Expensify IOS: Concierge Chat Issue For Invited Users

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Introduction

Hey guys! We've got a bit of a situation with the Expensify iOS app, specifically concerning the Concierge chat feature for newly invited users. It seems there's a snag where users who are invited to chat via email aren't seeing the Concierge chat displayed in their inbox as expected. This can be super frustrating, especially when you're trying to get quick support or guidance within the app. Let’s dive into the details of this issue, explore what’s happening, and figure out what might be causing it. This article will cover the specifics of the bug, the steps to reproduce it, and the platforms it affects. Stick around as we break it down!

This Concierge chat display issue is impacting users on the iOS app, specifically version 9.1.99-0. The problem arises when a user is invited to join a chat via email, but the Concierge chat—which should appear in the inbox—doesn't show up. This is a big deal because the Concierge chat is essential for users to get help and guidance within the app. Without it, users might miss important messages and updates, leading to a less-than-ideal experience. We’ll walk through the exact steps to reproduce this issue, so you can see for yourself what's going on. We'll also cover the expected and actual results, giving you a clear picture of the problem. Plus, we’ll explore whether there’s a workaround and which platforms are affected. Understanding the scope of this bug is crucial for getting it fixed quickly and efficiently, ensuring everyone can get the help they need.

The main keyword here is the Concierge chat, which is a vital part of the Expensify app. This feature provides users with support and assistance, making it a go-to resource for any questions or issues they might have. So, when the Concierge chat isn't displaying correctly, it can significantly impact the user experience. Imagine you're a new user, just getting started with Expensify, and you have a question. You'd naturally expect to see the Concierge chat in your inbox, ready to help you out. But if it's not there, you might feel lost and frustrated. This issue is particularly concerning because it affects new users who are invited via email, which is a common way for people to join Expensify. Ensuring that the Concierge chat displays correctly for these users is essential for a smooth onboarding process. The problem's reproducibility in staging versus production environments also provides critical clues for troubleshooting, which we'll delve into further. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and figure out how to tackle this bug head-on!

Issue Details

The iOS Emails Concierge Chat Issue specifically involves the Expensify app not displaying the Concierge chat in the inbox for invited users. This problem was identified in version 9.1.99-0 of the app. To give you a clearer picture, the core issue is that after a user is invited to a chat via email and logs into the app, they don't see the Concierge chat as expected. This means they can miss out on important support messages and updates. This issue is reproducible in the staging environment but not in production, which gives us a crucial clue about where to focus our troubleshooting efforts. Understanding the context of this issue is critical for effectively addressing it and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Key aspects of the issue:

  • Version Number: 9.1.99-0
  • Reproducibility: Reproducible in staging, not reproducible in production
  • Affected Platform: iOS App
  • Reported By: Applause Internal Team
  • Devices Used: iPhone 15 iOS 18.5

TestRail Link:

For those interested in diving deeper, the issue was caught during regression testing. You can find more details about the test case at this link: TestRail. This link provides valuable information about the testing process and the specific steps that led to the discovery of the bug.

User Impact

The lack of a Concierge chat can be quite disruptive for users, especially new ones. They might not know where to turn for help or how to navigate the app effectively. The Concierge chat is a key resource for answering questions, providing guidance, and resolving issues. When it's not visible, users might feel lost and frustrated, potentially leading to a negative experience with the app. This can also impact user engagement and retention, as people might be less likely to continue using an app if they can't easily get the support they need. Therefore, resolving this issue is crucial for ensuring a positive user experience and maintaining the app's reputation.

Steps to Reproduce

So, you want to see this bug in action, huh? Here’s the breakdown of how to reproduce the Concierge chat issue. Follow these steps closely, and you'll be able to see the problem firsthand. It's all about creating the right conditions and walking through the exact sequence of actions that trigger the bug. This is a super important part of understanding any issue, as it helps developers pinpoint the cause and come up with a fix. Let’s get started and see if we can replicate the problem!

