OpenManual Support

Quick paths

Scan, photograph, or type it

If camera access is off, type the manufacturer and model, use a photo already in your library, or choose a file. You can change camera permission later in iPhone Settings.

Find the right document set

Use the exact model, catalog, or REF number when possible. A device may need an owner’s manual plus safety, maintenance, compatibility, parts, or software documents.

Bring a PDF you already have

Import a PDF from Files, or use Safari’s Share Sheet and choose OpenManual. That is the right route for material that needs your own authorized access.

Questions people run into

Why did it not find a document?

A result needs enough identifying detail and a directly accessible public source. Try the exact model or catalog number, include the document type you need, or import a PDF you already obtained. OpenManual can use a temporary on-device browser component to inspect public result pages (up to 24 on up to 12 sites), pull out direct document links, or make a PDF of a page that holds instructions as text, validate what it gets, and show possible matches in the app. From version 1.7, when the manual is on a page it could not get a file from, it lists the page under Where the manual is, and Search the web yourself opens a search in Safari. It does not sign in, type into forms or click buttons, solve CAPTCHAs, crawl recursively, or work around a login, paywall, download gate, account-only page, or other access control. If a source needs your authorized access, open it in Safari and import the document only if you have the needed rights.

How do I know a found PDF really applies?

Treat every match as a candidate. Check the manufacturer, model, revision, region, and safety information in the source document before relying on it. For vehicles and complex products, look for companion guides rather than assuming the first manual is complete.

How do I remove a saved document?

Open the saved device in the Devices tab (My devices, through version 1.6), tap Find another document, and choose Remove beside the document, then confirm. Removing it deletes OpenManual’s local copy and the local answer history that depended on that document. Deleting the saved device removes its saved documents too. Device backups may retain data under your Apple backup settings.

Why does OpenManual contact outside services?

Because it looks things up for you, and it does that by itself as you scan, type, or open a device. It sends the values it read or you typed, and what the registries answered, directly from your device to public registries, search engines, archives, and manufacturer sites. Through version 1.6, with “Check manuals others kept” on, it also sent a key made from the maker, if one is known, and the model or catalog number to Apple’s CloudKit; version 1.7 has no shared list and no such switch. Since version 1.3, keeping a document sends nothing. Read the Privacy Policy for the full list.

Can I use OpenManual for medical decisions?

No. OpenManual can help locate and quote documentation, including IFUs, but it does not diagnose, recommend treatment, select patient settings, or replace the applicable instructions for use or a qualified professional.

What about a purchase or Restore Purchases?

Apple processes OpenManual’s one-time unlock. Open the app’s purchase screen and choose Restore Purchases to restore a prior eligible purchase. Do not send payment information to support.

Content and rights concerns

OpenManual is not a central manual repository. It only helps find or open material from outside sources and lets you import files you independently obtained. See the Content & Document Source Policy for the access and rights boundary.

Contact

Email gunnarguy@me.com with the app version, iPhone model, and a short description of what happened. Do not send patient information, full UDI production data such as lot or serial numbers, passwords, credentials, or copyrighted manuals unless specifically requested.