Sharing & Collaboration¶

ShopSync makes it easy to share shopping lists with family, friends, and roommates. Changes sync in real-time across all devices.

When you share a list:

Everyone sees the same items
Changes sync instantly
All collaborators can add, edit, and check items
The list owner controls sharing permissions

Via Email¶

Tap share icon
Select Email
Enter recipient's email
Optionally add a message
Tap Send

Via QR Code¶

Tap share icon
Select QR Code
Show QR code to collaborator
They scan with their camera

Accepting Shared Lists¶

From Link¶

Click the shared link
Opens ShopSync (or prompts to install)
Tap Accept
List appears on your home screen

From Email¶

Open the email invitation
Click View List
Sign in to ShopSync
Tap Accept

Real-Time Collaboration¶

Seeing Changes¶

Changes appear instantly
See who added/modified items
Avatar indicators show active users
Typing indicators during edits

Activity Feed¶

View recent activity:

Open a shared list
Tap menu (⋮) → Activity
See:
Who added items
Who checked off items
When changes were made

Managing Collaborators¶

View Collaborators¶

Open shared list
Tap collaborators icon
See all people with access

Remove Collaborator¶

List Owner only:

Tap collaborators icon
Tap collaborator to remove
Tap Remove
Confirm removal

Leave Shared List¶

If you're a collaborator (not owner):

Open the list
Tap menu (⋮) → Leave List
Confirm
List removed from your home screen

Ownership & Permissions¶

List Owner¶

The person who created the list can:

✅ Add/edit/delete items
✅ Rename the list
✅ Change list settings
✅ Add collaborators
✅ Remove collaborators
✅ Delete the list

Collaborators¶

People you share with can:

✅ Add/edit/delete items
✅ Check off items
✅ View list details
✅ Leave the list
❌ Cannot rename list
❌ Cannot change settings
❌ Cannot manage collaborators
❌ Cannot delete list

!!! tip "Collaboration Tips" - Be specific about needs - Add notes to items - Check before deleting - Someone might have added it for a reason - Communicate changes - Significant modifications warrant a heads-up - Respect the owner's organization - Keep their system intact - Use comments - Discuss items before removing

Privacy & Security¶

Who Can See What¶

Private lists - Only you can see
Shared lists - Only invited collaborators can see
Public sharing disabled - Lists are never publicly visible

Data Protection¶

All data encrypted in transit
Secure Firebase authentication
List links expire after 30 days of inactivity

Revoke Access¶

To stop sharing immediately:

Remove all collaborators
Or delete the list
Generate new share link if needed

Multi-Device Sync¶

Shared lists sync across:

Android phones
Android tablets
WearOS watches
Web browsers
Multiple accounts

Troubleshooting¶

Shared List Not Appearing¶

Check internet connection
Refresh by pulling down on home screen
Sign out and sign back in
Verify you're using the correct account

Changes Not Syncing¶

Check online status (WiFi/cellular)
Verify collaborator still has access
Refresh the list
Check for app updates

Can't Add Collaborators¶

Verify you're the list owner
Check recipient has ShopSync account
Ensure valid email address or share link
Try alternative sharing method

Use Cases¶

Family Grocery Shopping¶

Share a family grocery list where:

Anyone can add items they need
Person shopping can check items off
Everyone sees what's been purchased

Roommate Household Items¶

Collaborative list for:

Shared household supplies
Kitchen essentials
Cleaning products

Event Planning¶

Coordinate purchases for:

Birthday parties
Holiday gatherings
Group trips

Gift Registries¶

Share gift ideas:

Wedding registries
Baby showers
Birthday wish lists

Next Steps¶

Questions about sharing? Check the FAQ.