Preconditions:

  1. Make sure the ND (New Dot) app is installed on your iOS device.
  2. Ensure the user is logged out of the app. This ensures we start from a clean slate, which is crucial for accurate testing.

User A (on secondary device):

  1. Sign in with a new Gmail account using the "Chat and split" option. This simulates a new user joining the app, which is often where these kinds of issues surface.
  2. Tap the FAB (Floating Action Button) and select "Start chat". This is how we initiate a new chat within the app.
  3. Enter the Gmail address for a non-existing user (we'll call this account User B). This step is key because it involves inviting someone who isn't already on the platform.
  4. Send a message in the chat. This creates the initial interaction that should trigger the Concierge chat later on.

User B:

  1. Wait for 10 minutes. This waiting period is important because it simulates the time it takes for the email invitation to arrive and for the user to take action.
  2. On the iOS device, open the email with the subject "User A and [User B's email]". This is the invitation email that User B receives.
  3. Tap the "Open in Expensify" button in the email. This is the crucial step that should direct User B to the app and initiate the chat.
  4. When logged in to the app and landed in the chat, send a reply. This simulates User B engaging in the chat, which should trigger the Concierge chat.
  5. Tap the app back button to navigate to the Inbox. This is where we expect to see the Concierge chat.
  6. Look for a Concierge chat. This is the key observation point.
  7. Open the Reports tab/Chats and look for messages from Concierge. This is another place where Concierge messages should appear.

By following these steps, you're replicating the exact scenario that triggers the bug. This makes it much easier to confirm the issue and understand its context. So, give it a try and see if you can reproduce the Concierge chat problem!

Expected vs. Actual Result

Alright, let's break down what we should be seeing versus what's actually happening. Understanding the discrepancy between the expected result and the actual result is essential for pinpointing the exact nature of the bug. It helps us see where things are going wrong and guides the troubleshooting process. So, let's dive into what should happen and what’s really happening with the Concierge chat.

Expected Result:

In the ideal scenario, after User B logs into the app and navigates to the Inbox, the Concierge chat should be displayed. This is the expected behavior because the Concierge chat is designed to provide immediate support and guidance to new users or those who have been invited to join chats. Additionally, messages from Concierge should also appear in the Reports tab or Chats section, ensuring that users can easily find and access any support information they need.

Actual Result:

However, in reality, the Concierge chat is not displayed in the Inbox. This is the core of the issue we're tackling. Furthermore, Concierge messages are not displayed in the Reports tab or Chats section. This means that User B is missing out on essential support and guidance, which can lead to a frustrating user experience. The absence of the Concierge chat can prevent users from getting the help they need, making it harder for them to navigate the app and resolve any issues they might encounter. This discrepancy between the expected and actual results clearly indicates a bug that needs to be addressed.

Significance of the Discrepancy

The difference between what we expect to see and what we actually see highlights the severity of the problem. The Concierge chat is a crucial part of the Expensify app, providing users with a direct line to support and assistance. When this feature fails to appear, it impacts the user's ability to get help and can diminish their overall experience with the app. This is why understanding the exact nature of this discrepancy is so important. It allows us to focus our efforts on the specific areas of the app that are causing the problem, leading to a more efficient and effective solution.

Workaround

So, what can we do in the meantime? Unfortunately, at this point, there's no known workaround for the Concierge chat display issue. This means that if you're encountering this problem, there isn't a quick fix or alternative method to access the Concierge chat. This lack of a workaround underscores the urgency of resolving the issue. Without a workaround, users are left without access to a critical support feature, which can significantly impact their ability to use the app effectively. This highlights the importance of finding a permanent solution as soon as possible.

The absence of a workaround can be particularly challenging for new users or those who are unfamiliar with the app. They might rely heavily on the Concierge chat for guidance and assistance, and without it, they could struggle to navigate the app and resolve any issues they encounter. This can lead to frustration and a negative user experience. Therefore, while we continue to investigate and work towards a solution, it's essential to emphasize the need for a fix that restores the Concierge chat functionality. Until then, users will have to manage without this key support feature, making it all the more critical to find a permanent resolution quickly.

