Cadence
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about using Cadence.

General Questions

What is Cadence?

Cadence is a privacy-first personal health logging app designed to help individuals better understand patterns in their body over time. Cadence does not operate its own backend, database, or servers for storing any data.

Who is Cadence for?

Cadence is for anybody who has ever said "that's new, I've never had [insert symptom here]" or "huh. I wonder if these things are related somehow". Cadence helps bring awareness to your bodily cycles, how they can potentially relate to each other, and even helps compare week-to-week and month-to-month data.

Where is my data stored?

Depending on how you use the app, your data is stored either:

  • Locally in your browser, or
  • In your own Google Sheet, which you control
See the What are these modes FAQ for more information.

Cadence has and will never:

  • Store your health data anywhere other than your authorized and linked Google Sheet
  • Keep copies of your entries
  • Sync your entries outside of your browser or your linked Google Sheet
  • Back up your entries elsewhere

Is Cadence HIPAA Compliant?

Cadence is not a HIPAA-covered service. HIPAA applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and their contracted service providers. Cadence does not act as a healthcare provider, does not store your health data on its servers, and does not receive or manage protected health information on your behalf.

Your data is stored either:

  • Locally in your own browser, or
  • In your personal Google Sheet, which you control

Because Cadence does not collect, transmit, or retain your health data, HIPAA compliance does not apply in the traditional sense. That said, Cadence is intentionally designed to follow HIPAA-aligned principles, including:

  • Data minimization
  • User-controlled storage
  • No secondary use of data
  • No advertising or tracking
If you are required to use a HIPAA-compliant system for diagnosing, medical, or clinical purposes, Cadence may not be an appropriate tool for you.

What about privacy?

Please see our privacy policy to learn more about Cadence's privacy policy and data usage.

Does Cadence have access to my Google Sheet?

Yes, but within context. Cadence only accesses your Google Sheet when you explicitly click "Sync with Google Sheets" or perform a restore.

When connected:

  • Access happens directly from your browser; authorization is requested each time.
  • Data is written only when you click a "Sync with Google Sheets" button.
  • You can revoke access at any time from your Google account.
Note: Removing your sheet from Cadence disables syncing, but does not revoke authorization in your Google account. If you'd like to completely revoke Cadence's access to your sheet, you can do so from your Google Account at myaccount.google.com/permissions.

Can I lose my data?

Yes. If you choose local-only storage "Anonymous Mode":

  • Clearing your browser data will remove your entries
  • If your browser crashes, entries may be lost
  • Using a different device will not carry data over
We recommend connecting a Google Sheet if you'd like an easier time switching devices or seeing all your data. See the How do I connect a Google Sheet FAQ.
Note on CSV exports: While you can download your data as a CSV, Cadence does not currently support restoring from a CSV file. A Google Sheet is the only way to back up and restore your data.

Do I need to use an account to use Cadence?

No. You can use Cadence without signing in with an account. This is known as "Anonymous Mode" in the app. In Anonymous Mode, data is stored only on your current device.

If you choose to sign in and connect a Google Sheet, you can access your data across devices, but you'll need to reconnect your sheet on each new device. If you saved your settings, those will also be retained via the Google Sheet and can be restored on your new device.

Please Note: If you clear your browser history, switch to a different device or browser, or if your preferred browser crashes, your data may not be retained. It's always recommended to download a CSV of your data prior to clearing your browser history, switching devices, or updating your browser. See the Can I lose my data and Download CSV FAQs for more information.

What data does Cadence collect?

The hosting provider may temporarily process standard web request information (such as IP address and browser type) for basic site delivery and security. Cadence collects no health data, no tracking data, and no behavioral analytics.

Why is Cadence built this way?

Cadence is designed around a simple idea: Your data belongs to you. Always.

App FAQ

What are these modes?

Cadence operates in two distinct ways:

  1. Signed In & Synced Mode — This is the mode name if you have a Google Sheet linked to Cadence. Each time you click one of the "Sync with Google Sheets" buttons around the application, Cadence will push all of your current entries, settings, and saved filters into your Google Sheet for safe storage, and also pull any data from the sheet to make sure everything is up to date. You can forego syncing for up to 48 hours until you're prompted by the UI to sync. This is the recommended way of using Cadence as this secures your data and ensures your data is safely synced outside of your browser regardless of whether you clear your history or switch to a new device.
    Existing users: If you already have a Google Sheet with Cadence data and are setting up on a new device, you can restore your entries, settings, and filters instead of starting fresh. See the How do I restore my stuff FAQ for details.
  2. Anonymous Mode — This is the mode name if you'd rather not link a Google Sheet. All of your data will be stored in your current device's browser. There are some tradeoffs to be made aware of when using this mode. Please visit Can I lose my data FAQ for more information.

