> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://withforerunner.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started

> Download the app, sign in, and prepare for field work

Get up and running with the Forerunner mobile app in a few steps. This guide walks you through installation, initial sign-in, and preparing your device for field data collection.

## Download the app

The Forerunner mobile app is available on iOS and Android:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find the app">
    Open the **App Store** (iOS) or **Google Play** (Android) on your device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search for Forerunner">
    Search for "Forerunner" and look for the official Forerunner app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install">
    Tap **Get** (iOS) or **Install** (Android) to download the app to your device.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The app requires iOS 13+ or Android 9+. If your device doesn't meet these requirements, you won't be able to install the app.
</Note>

## Sign in to your account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the app">
    Launch the Forerunner app from your device's home screen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your email">
    Type the email address associated with your Forerunner account and tap **Continue**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your account">
    If you have access to multiple communities, select the account you want to use. You can switch accounts later in Settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your password">
    Type your password and tap **Sign in**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete two-factor authentication">
    If your account has two-factor authentication enabled, enter the verification code from your authenticator app or the code sent to your phone.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Set up biometric unlock

After your first sign-in, the app prompts you to enable biometric authentication for faster access:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose your unlock method">
    When prompted, select **Enable Face ID**, **Enable Touch ID**, or **Enable Fingerprint** depending on your device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm with your device">
    Authenticate using your device's biometric scanner to confirm setup.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a backup PIN">
    If biometrics aren't available or fail, you can use your device's PIN as a fallback.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Biometric unlock speeds up returning to the app. The app locks after 15 minutes of inactivity, and biometrics let you quickly resume without entering your full password.
</Tip>

## Grant permissions

The app needs certain permissions to function properly:

### Location access

When prompted, tap **Allow While Using App** or **Allow** to enable location services. Location access lets the app:

* Show your position on the map
* Suggest coordinates when creating properties
* Share your location with team members (if enabled)

### Camera access

Grant camera permission when prompted. This allows you to:

* Capture photos for records
* Take pictures of documents
* Document site conditions

### Photo library access

Allow access to your photo library to attach existing photos to records and tasks.

<Warning>
  If you deny location permissions, some features won't work correctly. You can change permissions later in your device's Settings app under the Forerunner app.
</Warning>

## Navigate the app

The mobile app has three main sections accessible from the bottom navigation bar:

### Map tab

The Map tab is your primary workspace. From here you can:

* View properties and parcels on an interactive map
* Tap locations to see property details
* Create new properties
* Access records and tasks for any property
* Toggle map layers on and off
* Download offline map packs

### Tasks tab

The Tasks tab shows all tasks assigned to you:

* Filter by status (To do, In progress, Complete)
* Search for specific tasks
* View task details and linked records
* Create records directly from tasks

### Settings tab

The Settings tab provides access to:

* Account information and switching
* Offline map management
* Location sharing preferences
* App version and updates
* Sign out option

## Prepare for field work

Before heading into the field, complete these steps to ensure you can work offline:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect to Wi-Fi">
    Download offline data while on a strong Wi-Fi connection to avoid using cellular data.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open offline maps">
    Go to **Settings** > **Offline Maps** to manage your offline data.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download a map pack">
    Select your work area and tap **Download**. The download includes:

    * Base map tiles for the area
    * Property data
    * Parcel boundaries
    * FIRM flood zone data
    * Any custom map layers
    * Tasks assigned to you in that area
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for completion">
    Large areas may take several minutes to download. The app shows download progress and notifies you when complete.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your pack">
    Once downloaded, navigate to your work area on the map while still on Wi-Fi to confirm everything loaded correctly.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Offline packs expire after 15 days. Update your pack before it expires to ensure you have the latest data. The app notifies you when a pack is approaching expiration.
</Note>

## Check for app updates

Keep the app updated to access the latest features and fixes:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check your version">
    Open **Settings** and scroll to the bottom to see your current app version.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update when prompted">
    If an update is available, the app displays an update prompt. Minor updates are optional, but major updates are required to continue using the app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update manually">
    You can also check for updates in the App Store or Google Play by searching for Forerunner and tapping **Update** if available.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Switch accounts

If you have access to multiple Forerunner accounts:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Tap the **Settings** tab in the bottom navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap your account">
    At the top of Settings, tap your current account name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a different account">
    Choose the account you want to switch to from the list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the switch">
    The app reloads with data from the selected account. You may need to download new offline packs for the new account's work areas.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Switching accounts while offline is not available. Any unsynced data from the current account will remain on your device and sync when you next connect with that account active.
</Warning>

## Next steps

Now that you're set up:

* **Download offline data** - Prepare for areas without connectivity by [setting up offline mode](/docs/mobile/offline-mode)
* **Learn field workflows** - Understand how to [collect data in the field](/docs/mobile/collecting-data)
* **Review task management** - See how to [work with tasks on mobile](/docs/tasks/mobile-tasks)

<Tip>
  Test the app while connected before your first field visit. Create a test record, verify it syncs to the web platform, and familiarize yourself with the interface.
</Tip>