---
title: "Frequently asked questions about TakeControl | App to split group expenses"
description: "Get answers about TakeControl, the app to split group expenses. Plans, splitting bills, currencies, offline use, security, importing from Splitwise and much more."
canonical: "https://gettakecontrol.app/en/faq/"
language: "en"
---

FAQ

# Frequently asked questions about TakeControl

Last updated — September 15, 2026

All About TakeControl Getting started Splitting expenses Payments and settling up Currencies, travel and offline use PRO plan and pricing Migrating from Splitwise Security and privacy Account and support

 

## About TakeControl

The basics about the app and who it's for.

What is TakeControl?

TakeControl is an app to split group expenses in a simple way. You log each expense, set who paid and who to split it with, and the app instantly calculates who owes whom, with balances updated in real time. It is ideal for trips, couples, roommates and any group that shares bills. See all the [app features](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/#features).

Is TakeControl free?

Yes. [TakeControl is free to download and use](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/download/), and the free plan covers the everyday needs of anyone splitting group bills. For advanced features, like automatic currency conversion and search filters, there is the [PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) plan.

Is TakeControl an alternative to Splitwise?

It is. TakeControl works like a Splitwise-style expense splitting app, with a few extras that make a difference day to day: it works offline, logs expenses by voice and by photo of the receipt, supports 75 currencies and even [imports your groups and history from Splitwise](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/faq/#splitwise-migration) so you can pick up where you left off.

Does the app work on iPhone and Android?

Yes. TakeControl is available for iOS and Android, with automatic sync across the devices in the same group. Everyone sees the updated balances at the same time. **Download TakeControl:** [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/takecontrol-split-expenses/id6790032465) · [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.takecontrol.app).

What languages is TakeControl available in?

The app is available in six languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Italian and German. You can switch the language at any time in the settings, without restarting the app.

Who is TakeControl for?

For anyone who splits expenses: couples, families, shared houses, coworkers and travel groups. If more than one person pays bills together, the app helps keep everything organized, without any awkward chasing in the group.

## Getting started

How to start using the app in a few minutes.

How do I create a TakeControl account?

Download the app, enter your email and confirm the code we send you. There is no password to memorize and you do not need a credit card to start. You can also sign in with your Google account in one tap. **Download TakeControl:** [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/takecontrol-split-expenses/id6790032465) · [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.takecontrol.app).

Do I need a credit card to start?

No. You create your account, set up groups and start splitting expenses without entering any payment method. The card only comes into play if you decide to subscribe to the [PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) plan.

How do I create a group to split expenses?

After creating your account, tap new group, choose the type (trip, home, couple, hangout) and give it a name, like "Trip to the beach" or "Apartment". Then just start adding expenses. Your first group is ready in about 2 minutes.

How do I import my expenses from Splitwise?

Export the group you want from Splitwise as a CSV file. In TakeControl, open the groups area, start the import, upload the file, and match each person to the corresponding participant. Follow the [complete guide to importing your Splitwise expenses](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/blog/how-to-import-splitwise-groups-to-takecontrol/).

How do I add people to the group?

You can invite someone directly through TakeControl or add them manually as a participant. Someone who does not use the app yet can still be included as a participant, so you can log that person’s expenses normally and settle up later.

How do I join a group?

You can join when someone sends you an invitation directly through TakeControl. If you have the group’s six-digit code, you can also enter it on the groups screen to join.

## Splitting expenses

How splitting bills works in practice.

How does splitting expenses work?

You log each expense, set who paid and who to split it with. TakeControl calculates the balances automatically and shows who owes whom, without you having to do the math in your head or build a spreadsheet.

Can I split a bill into different parts?

Yes. Besides an equal split, you can split by exact amount or by percentage. It is useful when someone consumed more, when a couple splits fifty-fifty with others, or when each person pays a different portion of the bill.

Can I log expenses by voice or by photo of the receipt?

