Mobile Access & App Installation
Install the SimpleStaff app on your phone to view schedules, receive notifications, and manage your shifts from anywhere.
Two ways to get SimpleStaff on a phone
There's a native app on both stores, and the website itself can be added to a home screen.
The SimpleStaff app
Free on the App Store and Google Play. Faster than the browser, and the only way to get push notifications.
RecommendedAdd the website to your home screen
No app store needed, and it works on any device — including tablets and desktops. No push notifications.
Also availableInstalling the app
- 1
Open the App Store or Google Play listing — or just go to simplestaff.ca/download on the phone, which sends you to the right one.
Searching the store for "SimpleStaff" works too.
- 2
Sign in with the same email and password you use on the web — or continue with Apple or Google.
Never set a password? Use Forgot password on the login screen.
- 3
Pick your team if you belong to more than one, and allow notifications when asked.
Managers:the app is for approving requests, messaging and checking who's on. Building and publishing a schedule is still a web job.
Adding the website to your home screen
🍎 iPhone / iPad (Safari)
- 1
Open Safari and go to simplestaff.ca
Note: This only works in Safari, not Chrome or other browsers
- 2
Tap the Share button (square with arrow pointing up)
[Screenshot: Safari share button location] - 3
Scroll down and tap "Add to Home Screen"
- 4
Tap "Add" in the top right corner
- ✓
SimpleStaff now appears on your home screen like a native app!
🤖 Android (Chrome)
- 1
Open Chrome and go to simplestaff.ca
- 2
Tap the three dots menu (⋮) in the top right
- 3
Tap "Install app" or "Add to Home Screen"
- 4
Tap "Install" to confirm
- ✓
The app is now in your app drawer and home screen!
Auto-Install Prompt
On most Android devices, you'll see an automatic "Install SimpleStaff" banner at the bottom of the screen. Just tap it!
What You Can Do on Mobile
View Your Schedule
See your upcoming shifts in a clean, mobile-optimized view. Sync to your phone's calendar app.
Push Notifications
Get instant alerts for schedule changes, shift reminders, swap requests, and more.
Request Shift Swaps
Found someone to cover your shift? Request a swap right from your phone.
Submit Time-Off Requests
Request vacation or personal days with just a few taps.
Set Availability
Update when you're available to work so managers can schedule appropriately.
View Team
See who's working today and contact coworkers easily.
Setting Up Notifications
To receive push notifications, you need to enable them on your device:
iPhone
- 1. Go to Settings → SimpleStaff
- 2. Tap Notifications
- 3. Toggle Allow Notifications on
Android
- 1. Go to Settings → Apps → SimpleStaff
- 2. Tap Notifications
- 3. Enable Show notifications
In-App Notification Preferences
You can customize which notifications you receive in Profile → Notification Preferences. Options include:
- • Schedule published
- • Shift reminders (24h, 1h before)
- • Schedule changes
- • Swap requests
- • Time-off approvals
Offline Access
Once a page has loaded in the browser, some of it stays available if you lose signal:
- Your schedule: Cached locally after first view
- Team roster: Available offline
- Actions (swap requests, etc.): Queued and synced when online
Troubleshooting
I don't see "Add to Home Screen" option
- • iPhone: Make sure you're using Safari, not Chrome
- • Android: Try using Chrome instead of other browsers
- • Make sure you're on simplestaff.ca (not a search result page)
- • Try closing and reopening the browser
Notifications aren't working
- • Check that notifications are enabled in device settings
- • Verify notification permissions in the app
- • Make sure "Do Not Disturb" is off
- • Try logging out and back in
- • Uninstall and reinstall the PWA
App feels slow or outdated
- • Pull down to refresh and update data
- • Check your internet connection
- • Clear the app cache (uninstall and reinstall PWA)
- • Make sure your browser is up to date
Having trouble with the mobile app?
Contact Support