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Turning Off Browser

While Browser the Cat is designed to be helpful, you might prefer to explore BookWish on your own. You can easily disable Browser while keeping all other features intact.

How to Disable Browser​

Step-by-Step​

  1. Tap your avatar in the top-right corner of any main tab
  2. Select Settings from the menu
  3. Switch to the Preferences tab
  4. Scroll down to the Helper section
  5. Find the Show Browser toggle
  6. Tap the toggle to turn it OFF

The toggle will immediately disable Browser. You won't see any more hints or messages from Browser until you turn it back on.

Visual Confirmation​

When you disable Browser:

  • The toggle changes to the OFF position
  • The toggle color changes from teal to gray
  • No confirmation dialog appears (the change is instant)
  • Browser disappears if currently visible

What Gets Disabled​

When you turn off Browser, the following stop appearing:

Browser's Visual Presence​

  • No more animations: Browser won't appear on screen
  • No hint messages: The speech bubble hints won't display
  • No celebrations: Browser won't appear for achievements
  • No contextual help: Browser won't offer situational advice

All Hint Types​

All categories of Browser hints are disabled:

  • First-time tab visit hints
  • Action hints (like before first purchase)
  • Discovery hints for new features
  • Situational hints for empty states

Timing​

The setting takes effect:

  • Immediately: Browser disappears right away
  • Persistently: Stays disabled across app restarts
  • Device-specific: Only affects this device (not synced)

What's NOT Affected​

Disabling Browser doesn't impact any other BookWish features:

Core Functionality​

Everything else works exactly the same:

  • Search and discovery: Find books as usual
  • Wishlist: Add and manage wishlist items
  • Social features: Post lines, reviews, follow users
  • Book clubs: Join and participate in clubs
  • Reading challenges: Track progress and compete
  • Shopping: Purchase books from stores
  • Notifications: You still receive all notifications
  • Settings: All other preferences remain active

Other Help Features​

You still have access to:

  • Documentation: In-app guides and this help site
  • Tooltips: Info icons throughout the app
  • Error messages: Helpful error explanations
  • Support: Contact support team any time
  • Onboarding: Initial setup flows (if you're new)

Data and Progress​

Nothing is lost when you disable Browser:

  • Hint history: Which hints you've seen is preserved
  • App data: All your books, posts, and activity remain
  • Preferences: Your other settings are unchanged
  • Account: Your profile and subscription status are unaffected

Why Turn Off Browser?​

Users disable Browser for various reasons:

Experience Level​

Power users: Once you're familiar with BookWish, you might not need hints anymore. Experienced users often prefer a cleaner interface without guidance.

Example: "I've used BookWish for months and know all the features. Browser's hints are no longer needed."

Personal Preference​

Minimalist interface: Some users prefer fewer on-screen elements and want a streamlined experience.

Example: "I like to explore apps on my own without prompts or suggestions."

Accessibility Needs​

Screen reader users: Some users with accessibility tools find Browser redundant or interfering with their assistive technology.

Example: "My screen reader already explains the interface, so Browser's messages are duplicative."

Specific Situations​

Demonstrations: When showing BookWish to others or taking screenshots, you might want to disable Browser temporarily.

Example: "I'm recording a tutorial video and don't want Browser's hints appearing in the footage."

When to Keep Browser On​

Browser can be valuable in these situations:

New Users​

If you're new to BookWish:

  • Learning curve: Browser helps you discover features faster
  • Onboarding: Makes the initial experience smoother
  • Feature awareness: Ensures you don't miss important capabilities
  • Confidence: Provides reassurance as you explore

Recommendation: Keep Browser on for your first few weeks

After Updates​

When BookWish adds new features:

  • New capabilities: Browser introduces updated features
  • Changed interfaces: Browser helps you adapt to redesigns
  • Best practices: Browser shares tips for new tools

Recommendation: Temporarily re-enable Browser after major updates

Teaching Others​

If sharing your device:

  • Guided learning: Browser helps others learn
  • Self-service: New users get help without asking you
  • Consistent experience: Everyone gets the same information

Recommendation: Keep Browser on when lending your device for others to try BookWish

Rediscovering Features​

If you haven't used BookWish in a while:

  • Refresher: Browser reminds you how things work
  • New features: Catch up on what's been added
  • Reorientation: Get comfortable with the app again

Recommendation: Re-enable Browser after extended breaks

Turning Browser Back On​

You can enable Browser anytime by reversing the steps:

Re-Enabling Browser​

  1. Go to Settings > Preferences
  2. Scroll to Helper section
  3. Toggle Show Browser to ON
  4. Browser is immediately active again

What Happens​

When you re-enable Browser:

  • Browser can appear again immediately
  • You'll see hints you haven't seen before
  • Previously seen hints won't repeat (they're still marked as seen)
  • All Browser features return to normal

Hint Memory​

Important: Re-enabling Browser doesn't reset which hints you've seen:

  • Seen hints: Still marked as seen, won't show again
  • Unseen hints: Will appear when contextually relevant
  • Hint history: Preserved in local storage

To see all hints again, you'll need to reset Browser hints (feature coming in future update).

