DHIS2 Android Capture App Guide
Setup · Data Entry · Sync — A step-by-step guide for field workers
What is the DHIS2 Capture App?
Works Offline
Collect data without an internet connection. Data is stored locally until you sync.
Event Programs
Supports DHIS2 tracker and event programs — designed for individual-level data collection.
Sync to Server
When connected, upload all saved records to the DHIS2 server in one batch.
Note: The Android Capture App replaces the old DHIS2 Data Entry mobile app. Always use DHIS2 Capture from the Google Play Store.
Adding the App: Install & Log In
- 1
Download from Google Play Store
Search "DHIS2 Capture" on the Google Play Store. The publisher is DHIS2. Tap Install.
- 2
Enter Server URL
Open the app and enter the server address: https://savedhis2.helloworldnepal.com
- 3
Enter Username & Password
Use the credentials provided by your administrator. Tap Log in.
- 4
Wait for Metadata Download
The first login downloads all programme forms and settings. This takes 1–3 minutes. Stay connected to the internet.
Using the Capture App: Home Screen & Selecting a Programme
- 1Home Screen — Programmes appear as cards on the home screen. Tap the one you need to begin.
- 2Select Organisation Unit — Choose your health facility or ward from the list.
- 3Select Event Date — The date defaults to today. Adjust if recording a past event.
- 4Tap "Add New Event" — Tap the + button to open a blank data entry form.
Filling & Saving the Form
✏️ Entering Data
- •Forms are divided into sections
- •Mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk *
- •Option fields use drop-down menus or radio buttons
- •Date fields open a calendar picker
- •Yes/No fields use toggle switches
💾 Saving & Status
- •Tap Save at the bottom to save locally on your phone
- •Incomplete events are marked INCOMPLETE
- •Completed events are marked COMPLETE
- •You can reopen and edit a record before syncing
- •Delete a record 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.
Sync Configuration
How to open Sync Settings: Tap Menu ☰ → Settings → Sync settings
Downloads updated programme forms and configurations from the server.
Uploads saved events to the server. Manual is recommended for field use.
Prevents data sync over mobile data to save costs.
Recommended Configuration
Metadata Sync: Weekly
- • Run manually after form changes
- • Menu → Settings → Sync settings → Sync metadata now
- • Requires internet connection
- • Completes in under 2 minutes
Data Sync: Manual
- • Sync at the end of each day
- • All events upload in a single batch
- • Failed records show an error icon
- • Correct errors and re-sync
Best practice: Set data sync to Manual and sync at the end of each working day when connected to Wi-Fi.
How to Sync Data
Slide 15
- 1
Connect to Internet
Use Wi-Fi wherever possible. Mobile data works but may be slow for large uploads.
- 2
Open the Sync Menu
Tap ☰ Menu → Sync icon 🔄, or go to Settings → Sync settings → Sync data now.
- 3
Wait for Upload to Complete
Keep the app open while syncing. Do not close or switch away.
- 4
Check for Errors
Red ⚠️ icons indicate failed records. Tap the icon to see the error message, correct the data, and re-sync.
Sync Status Icons
Successfully uploaded. Record is now visible on web dashboards and reports.
Saved locally on your device. Waiting to be uploaded to the server.
Upload failed. Tap the icon to view the error message, fix the data, and re-sync.
Upload is in progress. Keep the app open and do not navigate away.
Granular Sync Options
Sync All
Uploads all pending events across every programme in one go.
Sync by Programme
Long-press a programme on the home screen → tap ⋮ → Sync.
Sync Single Event
Open an event → tap ⋮ → Sync. Uploads only that record.
Tip: After an admin updates a programme form, always run Metadata Sync first before collecting new data.
Common Issues & Fixes
"Cannot connect to server"
Check your internet connection. Confirm the server URL is exactly https://savedhis2.helloworldnepal.com with no trailing slash.
"You don't have access to any programme"
Contact your administrator to add your account to the correct user group for your programme.
Form looks different / missing fields
The programme form was updated. Go to Settings → Sync settings → Sync metadata now to download the latest version.
App is very slow or crashing
Clear the app cache: Android Settings → Apps → DHIS2 Capture → Clear cache. Then re-login and run a metadata sync.
Daily Workflow Summary
Remember: Data stays on your phone until you sync. Sync every day to avoid data loss.
Resources & Links
Quick access to tools you need
Hello World Nepal · Health Informatics Training Series