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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the app offline?
Install the app. Free includes a ~100-article starter pack on-device, with a slice of every topic. With Pro, download the full library (~39 MB) and any map regions while online. After that, reading, Map, Ask, Comms, PDF export, and tools work without signal. You only need a connection again for library updates, new map packs, optional AI model download, route calculations, ads/purchases, or store restore.
A library topic is empty. Is that a bug?
Free ships about six starter articles in every topic. The rest of that topic lives in the full 7,000+ pack. Upgrade to Pro and download the library once (~39 MB) on Wi-Fi. Empty topics show an Unlock / Download full manual button instead of a dead end. If you already downloaded an older pack, download again so the new topic IDs land on the phone.
How do I see time, GPS, heading, and network on Home?
Tap the Field Status button under SOS. The collapsed row shows time, heading, and network. Open it for the full text list: clock, heading, network, Comms, latitude, longitude, altitude, and speed. Tap a reading to jump to its tool (compass, map, Comms, signal finder). GPS stays off until you enable it.
How do I export a guide as a PDF?
Open any article in the Library. Use the share / export action and choose Export as PDF. The PDF is generated on your device. Free includes 2 lifetime distinct-article exports (re-exporting the same article is free). Pro unlocks unlimited exports.
How do I use “I NEED HELP NOW”?
From the Field Manual / Home screen, tap the large emergency button. Pick your crisis type to see immediate steps, then open the full scenario playbook for time-phased guidance. Designed for stress: large targets, no account required.
How do I use the Compass?
Go to Tools and tap Compass. It uses your device magnetometer: hold the phone flat and away from metal for best accuracy. Works without internet. You may be prompted to calibrate with a figure-8 motion.
How do I send an SOS signal with the flashlight?
Go to Tools → SOS Signal. Start the signal to flash the international Morse SOS pattern (... --- ...) on the rear torch until you stop it.
How do I practice knots?
Knot Trainer is a Pro tool. After unlocking, go to Tools → Knot Trainer. Pick a knot, start the walkthrough, and advance one step at a time while the screen stays awake. A timer tracks your practice session.
How do I create a custom checklist?
On Home, open Field Kit → Checklists. You can also reach Checklists from Me & Settings. Built-ins include Bug-Out Bag, Home Preparation, Medical Kit, and Evacuation. Tap + to create a custom list, add items, and track progress. All stored on-device. Gear Guide and Bookmarks sit in the same Field Kit row.
How do I download offline maps?
Map is a Pro feature. After upgrading, open the Map tab (it stays in the tab bar), tap download, and choose My Area or a country pack while online. Then you can route to a place, tap a Comms pin, or enter latitude and longitude. Default POI layers include hospitals, water, fuel, fire stations, and camp sites. Free users can open Map to preview the UI but cannot unlock packs until Pro.
How do I enter coordinates on the map?
Open Map (Pro). Tap the keypad on the search bar, the keypad button on the right, or Enter coordinates on the navigation sheet. Paste a pair such as 33.6844, 73.0479 or type latitude and longitude separately. Show drops a pin and draws a route if GPS is on. Route here starts navigation when GPS is ready. You can also paste coordinates into search.
What is Ask the Manual?
Ask the Manual is on-device Q&A powered by Gemma. It is a Pro feature with no Free quota. After Pro, download the model once; then it is unlimited offline. It finds matching offline articles and writes a short grounded answer, then shows guides to open.
How does mesh chat work?
Comms is a beta Pro feature. After unlocking, open the Comms tab, set a callsign, and enable Bluetooth. Nearby users can exchange messages, see proximity, or broadcast SOS / location with an optional short note. Incoming GPS appears as pins on Map; Route on Map starts navigation when GPS is ready. Messages are not end-to-end encrypted. Torch SOS on Tools stays free.
Will the app work if my phone has no battery?
No. The phone must be powered. Keep a power bank in your kit, and use PDF export to print critical field sheets as a no-power backup.
How do I delete my data or account?
There is no The Last Manual account. Local data lives on your device. Open Me & Settings → Data deletion, or visit the Data Deletion page. You can also clear app storage in system settings or uninstall.
Does the app collect any data about me?
No The Last Manual account. Ask runs on-device. Free may show Google ads; Pro purchases go through Google Play / RevenueCat; library and map downloads use content hosts; online place search/routing uses OpenStreetMap / OSRM. See the Privacy Policy for the full picture.
What's the difference between Free and Pro?
Free: ~100 starter articles across all 18 topics. Map is locked. Ask the Manual is locked. Bluetooth Comms (BETA) is locked. 2 PDF exports. Free instruments (SOS beacon, whistle, timer, compass, rationing), ads. Pro lifetime: full 7,000+ library, Map (packs, routing, Comms pins, typed coordinates), Ask the Manual (on-device AI), Bluetooth Comms (BETA), unlimited PDFs, the full toolkit (Morse, knots, signal mirror, sensors), ad-free. Launch price $19.99 (was $39.99, 50% early discount).
Emergency disclaimer
The Last Manual is an educational reference. In a life-threatening emergency, contact local emergency services when available. Do not rely solely on this app.