Temporary vs. Permanent Disable​

Temporary Disabling​

Good for short-term needs:

  • Taking screenshots or videos
  • Demonstrating to advanced users
  • Focusing on a specific task
  • Testing something without interruptions

How: Simply toggle off, complete your task, then toggle back on

Permanent Disabling​

Good for long-term preferences:

  • You're an experienced user
  • You prefer self-guided exploration
  • You find Browser distracting
  • You use alternative help resources

How: Toggle off and leave it off as long as you want

Settings Persistence​

The Browser setting is:

  • Device-specific: Each device has its own setting
  • Persistent: Remains across app restarts
  • Not synced: Doesn't sync to other devices (if you use BookWish on multiple devices)
  • Preserved: Stays even if you log out and back in

Multiple Devices​

If you use BookWish on multiple devices:

  • iPhone might have Browser ON
  • iPad might have Browser OFF
  • Each device maintains its own preference
  • No need to change settings on each device every time

Impact on App Performance​

Disabling Browser has minimal performance impact:

When Browser Is On​

  • Negligible overhead: Browser's code is lightweight
  • Conditional loading: Animations load only when Browser appears
  • Efficient checking: Hint status checks are very fast

When Browser Is Off​

  • Slightly less work: App doesn't check hint conditions
  • No animations loaded: Lottie files aren't loaded
  • Imperceptible difference: Performance gain is minimal

Bottom line: Enable or disable based on preference, not performance concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Can I disable specific hints instead of all of Browser?​

Not currently. It's all-or-nothing. This may change in future updates based on user feedback.

If I disable Browser, will I miss important information?​

No. Browser provides contextual help, but all important information is also available through:

  • Documentation (like this guide)
  • In-app tooltips and help icons
  • Support resources
  • Feature descriptions in settings

Does disabling Browser affect support quality?​

No. The support team can help you regardless of your Browser setting. They're familiar with all features and can guide you whether or not Browser is enabled.

Can I disable Browser for one feature but keep it for others?​

Not currently. Browser is a global setting that applies to all hints and appearances throughout the app.

Will BookWish remind me about Browser if I turn it off?​

No. BookWish respects your choice. Once you disable Browser, the app won't prompt you to turn it back on or suggest re-enabling it.

Can I disable the animations but keep the text hints?​

Not currently. Browser's animations and hint text are a package. This feature could be considered for future accessibility enhancements.

Does Browser cost extra or require Premium?​

No. Browser is available to all users, free and Premium alike. It's a core part of the BookWish experience at no additional cost.

Browser and Accessibility​

Accessibility Considerations​

Browser is designed with accessibility in mind, but some users may prefer to disable it:

Screen Reader Users​

  • Browser's messages are readable by screen readers
  • However, some users find them redundant
  • Disable if Browser interferes with your screen reader

Motion Sensitivity​

  • Browser uses animated movements
  • iOS/Android "Reduce Motion" settings are respected
  • Animations are simplified when Reduce Motion is enabled
  • Consider disabling if animations cause discomfort

Cognitive Differences​

  • Some users prefer fewer on-screen elements
  • Browser's automatic appearance might be distracting
  • Disable if you need a more predictable interface

Visual Impairments​

  • Browser's text meets contrast requirements
  • However, you might prefer larger system text without Browser
  • Disable if Browser's sizing doesn't match your preferences

Privacy and Data​

What Happens to Browser Data When Disabled?​

When you turn off Browser:

  • Hint history preserved: Which hints you've seen remains stored
  • No data deleted: Your hint status isn't cleared
  • No data sent: Nothing is transmitted to BookWish servers
  • Local only: All Browser data stays on your device

Deleting Browser Data​

To remove Browser's stored data:

  1. Uninstall BookWish: Removes all local app data including Browser hints
  2. Reset hints: (Coming in future update) Clears which hints you've seen

Currently, there's no way to delete just Browser data while keeping other app data.

Feedback Welcome​

Your experience with Browser matters:

Share Your Thoughts​

If you disable Browser, we'd love to know why:

  • Too frequent: Did Browser appear too often?
  • Not helpful: Were the hints not useful?
  • Wrong timing: Did hints appear at bad moments?
  • Prefer self-guided: Do you like to explore on your own?

Feature Requests​

Suggestions for improving Browser:

  • Hint categories you can enable/disable separately
  • Frequency controls (show Browser more or less often)
  • Different Browser personalities or styles
  • More control over when Browser appears

Contact Support​

To share feedback:

Your input helps make Browser better for everyone!

Summary​

Disabling Browser is simple and reversible:

  1. Easy toggle: Settings > Preferences > Helper > Show Browser
  2. Immediate effect: Browser disappears right away
  3. Everything else works: All other features remain active
  4. Re-enable anytime: Turn Browser back on whenever you want
  5. Your choice: No pressure to keep Browser on or off

Whether you prefer Browser's guidance or a more independent experience, BookWish works great either way. The choice is yours!