Email support
Include your ChowGuide version, iOS version, what you expected, and what happened. Never send your Apple Account password or full payment-card details.
cnguoxiuyu@gmail.comFrequently asked questions
Does ChowGuide upload my menu photo?
No. In the current version, menu photos and recognized text are processed on your iPhone using Apple system technology. They are not uploaded to ChowGuide or a purchase service. Clear the scan when you are finished.
Why does ChowGuide request camera access?
Camera access lets you photograph a Chinese menu for on-device recognition. Apple’s photo picker lets you choose one existing image without giving ChowGuide broad library access. Browsing the dish guide does not require either option.
What if ChowGuide recognizes the wrong dish?
Edit the recognized line, choose a different match, search manually, or remove the result. Always compare the suggestion with the printed menu. Not sure is better than wrong.
Can I rely on ChowGuide for allergies?
No. ChowGuide cannot verify ingredients or cross-contact. Always tell restaurant staff about every allergy and ask them to confirm ingredients and shared equipment directly.
Are nutrition values exact?
No. They are practical estimates based on typical dishes and servings. Recipes and portions vary, and ChowGuide is not medical or nutritional advice.
Do I need an account or cloud sync?
No account is required. Meals and preferences stay local and do not sync between iPhones. App Store purchases can be restored separately with the Apple Account used to buy them.
How do I delete my information?
Delete individual meals from Food Log, clear the active Scan, or open Me and choose Delete All Local Data. Deleting local data or the app does not cancel an App Store subscription.
What stays free?
The full dish catalog, menu scanning, dish translation and selection, ordering scripts, allergy confirmation, staff display, and food logging remain free. Plus adds preference-aware offline suggestions and one new editor-built table guide each month.
Do fresh table guides upload my dining information?
No. ChowGuide downloads a small public guide file and caches valid guide text on your iPhone. The request does not include your menu, recognized text, food log, preferences, restaurant, notes, purchase identifier, or purchase status.
Who can receive the seven-day trial?
Only people for whom the annual trial is displayed and whose Apple Account Apple confirms as eligible. Availability varies by account and storefront.
Is ChowGuide available in China mainland?
No. ChowGuide and its monthly, annual, and lifetime purchases are not offered in the China mainland App Store. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan use separate storefronts and remain supported.
How do I restore, manage, or cancel a purchase?
For a missing purchase, open ChowGuide → Me → View Plus Plans → Restore Purchases. To manage or cancel, open iOS Settings → your name → Subscriptions → ChowGuide. Deleting the app does not cancel billing.
How do I request a refund?
Apple handles App Store billing and refund decisions. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com and sign in with the Apple Account used for the purchase.
How can I get a clearer scan?
Photograph one menu section at a time, keep the camera parallel to the page, avoid glare, and make sure the Chinese text fills the frame.