Trouble-Shooting Android
We are working hard to make iA Writer for Android stable and reliable, but sometimes problems occur.
Below are some basic troubleshooting steps to try first if you have problems with the app.
Emerging Issue: Google Drive Connection (August 2024)
We’ve recently been made aware of significant changes at Google that affect how users and apps interact with Google Drive content. As a result of these changes, all new connections to Google Drive are blocked. Users with Drive already connected in Writer are not impacted.
Early indications are that a fix will take considerable time and effort, which means we’re unable to confidently give a realistic ETA for now.
We are working to provide the best possible writing experience on Android and appreciate your continued support.
Ongoing Issue: Onyx Devices
We are aware of issues with purchase recognition on Onyx devices such as Boox tablets. So far, it isn’t clear if this is a device or OS specific issue.
iA Writer for Android has recently been updated to the latest Google Play Billing Library, as required for sale/distribution in the Play Store.
If you have not already done so, you will want to make sure your device’s Google Play Store and Google Play Services are updated. Here are the Google resources for doing this:
Some Onyx devices are not Google Play Protect Certified by default. This also could be the cause behind this purchase recognition problem.
The Onyx Support Site has listed troubleshooting steps in this case: Device isn’t Google Play Protect Certified.
Restarting
Many issues can be resolved by closing an affected app and restarting the device. Please try this as a first step for troubleshooting any issue.
Backing Up Documents
Device
Documents stored here are stored in-app and will be removed if the app is uninstalled prior to backing up or transferring.
To back up documents stored here please use ⋮ → Export → Plain Text
Alternatively you can use Transfer: Dropbox or Transfer: Google Drive to transfer your documents to a connected cloud storage Location.
Dropbox | Google Drive
From time to time connectivity issues or other problems can cause issues with cloud storage Locations. In general even if you cannot access a document in-app or have inadvertently deleted a file, you should be able to recover these from the service’s app or web console.
For specific instructions please select the service below:
An internet connection is required to access, edit or save files in cloud locations. Please ensure that your device has a proper connection by verifying wifi or cellular connections.
If you are still unable to access documents please attempt to unlink and relink the desired Location by:
- Long-pressing on Location
- Selecting “Unlink”
- Quit iA Writer and restart device
- Launch iA Writer and relink Location
Where are my files?
Device
Work with files stored inside the app. This location is not visible/accessible to your device’s filesystem or other apps. When the app is PIN protected, content stored here cannot be accessed without inputting the PIN.
Note that uninstalling or deleting iA Writer or clearing app storage (Android settings) will delete any documents stored in “Device”! Please transfer or export documents from this Location prior to uninstalling/deleting the app.
Dropbox
Work with files stored in a Dropbox folder. On first use you will be prompted to enter Dropbox credentials and approve iA Writer access to link your account.
Google Drive
Work with files stored in a Google Drive folder. On first use you will be prompted to grant access to Contacts to link your associated Google account.
Long pressing on files or folders in any Location will present options to Transfer documents to another working Location.
Help! I’m trapped in my document
When writing, iA Writer hides the menu so that you can focus on your text. You can reveal the menu in any one of the following ways:
- Swipe down on the text
- Use Android’s hide keyboard button on your device.
- If you are using an external keyboard, you can use the ESC key to reveal the menu.
Tapping Back (top left) will return you to the Document List.
Troubleshooting 