You can. You can add an expense by speaking ("I paid $180 for dinner, split it equally between Pedro and Olivia") and the app understands the amount and description. You can also photograph the receipt and let the app fill in the amount, date and merchant by itself.

Can I add recurring and installment expenses?

Yes. Fixed bills like rent and subscriptions can be set as recurring, and the app logs them automatically each period. Installment purchases can also be split into installments, each one in its own month.

Can I set a budget for the group?

You can. You can set a daily, monthly or whole-period spending limit for the group and track how much has already been spent, including from the widget on your phone’s home screen.

Does everyone in the group need the app?

No. You can log expenses for people who do not use the app. When everyone has TakeControl, tracking and settling up is even easier, but it is not required.

## Payments and settling up

How to settle up at the end of the month or trip.

How do I settle up at the end of the month?

The app shows a summary with each person’s balance and suggests the simplest way to settle up, with the fewest transfers possible. You immediately see who pays whom and how much.

Does TakeControl make the payments or transfers?

No. TakeControl calculates and organizes who owes whom, but the transfers are made by you, using whatever method you prefer (bank transfer, cash, etc.). Recording a settlement in the app is just a note that the payment happened — no money leaves your account through the app.

How do I record a settlement as paid?

When you record the settlement, you indicate who paid, to whom and the amount. The balance is updated instantly for everyone in the group, so no one is left wondering what has already been settled.

What does simplifying settlements mean?

It is a feature that reorganizes who pays whom to reduce the number of transfers in the group, without changing what each person owes in total. Instead of several people paying each other in a chain, the app points out the shortest path for everyone to get even.

Can I send a payment reminder?

Yes, in a friendly way. TakeControl shows who still has an open balance and lets you send a gentle reminder, without that debt-collector vibe. The idea is for the app to be the group’s mediator, not the collector.

## Currencies, travel and offline use

Features for international groups and trips.

Does TakeControl work without internet?

Yes. You log expenses offline and the app syncs everything automatically as soon as the connection is back. It is perfect for trips, flights, mountains or anywhere without signal.

Does the app support multiple currencies?

Yes. TakeControl supports 75 currencies, which helps a lot on trips and in international groups. Automatic conversion between currencies is part of the [PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) plan.

How does currency conversion work?

Each expense is stored in the currency it was paid in, so values are never mixed without you noticing. On the [PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) plan, the app can show balances converted into a reference currency for the group, using the exchange rate, without changing the original recorded values.

Is TakeControl good for group trips?

Very. It was designed with trips in mind: it works offline, supports multiple currencies and instantly shows who paid what. That way, you enjoy the trip and leave splitting the bill to the app.

Does the app have a home screen widget?

It does. You can track the group’s balances, recent expenses and budget progress straight from your phone’s home screen, on iOS and Android, without opening the app.

## PRO plan and pricing

What changes between the free and PRO plans.

What is the difference between the free and PRO plans?

The free plan covers everyday use for splitting group expenses. [PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) unlocks the advanced features and removes the limits for heavier use: automatic currency conversion, custom exchange rates per group and more complete search filters.

What is included in the PRO plan?

[PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) includes automatic currency conversion on the balances screen, custom exchange rates per group and advanced filters in the expense search. It also unlocks heavier use of the app for those who split many bills. Compare all features in the Free and [PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) plans.

Does TakeControl have ads?

No. TakeControl does not clutter your experience with ads. You use the app fully focused on organizing and splitting the group’s expenses.

How do I subscribe and cancel the PRO plan?

The [PRO](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/pricing/) subscription is handled and managed by the App Store or Google Play. So you can subscribe right from the app and cancel whenever you want, in your store account settings, with no hassle.

## Migrating from Splitwise

How to bring your data from another app.

Can I import my data from Splitwise?

You can. Your groups and Splitwise history arrive complete in TakeControl, so you pick up where you left off, without starting over.

How do I import my Splitwise groups?

The import is done inside the app, in the groups area. Export the Splitwise group as a CSV, upload the file to TakeControl, and link each person to the matching participant. Follow the [complete Splitwise group import tutorial](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/blog/how-to-import-splitwise-groups-to-takecontrol/).