Platforms Affected

Okay, let's talk about where this Concierge chat issue is popping up. It's super important to know which platforms are affected so we can focus our efforts and make sure we're covering all the bases. This helps us narrow down the scope of the problem and tailor our solutions accordingly. So, which platforms are we looking at? Let’s break it down and see where this bug is making its unwelcome appearance!

Affected Platforms:

  • iOS: App - This is the primary platform where the issue has been identified. Specifically, the problem occurs on the iOS app version 9.1.99-0. This means that users on iPhones and iPads are the ones currently experiencing the missing Concierge chat.

Unaffected Platforms (as per the report):

  • Android: App
  • Android: mWeb Chrome
  • iOS: mWeb Safari
  • iOS: mWeb Chrome
  • Windows: Chrome
  • MacOS: Chrome / Safari
  • MacOS: Desktop

Implications of Platform Specificity

The fact that this issue is primarily affecting the iOS app gives us some valuable clues. It suggests that the problem might be related to the specific code or configurations used in the iOS version of the app. This helps developers narrow down their search for the root cause and focus their efforts on the iOS-specific components. Understanding which platforms are not affected is equally important, as it helps to rule out any broader, cross-platform issues. This targeted approach can significantly speed up the debugging and resolution process. So, by knowing that the problem is isolated to the iOS app, we can streamline our efforts and work towards a fix that addresses the specific challenges of the iOS platform.

Screenshots/Videos

Visual aids can be super helpful, right? To give you an even clearer picture of what’s going on, there's a screenshot available that demonstrates the Concierge chat issue. This visual evidence can make it easier to understand the problem and see exactly how it manifests within the app. It's like seeing is believing, and in this case, the screenshot provides a tangible representation of the bug. Let's take a look at where you can find it and what it shows.

You can find the screenshot at this link: Screenshot/Video. The screenshot illustrates the absence of the Concierge chat in the Inbox, which is the core issue we’ve been discussing. By seeing this visual confirmation, you can better grasp the impact of the bug and understand why it’s so important to resolve.

How Screenshots Aid Understanding

Screenshots and videos are powerful tools when it comes to bug reporting and troubleshooting. They provide a clear and concise way to communicate the problem, eliminating any ambiguity that might arise from written descriptions alone. In this case, the screenshot serves as direct evidence of the missing Concierge chat, making it undeniable that there is an issue. This visual aid can be particularly helpful for developers who are trying to reproduce the bug or understand the context in which it occurs. By seeing the problem firsthand, they can more effectively diagnose the cause and develop a solution. So, take a look at the screenshot – it’s a valuable piece of the puzzle in our quest to fix this bug!

Conclusion

Alright guys, we've taken a deep dive into the Concierge chat issue on the Expensify iOS app. We’ve walked through the specifics of the bug, the steps to reproduce it, and the impact it has on users. We’ve seen that the Concierge chat isn't displaying for invited users, which can be a real headache, especially for those new to the app. We’ve also noted that there isn't a workaround at the moment, making it even more crucial to get this fixed. Understanding these details is super important for tackling this bug head-on and making sure everyone can get the support they need within Expensify. So, what’s next? Let's recap the key takeaways and look at the resources available for those who want to get involved in the solution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Concierge chat is not displaying in the Inbox for invited users on the iOS app (version 9.1.99-0).
  • This issue is reproducible in the staging environment but not in production.
  • There is currently no known workaround.
  • The problem affects users on iPhone and iPad devices running the Expensify iOS app.

Get Involved

If you're interested in helping to resolve this issue or contributing to Expensify in general, there are several ways to get involved. Check out the contributing guidelines for onboarding, and don't hesitate to email [email protected] to request to join the Slack channel. This is a great way to connect with the community and collaborate on solutions. Additionally, you can view all open jobs on GitHub to see if there are any roles that match your skills and interests. Remember, every contribution helps, and together, we can make Expensify even better! You can view all open jobs on GitHub here.