Support &Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions and get the help you need to make the most of your Japanese learning journey.
Getting Started
New to Zen Kana? Learn the basics and start your first practice session.
Technical Issues
Troubleshoot common problems with sync, voice input, and app performance.
Contact Us
Still need help? Reach out to our support team for personalized assistance.
đ Getting Started
How do I start learning with Zen Kana?
1. Choose a preset (Essential Words for beginners) or create custom selection
2. Optionally go through Learning Mode for new characters
3. Start practicing with spaced repetition scheduling
4. Track your progress in the Statistics dashboard
Which preset should I choose as a beginner?
Start with âEssential Wordsâ (38 items) if youâre completely new to Japanese, or âBeginner Completeâ (72 items) if you want more comprehensive coverage. These presets focus on the most important characters and vocabulary for daily communication.
Whatâs the difference between Learning Mode and Practice Mode?
Learning Mode introduces new characters with study cards and familiarization before testing. Practice Mode uses spaced repetition for active recall and long-term retention. Learning Mode is optional but recommended for new material.
đ§ Spaced Repetition
How does the spaced repetition algorithm work?
Zen Kana uses the SuperMemo 2 algorithm to schedule reviews. Items you answer correctly get longer intervals before appearing again, while difficult items appear more frequently. This optimizes your learning time and maximizes retention.
Why do some items appear more often than others?
The algorithm prioritizes items based on when theyâre due for review and their difficulty factor. Items you struggle with have shorter intervals and appear more frequently until you master them.
Can I practice specific items outside of the algorithm?
The app is designed around spaced repetition for optimal learning efficiency. However, you can create custom selections with specific characters or word groups to focus on particular areas.
đď¸ Voice Features
Voice input isnât working. What should I check?
1. Ensure microphone permissions are granted in system settings
2. Check your deviceâs internet connection (voice recognition requires connectivity)
3. Try speaking clearly and at normal volume
4. Note: Voice input is automatically disabled on iOS Simulator for development
Can I disable text-to-speech or voice input?
Yes! Go to Settings to customize your accessibility preferences. You can independently control text-to-speech and voice input features based on your learning preferences.
The app doesnât recognize my pronunciation. What can I do?
Voice recognition has built-in retry mechanisms with enhanced error handling. Make sure youâre in a quiet environment and speak clearly. If issues persist, you can always use text input as an alternative.
âď¸ Technical Support
My progress isnât syncing between devices. How do I fix this?
1. Ensure youâre signed in with the same account on all devices
2. Check your internet connection
3. Try manually refreshing/syncing in the Settings menu
4. The app uses Firebase for cross-device synchronization with automatic conflict resolution
Can I export my learning data?
Currently, data export isnât available through the app interface. Your progress and statistics are securely stored and automatically backed up through Firebase cloud sync. Contact support if you need specific data access.
The app is running slowly. How can I improve performance?
1. Restart the app completely
2. Check available storage space on your device
3. Close other resource-intensive apps
4. For web version, try clearing browser cache
5. Update to the latest app version if available
đ Account & Privacy
How is my data protected?
Zen Kana is GDPR-compliant with granular consent controls. You can independently control analytics and crash reporting. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest using Firebase security standards.
Can I use the app without creating an account?
Yes! You can use all learning features locally without an account. Creating an account enables cross-device sync, cloud backup, and enhanced analytics, but itâs entirely optional.
How do I delete my account and data?
Account deletion options are available in the Privacy settings. You can also contact our support team to request complete data deletion in compliance with GDPR and privacy regulations.
Still Need Help?
Canât find the answer youâre looking for? Our support team is here to help you succeed in your Japanese learning journey.
We typically respond within 24 hours. Include details about your device, app version, and the specific issue for faster assistance.