Field Guide

DHIS2 Android Capture App

Setup · Data Entry · Sync — A step-by-step guide for field workers

📱 Android

DHIS2 v2.42

Save the Children Nepal

What is the DHIS2 Capture App?

📴

Works Offline

Collect data in areas with no internet. Data is stored locally until you sync.

📋

Event Programs

Fill forms for all 9 Capture programmes — PPAs, HFs Readiness, FP Simulation, and more.

🔄

Sync to Server

When connected, push your data to savedhis2.helloworldnepal.com with one tap.

Note: The Android Capture App replaces the old DHIS2 Data Entry mobile app. Always use DHIS2 Capture from the Google Play Store.

01

Adding the App

Install and connect the app to the Save the Children DHIS2 server

Step 1 — Install & Log In

1

Download from Google Play Store

Search for "DHIS2 Capture" — publisher is DHIS2. Install the app (free).

2

Enter the Server URL

When the app opens, type the server address: https://savedhis2.helloworldnepal.com

3

Enter Your Username & Password

Use the credentials provided to you by your administrator. Tap Log in.

4

Wait for Metadata Download

On first login the app downloads all programs and forms. This takes 1–3 minutes — stay connected to internet.

02

Using the Capture App

Selecting a programme, registering an event, and completing a form

Home Screen — Selecting a Programme

🏠

Home Screen

All programmes assigned to your account appear as cards. Tap the programme you need — e.g. PPAs service experience tools or FP Simulation HFs.

🏥

Select Organisation Unit

Choose the health facility or ward where data is being collected. You will only see org units assigned to your account.

📅

Select Event Date

Pick the date the service or activity occurred. The app defaults to today's date.

➕

Tap "Add New Event"

Tap the + button to open a blank form for that programme.

Filling & Saving the Form

📝 Entering Data

Forms are divided into sections — swipe or scroll through each one
Mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk *
Option fields show a drop-down or radio buttons — no free text
Date fields open a calendar picker
Yes/No fields use toggle switches

💾 Saving & Status

Tap Save at the bottom to save the event locally
Incomplete events are marked INCOMPLETE
Completed events are marked COMPLETE
You can reopen and edit any saved event before syncing
Delete an event by long-pressing it in the event list

Important: Data saved in the app is stored only on your phone until you sync. If you clear the app or lose the device before syncing, the data will be lost.

03

Sync Configuration

Setting up how and when the app syncs with the server

Sync Settings Overview

⚙️

How to open Settings

Tap the ☰ Menu (top-left) → tap Settings → tap Sync settings.

📊

Metadata Sync

Downloads program forms and configurations from the server. Set to Daily or Weekly. Run manually after any programme changes.

📤

Data Sync

Uploads saved events to the server. Can be set to Every 15 min / 1 h / 6 h / 24 h / Manual. For field contexts, Manual is recommended.

📶

Sync only on Wi-Fi

Toggle "Sync only on Wi-Fi" ON to avoid using mobile data when syncing large amounts of data.

Recommended Sync Configuration

🌐 Metadata Sync

Frequency: Weekly (every 7 days)
Run manually immediately after admin makes form changes
Menu → Settings → Sync settings → Sync metadata now
Requires internet connection
Usually completes in under 2 minutes

📤 Data Sync

Frequency: Manual (field workers sync at end of day)
Sync when you return to area with Wi-Fi or good mobile data
All completed events upload in one batch
Failed records show an error icon — review and re-sync
Max events per sync: configurable by admin

Best practice: Set data sync to Manual and sync at the end of each working day when connected to Wi-Fi. This avoids partial uploads on poor connections.

04

Syncing Data

Uploading your collected events to the DHIS2 server

How to Sync Data

1

Connect to Internet

Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection before syncing.

2

Open the Sync Menu

Tap ☰ Menu → tap the Sync icon (🔄) or go to Settings → Sync settings → Sync data now.

3

Wait for Upload to Complete

A progress indicator shows the upload status. Do not close the app or switch off the screen until it finishes.

4

Check for Errors

Events with a ⚠️ red sync icon failed to upload. Tap the event to see the error message, correct the data, and sync again.

Sync Status Icons

✅

Synced (green checkmark)

Event has been successfully uploaded to the server. It is now visible in the DHIS2 web dashboards.

🕐

Pending sync (grey clock)

Event is saved locally and waiting to be uploaded. Connect to internet and sync to clear this.

⚠️

Sync error (red icon)

Upload failed. Common causes: mandatory field empty, invalid value, or server unreachable. Tap to view the error details and fix the record.

🔄

Syncing (spinning icon)

Sync is currently in progress. Do not close the app. Wait for it to complete.

Granular Sync Options

📱

Sync All

Syncs all pending events across all programmes at once. Use from the main menu sync button.

📋

Sync by Programme

Open a programme → tap ⋮ More options → Sync to upload only events for that programme.

📄

Sync Single Event

Open an event → tap ⋮ → Sync to upload just that one record. Useful for re-syncing a failed event.

Tip: After the admin updates a programme form, always run Metadata Sync first before collecting new data — otherwise your app may be using outdated fields.

Common Issues & Fixes

🔒

"Cannot connect to server"

Check internet connection. Confirm URL is exactly https://savedhis2.helloworldnepal.com — no trailing slash.

🚫

"You don't have access to any programme"

Your user account has not been assigned to a programme group. Contact your admin to add you to the correct user group.

🔄

Form looks different / missing fields

The programme was updated on the server. Go to Settings → Sync settings → Sync metadata now to download the latest form.

📵

App is very slow or crashing

Clear the app cache (Android Settings → Apps → DHIS2 Capture → Clear cache). Then re-login and run metadata sync.

Daily Workflow Summary

🌅

Start of Day

Open app, confirm you can see your programmes. Sync metadata if any updates expected.

→

📋

Collect Data

Select programme → org unit → date → fill form → Save. Repeat for each event.

→

📶

Connect to Wi-Fi

Return to area with reliable internet at end of field work.

→

🔄

Sync Data

Menu → Sync. Wait for all icons to turn green. Check for any errors.

→

✅

Confirm Upload

All events show green checkmark. Data is now live on the server dashboards.

Remember: Data stays on your phone until you sync. Sync every day to avoid data loss.

You're ready to go! 🎉

Install → Log in → Collect → Sync → Done

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