FAQ – RE-BUILD-ME App

Answers to common questions about the app, the framework, and why it is free.

Is RE-BUILD-ME really free?

Yes. Completely. No subscriptions. No in-app purchases. No ads. I built it for myself, and I wanted it to be available to anyone who needs it. That will never change.

Does RE-BUILD-ME work without internet?

Yes. The app works entirely offline. Everything you write stays on your device. There is no cloud sync, no accounts, and no data collection. You only need an internet connection if you choose to export your data or use the AI Companion (which requires iOS 26+ and Apple Intelligence).

Is my data private?

Yes. RE-BUILD-ME does not send your data to any server. Your journal entries are stored only on your device.

However, if you have iCloud Backup enabled on your iPhone, Apple will include a copy of your app data in your iCloud backup as part of your overall phone backup. That is an Apple system feature, not something RE-BUILD-ME controls. You can disable backup for this app in your iPhone settings (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Manage Storage → Backups → [Your iPhone] → turn off RE-BUILD-ME).

No one at RE-BUILD-ME can access your data. Ever.

Do I need to create an account?

No. There are no accounts. You download the app, set a passcode or Face ID if you want, and start writing.

What makes RE-BUILD-ME different from other journaling apps?

Three things:

  1. It is completely free. No subscriptions. No ads. No tracking.

  2. It is private by design. No accounts. No cloud sync. Your data stays on your device.

  3. It has a failsafe. If you cannot do your full goal, you can scale down to an easy version (child's pose, a micro lecture, one small action). Something is always better than nothing.

Most journaling apps punish you for missing days. RE-BUILD-ME gives you permission to rest and try again.

What is the RE-BUILD-ME framework?

It is a daily reset system based on seven principles:

  • Rebuild Everyday – consistency, no matter what

  • Breathe – the failsafe, the action that you do when you feel you cannot act 

  • Understand – reflection without judgment

  • Improve – small gains, one percent at a time

  • Learn – neuroplasticity, absorbing what works

  • Do – action before motivation

  • ME – the reminder that this is your rebuild, your rhythm, your pace

The core loop is: Action → Evidence → Belief → Identity.

Can therapists use RE-BUILD-ME with clients?

Yes. Many therapists already recommend journaling and daily reflections to their clients. RE-BUILD-ME provides a structured framework with daily check-ins, a failsafe for hard days, and the 'friend technique' from CBT. The export feature produces PDFs that clients can email to their therapist. I am not a therapist, but the app is designed to support therapeutic work.

What is the AI Companion?

An optional feature (iOS 26+ only) that uses on‑device Apple Intelligence to provide encouragement and weekly summaries. No data leaves your device. You can turn it off at any time.

Will there be a paid version?

I am working on a separate app – RE-BUILD-ME Pro – which will include an advanced AI Reflective Companion. The free app will always remain free, fully featured, and will never show ads. The paid app is for people who want extra features and want to support ongoing development.

How do I export my data?

Go to Settings in the app and choose Export. You can export as CSV, PDF, or JSON. The file is saved to your device. You can then email it, print it, or store it securely.

What if I forget my passcode?

RE-BUILD-ME does not store your passcode anywhere. If you forget it, you will need to delete and reinstall the app. Your journal entries will be lost unless you have exported them. This is a trade-off for privacy – no passcode recovery means no backdoor for anyone else.

Who built RE-BUILD-ME?

I did. My name is Justin Tee (a pseudonym). I built the app because I needed it myself – after a car accident, PTSD, depression, and medication side effects. The blog is where I write honestly about what worked, what did not, and how I am still rebuilding.

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