Will I lose my history when migrating?

No. The import brings your expense history and balances, keeping everything organized in TakeControl. Nothing is lost in the switch.

Why switch from Splitwise to TakeControl?

TakeControl offers offline use, logging by voice and by photo of the receipt, support for 75 currencies and an experience built to be fast day to day. And, being a Splitwise alternative that imports your data, you keep everything you already had.

## Security and privacy

How your data is protected.

Is my data safe?

Yes. Your data is stored with encryption and protected access, so only you see what is yours. Each group’s expense splitting is visible only to the people in it.

Does TakeControl ask for a password?

No. Access is passwordless: you sign in with the code sent to your email or with your Google account. That way, there is no password to leak or forget, and login stays simple and secure.

Does the app use biometrics?

Yes. You can protect opening the app with biometrics (Face ID or fingerprint), which adds an extra layer of security for anyone who shares their phone.

Do you sell my data?

No. Your data is used only to run the app and is not sold. See all the details in our [Privacy Policy](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/legal/privacy-policy/).

## Account and support

Help with your account and contacting the team.

How do I contact TakeControl support?

You can reach us at [hello@gettakecontrol.app](mailto:hello@gettakecontrol.app). We are happy to help with questions, suggestions or any problem in the app.

How do I change my login email?

Changing your email is done in your account settings and goes through a code confirmation, both on the current email and the new one. This ensures only you can change access.

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account right from the app settings. When you delete it, the personal data associated with your account is removed. If you are the only admin of a group, you will need to transfer admin rights to someone else first.

I lost my phone. What now?

Do not worry. Since your data is synced to your account, just install the app on another device and sign in again to recover your groups and expenses.

## No questions found

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## Have total control when splitting expenses

Perfect for couples, trips, or any group

[Download](https://gettakecontrol.app/en/download/)

