CookBook Support
Need help? Check the information below, then email us if the issue remains.
Frequently asked questions
Where is my data stored?
CookBook stores recipes, meal plans, fridge entries and images on your current device by default. Profile → Data → iCloud Sync is always visible, off by default and requires membership. You can choose to enable it to sync between supported iPhone, iPad and Mac devices using the same Apple account. Regularly save a full backup from Profile → Export Data; restore it from Profile → Restore CookBook Backup.
Which sync option should I choose?
You can merge both sides, replace iCloud with this device, or replace this device with iCloud. Overwrites can affect other synced devices, so review the preview and keep a backup first. Turning sync off retains local and cloud data. Cooking progress, timers and device display preferences are not synced.
Why am I not receiving notifications?
Enable the relevant reminders in Profile → Reminder settings and allow CookBook notifications in system settings. iOS / iPadOS 26 supports system alarms and Live Activities and requires alarm permission. iOS / iPadOS 17–25 and Mac use ordinary timers and notifications; alerts are not guaranteed in silent mode, Focus or the background. CookBook does not add timers to Apple’s Clock app.
What if a webpage import fails?
Check that the URL begins with http:// or https:// and that you have a network connection. Website formats vary. If importing fails, return to manual editing and enter the recipe yourself.
How do I import from PlateNote?
Open Profile → Import Data and select a ZIP or Markdown export from PlateNote. ZIP is recommended. CookBook processes only the recipes you select and applies limits to files, images and extracted size.
How are shopping ingredients combined?
Open Shopping List on the Plan tab to view items by dish or combine ingredients with the same name. Grams / kilograms and milliliters / liters are converted automatically. Text such as “a little” or “to taste” is retained for you to adjust.
How do I use the camera or photos?
Tap the cover when editing a recipe to choose an image. Supported iPhone and iPad devices can use the camera; Mac uses the system file picker. If you previously denied permission, re-enable it in system settings → CookBook.
How do I report a problem?
Email raven42lee@outlook.com with your app version and build from Profile → About CookBook, system version, device model, steps to reproduce and relevant screenshots. Please avoid including private recipe content.
AI ingredient entry and calorie tools
AI supports text and voice ingredient organization, photo and receipt recognition, webpage recipe organization and photo calorie estimates, with individual features becoming available gradually by app version. Review names, amounts and estimates before confirming; unknown quantities may remain empty. Speech is transcribed on-device or by Apple speech services. Recordings are not retained or sent to CookBook AI; text is sent only when you confirm generation.
All online AI features share 15 lifetime free requests and 200 member requests per Beijing calendar month. Speech transcription and local ingredient nutrition calculations do not use AI credits. AI requires sign-in; check the app for available features and remaining credits.
Membership and the free tier
The free tier supports 15 saved, non-deleted recipes, excluding drafts and Recently Deleted; 20 fridge entries; and 4 dishes in total across today and future dates. Past plans do not count. Xiachufang imports, featured content, backup, restore and export are free. Other website imports, PlateNote bulk imports, fridge ingredient matching and iCloud sync require membership. After membership expires, data and editing access remain, while additions beyond free limits are restricted.
Subscriptions, trials and cancellation
Mainland China reference prices are CNY 9.90 monthly, CNY 24.80 quarterly and CNY 88.80 annually. Final prices are shown in Apple’s purchase confirmation. Eligible Apple accounts may receive one 14-day free trial per subscription group, followed by automatic renewal at the selected plan’s regular price. No half-price introductory offer is provided. Cancel at least 24 hours before renewal in system Settings → Apple account → Subscriptions → CookBook. Uninstalling does not cancel the subscription. After reinstalling, restore active purchases from Profile → CookBook Membership → Restore Purchases.
Terms of use: Apple Standard End User License Agreement (EULA)。
Version and compatibility
Requires iOS / iPadOS 17 or later on iPhone / iPad, or macOS 15 or later for the Mac Catalyst build. Check Profile → About CookBook for your installed version and build. Store availability follows the App Store listing.
Overseas connectivity or failed AI requests
In a version supporting this feature, open Connection check and feedback. Checks do not generate AI content or spend credits; reachable endpoints do not prove generation works. A request that timed out may have reached the server: check the original task rather than generating again. Copy or share diagnostics; if in-app feedback is also unreachable, email raven42lee@outlook.com. Without a mail app, copy the address and diagnostics and send them yourself. Overseas mobile sign-in, upload and AI workflows have not been tested end to end. Local recipes, plans and fridge data do not depend on the AI server.