Where do I start?

When you first visit Cadence, you will be navigated to the landing page. Click "Get Started" when you've read through what you can do with Cadence. You'll be given 3 options:

  • New User — Signed In & Synced Mode — If you want to start off with a Google Sheet so that you don't have to set it up later, click this option. This means that all of your entries, settings, and filters will be backed up to that Google Sheet.
  • Existing User — Restore Data & Settings — If you're returning to Cadence and already have a Google Sheet with existing Cadence data, click this option. You'll be taken to the Restore page where you can paste your Google Sheet URL and restore all of your entries, settings, and filters.
  • Anonymous Mode — If you want to start off without adding a Google Sheet, click this option. This means that all of your entries, settings, and filters will be kept on the current device you're on.
Make sure that you are the editor of the Google Sheet you'd like linked. That is the account you'll select in popups to authorize Cadence to read to and write from the Google Sheet to save your entries and settings.
Please Note: It's recommended to connect a Google Sheet in the case that your browser crashes, or if you clear your browsing history often. Not doing so can cause data loss. See the Can I lose my data FAQ for more information.

After selecting one of the options, click the "Continue" button.

How do I connect a Google Sheet?

  1. Navigate to Settings by clicking the gear icon on the top right of the page.
  2. Locate the "Google Sheets Integration" section. Here, you'll have a space to copy and paste your preferred blank Google Sheet.
  3. Click the "Connect a Google Sheet" button. A confirmation popup will appear showing that your sheet is connected.
  4. Click the "Sync with Google Sheets" button directly in the popup to complete your first sync. You'll see a progress screen as your entries, settings, and filters are pushed to the sheet.
If you've made a mistake after connecting the Google Sheet, click the "Edit" button to edit the URL. If you want to disconnect and try again, click the "Disconnect" button.

How do I restore my stuff?

If you have a Google Sheet with existing Cadence data and need to restore it — whether you cleared your browser, reinstalled, or are returning after some time — here's how:

Before you restore: Make sure your Google Sheet has your latest data. If you haven't synced recently on your other device, open Cadence there first and tap any "Sync with Google Sheets" button to push your latest entries to the sheet.
  1. On the Welcome page, click "Get Started".
  2. Select "Existing User — Restore Data & Settings" and click "Continue".
  3. Paste your Google Sheet URL and click "Sign In with Google & Restore".
You will be prompted to authorize with your account. Please select the same account that your Google Sheet was created with.

Cadence will automatically restore your entries, settings, filters, and sheet name. When complete, you'll be routed to the dashboard and ready to make new entries.

Switching devices? See the How do I transfer my data from one device to another? FAQ for a complete step-by-step walkthrough.

How do I transfer my data from one device to another?

Transferring your data between devices requires a Google Sheet. The Google Sheet acts as the bridge: you sync your data to it from your current device, then restore from it on your new device. Here's the full process:

Step 1: Prepare a Google Sheet

If you haven't already, create a new blank Google Sheet from the Google account you'd like to use with Cadence. Make sure you are the editor of the sheet. This is the account you'll authorize when syncing.

Once your sheet is created, copy the URL so you can paste it into Cadence:

  • On desktop: Copy the URL directly from your browser's address bar.
  • On mobile: Open the sheet in the Google Sheets app, tap Share, then tap "Copy link".

Step 2: Connect & sync on your current device

  1. On your current device, open Cadence and navigate to Settings (gear icon, top right).
  2. In the "Google Sheets Integration" section, paste your Google Sheet URL and click "Connect a Google Sheet".
  3. A confirmation popup will appear. Click the "Sync with Google Sheets" button directly in the popup and authorize with the same Google Account that has edit access or ownership of the Google Sheet. This will allow Cadence push all of your entries, settings, and filters to your sheet.
  4. Wait for the sync to complete. You'll see a progress screen showing entries, settings, and filters being pushed.
Important: Do not skip this step. Your Google Sheet must have all of your latest data before you set up on your new device. If you already have a sheet connected, simply tap any "Sync with Google Sheets" button in the app to make sure everything is up to date.

Step 3: Restore on your new device

  1. On your new device, open Cadence and click "Get Started" on the Welcome page.
  2. Select "Existing User — Restore Data & Settings" and click "Continue".
  3. Paste your Google Sheet URL and click "Sign In with Google & Restore".
  4. Authorize with the same Google account that owns the sheet.