Free for iOS and Android.
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    },
    {
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      "name": "How do I import my expenses from Splitwise?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Export the group you want from Splitwise as a CSV file. In TakeControl, open the groups area, start the import, upload the file, and match each person to the corresponding participant. Follow the complete guide to importing your Splitwise expenses."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I add people to the group?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
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      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I join a group?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
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      }
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    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How does splitting expenses work?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "You log each expense, set who paid and who to split it with. TakeControl calculates the balances automatically and shows who owes whom, without you having to do the math in your head or build a spreadsheet."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I split a bill into different parts?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes. Besides an equal split, you can split by exact amount or by percentage. It is useful when someone consumed more, when a couple splits fifty-fifty with others, or when each person pays a different portion of the bill."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I log expenses by voice or by photo of the receipt?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "You can. You can add an expense by speaking (\"I paid $180 for dinner, split it equally between Pedro and Olivia\") and the app understands the amount and description. You can also photograph the receipt and let the app fill in the amount, date and merchant by itself."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I add recurring and installment expenses?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes. Fixed bills like rent and subscriptions can be set as recurring, and the app logs them automatically each period. Installment purchases can also be split into installments, each one in its own month."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I set a budget for the group?",
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        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "You can. You can set a daily, monthly or whole-period spending limit for the group and track how much has already been spent, including from the widget on your phone’s home screen."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does everyone in the group need the app?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. You can log expenses for people who do not use the app. When everyone has TakeControl, tracking and settling up is even easier, but it is not required."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I settle up at the end of the month?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The app shows a summary with each person’s balance and suggests the simplest way to settle up, with the fewest transfers possible. You immediately see who pays whom and how much."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does TakeControl make the payments or transfers?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. TakeControl calculates and organizes who owes whom, but the transfers are made by you, using whatever method you prefer (bank transfer, cash, etc.). Recording a settlement in the app is just a note that the payment happened — no money leaves your account through the app."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I record a settlement as paid?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "When you record the settlement, you indicate who paid, to whom and the amount. The balance is updated instantly for everyone in the group, so no one is left wondering what has already been settled."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What does simplifying settlements mean?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "It is a feature that reorganizes who pays whom to reduce the number of transfers in the group, without changing what each person owes in total. Instead of several people paying each other in a chain, the app points out the shortest path for everyone to get even."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I send a payment reminder?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes, in a friendly way. TakeControl shows who still has an open balance and lets you send a gentle reminder, without that debt-collector vibe. The idea is for the app to be the group’s mediator, not the collector."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does TakeControl work without internet?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes. You log expenses offline and the app syncs everything automatically as soon as the connection is back. It is perfect for trips, flights, mountains or anywhere without signal."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does the app support multiple currencies?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes. TakeControl supports 75 currencies, which helps a lot on trips and in international groups. Automatic conversion between currencies is part of the PRO plan."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How does currency conversion work?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Each expense is stored in the currency it was paid in, so values are never mixed without you noticing. On the PRO plan, the app can show balances converted into a reference currency for the group, using the exchange rate, without changing the original recorded values."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Is TakeControl good for group trips?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Very. It was designed with trips in mind: it works offline, supports multiple currencies and instantly shows who paid what. That way, you enjoy the trip and leave splitting the bill to the app."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does the app have a home screen widget?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "It does. You can track the group’s balances, recent expenses and budget progress straight from your phone’s home screen, on iOS and Android, without opening the app."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the difference between the free and PRO plans?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The free plan covers everyday use for splitting group expenses. PRO unlocks the advanced features and removes the limits for heavier use: automatic currency conversion, custom exchange rates per group and more complete search filters."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is included in the PRO plan?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "PRO includes automatic currency conversion on the balances screen, custom exchange rates per group and advanced filters in the expense search. It also unlocks heavier use of the app for those who split many bills. Compare all features in the Free and PRO plans."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does TakeControl have ads?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. TakeControl does not clutter your experience with ads. You use the app fully focused on organizing and splitting the group’s expenses."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I subscribe and cancel the PRO plan?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The PRO subscription is handled and managed by the App Store or Google Play. So you can subscribe right from the app and cancel whenever you want, in your store account settings, with no hassle."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can I import my data from Splitwise?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "You can. Your groups and Splitwise history arrive complete in TakeControl, so you pick up where you left off, without starting over."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I import my Splitwise groups?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The import is done inside the app, in the groups area. Export the Splitwise group as a CSV, upload the file to TakeControl, and link each person to the matching participant. Follow the complete Splitwise group import tutorial."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Will I lose my history when migrating?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. The import brings your expense history and balances, keeping everything organized in TakeControl. Nothing is lost in the switch."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Why switch from Splitwise to TakeControl?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "TakeControl offers offline use, logging by voice and by photo of the receipt, support for 75 currencies and an experience built to be fast day to day. And, being a Splitwise alternative that imports your data, you keep everything you already had."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Is my data safe?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes. Your data is stored with encryption and protected access, so only you see what is yours. Each group’s expense splitting is visible only to the people in it."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does TakeControl ask for a password?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. Access is passwordless: you sign in with the code sent to your email or with your Google account. That way, there is no password to leak or forget, and login stays simple and secure."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Does the app use biometrics?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Yes. You can protect opening the app with biometrics (Face ID or fingerprint), which adds an extra layer of security for anyone who shares their phone."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Do you sell my data?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "No. Your data is used only to run the app and is not sold. See all the details in our Privacy Policy."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I contact TakeControl support?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "You can reach us at hello@gettakecontrol.app. We are happy to help with questions, suggestions or any problem in the app."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I change my login email?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Changing your email is done in your account settings and goes through a code confirmation, both on the current email and the new one. This ensures only you can change access."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How do I delete my account?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "You can delete your account right from the app settings. When you delete it, the personal data associated with your account is removed. If you are the only admin of a group, you will need to transfer admin rights to someone else first."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "I lost my phone. What now?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Do not worry. Since your data is synced to your account, just install the app on another device and sign in again to recover your groups and expenses."
      }
    }
  ]
}
```