Knot IQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hey there, knot enthusiast! I'm DJ, the guy behind Knot IQ at The Bear Essentials Outdoors Co. This app's all about making knot-tying as straightforward and fun as a day on the trail. The app is now 280+ knots strong, in 7 languages, with updates rolling out every couple of weeks.
Got a question? Dive in below—I've pulled together the most common ones based on feedback from folks like you. If it's not here, hit me up at app@thebearessentials.com.
Account & Device
How do I get the app on another device?
- iOS: Sign in with the same Apple ID on the other device. Open the App Store, search for Knot IQ, and download it. Your progress and any downloaded 3D knots will sync automatically if they were purchased through the same Apple ID.
- Android: Sign in with the same Google account on the other device. Open the Play Store, search for Knot IQ, and download it. All previously purchased or downloaded 3D knots will be available under that account.
How do I share Knot IQ with my family for free (Family Sharing)?
- iOS: Settings → Your Name → Family Sharing → Add Member → Follow prompts. Once they accept, Knot IQ will be available automatically.
- Android: Play Store → Profile → Settings → Family → Sign up for Family Library → Add members. Knot IQ will then be available to family members linked to your Google account.
Can I use the same account on iOS and Android?
No. Knot IQ accounts are platform-specific, and progress, downloaded 3D knots, or purchases will not transfer between iOS and Android devices.
Can I move my purchase from Android to iPhone (or vice versa)?
Unfortunately no — Apple and Google run separate stores, so purchases can't transfer between iOS and Android (and I can't see or refund store orders on my end).
Best option:
- Request a refund from the original store (mention the developer approved it)
- Re-buy on your new platform
Same-platform moves work fine (Android → Android, iOS → iOS) — just sign in with the same account.
App Navigation & Features
Does landscape view work on iPad / tablet?
No. Knot IQ currently supports only portrait/vertical mode. Landscape or horizontal view is not available on any device.
What do the arrows do on the Knot Page?
The arrows navigate through knots in your selected category:
- The right arrow moves to the next knot in the current list.
- The left arrow moves to the previous knot.
Example: If you are viewing Anchor Knots, the right arrow will take you to the next Anchor Knot, and the left arrow will go back to the previous one.
What is Animation Loop?
Animation Loop automatically repeats the knot animation. Press play, place your phone down, and the animation will restart when it reaches the end. This allows you to watch and follow along without having to manually replay it.
The rope colours aren’t changing – why?
Rope colour changes are only available for the 3D knot downloads. The standard stop-motion images in the base app do not support colour changes.
I can’t see the EXIT button on Android – what should I do?
Some older Android devices require the app to run in non-fullscreen mode. Go to Settings → Fullscreen Mode within the app and adjust or uncheck the fullscreen option. This will make the Exit/back buttons visible.
Can I organize my own knot lists?
Yes — save favourites or build your own custom lists. As of version 3.6:
- Drag to reorder knots within a list
- Drag to reorder the lists themselves
- Swipe to quick-remove a knot — no edit mode needed
What is the ABOK number on each knot?
ABOK = The Ashley Book of Knots (1944) — the definitive knot reference:
- Catalogs 3,800+ knots, each with its own number
- The universal "ID" for any knot — handy with other knot enthusiasts and reference guides
- You can search Knot IQ directly by ABOK number
Is there a left-handed mode?
Yes! Go to Settings → Left-Handed Mode and every animation mirrors for left-handed tying.
Content & Loading Issues
The Categories aren’t loading properly
When you first download Knot IQ, the app needs to cache all information in the background. During this time:
- Categories may appear unsorted
- Search may not work
Solution: Leave the app open on Wi-Fi for a few minutes. Once background caching is complete, all categories and search functions will work properly.
Search isn’t working
Search depends on the same background caching process. If search doesn’t work immediately after download, keep the app open on Wi-Fi for a few minutes and it should begin working automatically.
No knots are showing
If no knots appear at all, it may be due to a cache issue from older versions of the app.
- This is a known problem for users with the original version of Knot IQ (pre-July 2025).
Solution: Delete the app and redownload it. This clears old cache data and restores normal functionality.
The app is freezing / lagging / showing the wrong knot's info
This is almost always first-launch caching, not a bug. After install or a big update, the app downloads knot content, images, and 3D models in the background.
The fix:
- Open the app on Wi-Fi
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes
- Don't force-quit or reinstall — that restarts the download
3D Downloads & Storage
How do I download all the 3D knots at once?
Go to Settings → 3D Downloads — there's a download-all option (plus a per-category "Download All").
- The full 3D library is a few GB — use good Wi-Fi
- Base animations work offline without any 3D downloads
An update reworked some knots — how do I refresh my downloads?
As of version 3.6, it's one tap:
- Settings → 3D Downloads → Refresh All — updates every downloaded knot
- Single knot: tap its 3D button to remove, then tap again for a fresh copy
A knot's animation plays once and won't replay
Two quick fixes:
- Re-download that knot's 3D model — tap the 3D button off, then on again
- Turn on Settings → Animation Loop as a workaround
A permanent fix shipped in version 3.6.
Support & Feedback
How do I suggest new knots?
Menu → Contact Us → Suggest a Knot. Fill out the form with your knot idea, and it will be considered for future updates.
How do I report a bug?
Menu → Contact Us → Report a Bug. Include details about the issue, your device, and your operating system to help the team identify and fix it faster.
Offline & Usage
Does Knot IQ work offline?
Yes. Once the base app (stop-motion images) and any selected 3D knots are downloaded, Knot IQ works completely offline. You do not need Wi-Fi to view or interact with knots after the initial download.
Is there a way to help find what knots to use?
Yes — three easy ways:
- KnotFINDER — tell it the job, it shows you the right knots
- Search — by name, category, type, or ABOK number
- Compare — pros & cons listed side-by-side on similar knots
Are there any upgrades or subscriptions?
No. Knot IQ is a one-time purchase, giving you full access to all current and future features included at no additional cost.
Does Knot IQ collect data?
No. Knot IQ does not collect any personal data from users.
Future & Updates
Are there multiple languages?
Yes! Knot IQ now supports 7 languages:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Italian
- Filipino
- Polish
Switching is instant, right in the app — and more are on the way.
Spot a translation that looks off? Email me and I'll get it fixed.
Will landscape view or more customization options be added?
Future updates may include landscape mode and additional customization options such as rope colours for standard knots. Keep your app updated to access new features as they are released.
How often is the app updated?
We try to update Knot IQ every two weeks, adding new knots, bug fixes, and improvements. Every email I receive is personally read, and user suggestions are incorporated into the app whenever possible.
Is there a PC or web version?
Not yet — Knot IQ is iOS and Android for now.
A web version that honours your existing purchase is on the radar.
Download Knot IQ Today
