update App" on their mobile device to check for any available updates.

  • Download and Apply: If an update is found, the user can download and apply the update immediately.

  • Control: This provides users with control over when and how they update their app, useful in scenarios where automatic updates might not be preferred.

    Manual updates ensure that users can always access the latest version of the application at their convenience.

Viewing the Current CommCare Version on CommCare Android

On CommCare Android you can view the current CommCare version by choosing About CommCare from the Settings menu before or after logging in.

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Application Status Report

You can also determine the deployed version on CommCareHQ by using the Application Status Report in the https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143945944.

 

New Version Update Prompt

 

For projects that have shortened inactivity timeout functionality, when a new version of an app is released, users will see a pop up message allowing them to either update to the latest version now or later.

This pop up will appear with the timeout activity pop up (generated a few mins before the timeout). Clicking Update Later will close the pop up and allow the user to continue working where they were. Clicking Get Latest App will navigate the user to the WebApps home page, from where they have to select to re-enter the latest released version of the app they were working in.

Note: The new app released pop up will not appear

  • For projects that do not have an inactivity timeout set.

  • If use_latest_build_cloudcare feature flag is enabled.

  • If the user has navigated from the Releases page to Web App.