Cadence will restore your entries, settings, filters, and sheet name. When complete, you'll be taken to the dashboard and ready to go.

For the full restore walkthrough, see the How do I restore my stuff? FAQ above.
That's it! Your data now lives in your Google Sheet and can be restored on any device at any time. Just remember to sync regularly so your sheet stays up to date.

I want to download my data as a CSV file

If you have entries and would like to download your data:

  1. Click the three horizontal line menu on the top left of the application. History is the last button under the "Views" section.
  2. Locate the blue "Export CSV" button on the upper right of the page, which will download all of your data. This will automatically start the CSV download to your current device which you can store anywhere.
If you're not seeing all of your data, please make sure that the "Show" filter is set to "All Time".
If the "Export CSV" button is unclickable, it means you have yet to make any entries, or the time frame you've chosen has no data. Try expanding your date filters or begin by adding an entry.
Please note: CSV export is currently a one-way download. Cadence does not support importing or restoring data from a CSV file, even if the CSV was originally exported from Cadence. To back up your data in a way that can be restored later, connect a Google Sheet.

I want to download my data as a PDF

If you have entries and would like to download your data as a PDF:

  1. Click the three horizontal line menu on the top left of the application. PDF Export is the first button under the "Reports" section.
  2. Select what report period you'd like to see in your PDF (click "All Time" for all data), and which categories you'd like to export to PDF.
  3. Scroll down and then click "Generate PDF". This will automatically start a download from the app to your device with the current date.
If the "Generate PDF" button is unclickable, it means you have yet to make any entries.
If you have generated a PDF but don't see any data, it may mean that the time frame or categories you have selected have no data.

Troubleshooting

My Google Sheet isn't syncing

If you're not seeing recent entries show up in your Google Sheet, it may be an error in how Cadence is trying to write the information. Try the following:

  1. Refresh the page and click any "Sync with Google Sheets" button around the app.
  2. Relink the sheet: Navigate to Cadence Settings by clicking the gear icon on the top right of the page. Find the "Google Sheets Integration" section at the top of the page. Double check that Cadence still has your preferred Google Sheet linked. If not, please link it, then scroll to the bottom of the page and click the "Sync with Google Sheets" button.
If it's still not working, please contact us with a screenshot of any errors and details on what happened and we'll do our best to fix it.

I'm clicking the Sync buttons but I'm getting an error

If you're clicking the sync buttons but it's giving you an error, you may be attempting to log in with the incorrect Google Account. Please make sure that the Google Account you have your Google Sheet set up with is the same one you're using to sign in.

If it's still not working, please contact us with a screenshot of the error and details on what happened and we'll do our best to fix it.

I want to reset all of my settings but save my entries

If you'd like to reset all of your settings, it's as easy as scrolling to the bottom of the Settings page and clicking "Advanced Options".

  • Anonymous Mode — Clicking "Reset App Settings Only" will clear all of your settings, saved filters, and app preferences. Your entries will remain safe in your browser storage.
  • Signed in & Synced Mode — Clicking "Reset App Settings Only" deletes the saved settings and filters from your Google Sheet. Your current Google Sheet and all data will be retained.
If you'd like to leave Cadence entirely, see the I want to leave Cadence FAQ.

I want to leave Cadence

While we're sad to see you leave, we believe all visitors have this right and have tried to make it as easy as possible to leave the app. Simply navigate to the Cadence Settings page and click "Advanced Options" at the very bottom.

  • Signed in & Synced Mode — To permanently leave Cadence with a Google Sheet linked, click Delete Device and Sheet Metadata. This removes all Cadence metadata from your Google Sheet and disables syncing for new entries. Your previously synced entries remain in the sheet. You'll be asked to authorize deletion once more; be sure to click through both popups before navigating away.
  • Anonymous Mode — To permanently leave Cadence without a linked Google Sheet, click Delete All Data. This removes all locally saved data (entries, settings, filters) permanently. To save your data first, download it as a CSV or PDF.
Please Note: If you don't have a Google Sheet linked, all of your data will be removed from the application and your device permanently. If you'd like to download and save your entries, see the Download CSV or Download PDF FAQs.

Contact Us

Have more questions, or not finding what you're looking for?

Contact us from within the app here!

Developer
Winnie Mutunga
Email
theselfstudy8@gmail.com

See also: Privacy Policy • Terms of Service

Cadence • Privacy-first health tracking.

the-self-study.com/cadence