Firebox FAQs
I've forgotten my password! How can I recover it?
Your password is the key used to encrypt your data. It cannot be decrypted without it.
There is no way to 'reset' or 'recover' your password. If there was, then someone else could recover it too, and get access to your data.
If you cannot remember your password, delete Firebox from your phone and reinstall it. You can re-sync it from iTunes, or re-download it from the App Store. You will not be charged again.
How do I back up my database for safekeeping?
Very easily. See this page for instructions on backing up.
I'm having trouble getting Firebox to sync with Firebox Desktop.
Please see this help page for instructions on syncing.
Why doesn't Firebox delete all the user data after some number of failed password attempts?
Because this is a bogus feature, that wouldn't protect your data, but would inconvenience a lot of people.
If your password is so simple it can be guessed in a few tries then you shouldn't bother using Firebox; just write all your passwords on a post-it on your desk.
If someone really wants access to your information, they will take the database file off the phone, and use a computer to try millions of passwords per second.
The people who would get their data erased by this feature are the people who let their friends, or worse, their toddlers, fiddle with their phone. I don't want to get those angry emails.
Where is the password generator?
The password generator button appears on the Record editing page next to any Field you have declared of type 'Password', which is right where you need it. You can assign types to Fields by editing the Folder they belong to.
Does Firebox sync with a desktop application?
Firebox Desktop, for Mac only, is available on the Downloads page.
It has direct syncing over wifi, full editing, archiving, and import/export.
I do not have a Windows application, and am not going to develop one. If you are an experienced Windows developer, and would like to create one, please contact me. There are significant challenges involved.
I used to have a program called Firebox Extract for Windows, but it is no longer needed since Firebox 2.0.2, which supports iTunes File Sharing to back up your database.
Can I import data from another application so I don't have to retype it into the iPhone/iPod?
Yes, you can import data into Firebox Desktop using the CSV format. The import format is identical to the export format. Rows with text in column 1 define a Folder and fields, and then every row after it with nothing in column 1 defines a Record in that folder. Your data needs to be in this format for import.
I lost my phone! What do I do?
First, take a deep breath. The Firebox database on your iPhone is safe. Assuming you used a good password, (you did, right?), it would take many thousands of hours of computer time to crack it.
Second, after you get your new phone, you can easily put your data back onto it. If you are using a Mac, and you have been syncing with Firebox Desktop, then you can just sync your data onto the new phone in seconds.
If you do not use Firebox Desktop, or are a Windows user, use iTunes File Sharing to copy your database back into Firebox. You did back up your database, right?
Is my Firebox data backed up in case my iPhone/iPod is lost or needs to be restored?
You can backup and synchronize your Firebox data at any time using Firebox Desktop for Mac.
In addition, when iTunes backs up your iPhone/iPod, it also backs up all your third-party application data, including Firebox.
Is my Firebox data stored directly on the iPhone/iPod? Or is it stored on an internet server?
Your information is only stored on your iPhone/iPod, and the computer you sync it with. In both places it is securely encrypted. It is never stored or uploaded to the internet.
I made a new Folder, but how come I only have one Field in the List View?
By default, the first Field you add to a new Folder will be put into the List View, and any additional ones are put into the Detail View. But you can move them easily back and forth between List and Detail views, just by dragging them where you want them. Press and hold on the "List Reorder" control on the row you want to move. (It looks like 3 horizontal bars) The Field will lift up, and you can drag it where you want it.
Can the Records in a Folder be sorted?
Yes, tap the 'Edit' button in the Folder list, or on any Record list and sorting buttons will appear at the bottom of the page. In addition, you can drag entries in either list into any arbitrary ordering you want.
Can I use Chinese/Japanese/Korean/Russian/etc. in my Database?
Yes, Firebox supports Unicode in all Folder names, Field names, and Field contents. You can keep all your data in your preferred character set.
I wish Firebox had a way to dial phone numbers, or launch Safari with URLs I've entered.
That is fully supported. Edit your Folder, and edit the Field in question, and change its Type to 'Phone' or 'Web'. It will now appear as a link in every Record.
What is the maximum number of Fields that can be added to a Folder?
In theory, unlimited.
What is the maximum number of characters in a Field?
In theory, unlimited. There is a limit to how much will be displayed on the iPhone, ~500 lines, due to memory concerns.
If a new Field is added to a Folder later on, do existing records get it too?
Yes, all Records, including previously created ones, get any new Fields you add to that Folder. Be aware though, that if you delete a Field from a Folder, that value is lost from every Record in the Folder.
Can I rename a Folder, or a Field, even after I have entered data? What about reordering Fields?
Yes, you can rename or reorder Folders or Fields at any time without affecting your data.
Ok, how does Emergency Restore work? I can't figure it out.
Emergency Restore is no longer needed. If you think you need it, contact me, and I will explain how to use iTunes File Sharing to do what you want instead. :)