Answers without a treasure map.
Start with the everyday questions below. Account recovery is available from the sign-in page.
Do I need a barcode to add an ornament?
No. You can create a private ornament with its name, maker, year, and item number, then add one or more physical copies. A known barcode can make later scanning faster.
What does “You own 2” mean?
It means you have two physical ornaments for that design. Each copy can have its own condition, notes, storage box, and photographs.
What if the release year is unknown?
That is a valid state. BaubleStash keeps the physical copy as “Release unknown” instead of inventing a year or edition.
Can I use my own box labels?
Yes. A box label can be a printed BaubleStash QR label or any distinct scannable third-party code. Within one stash, a code belongs to one box.
Are my photos public?
No. Private photos are not published automatically. Free photos stay on the supported mobile device. Plus photos can be backed up privately. A catalog photo is published only when you explicitly select it for a contribution and a Librarian approves it.
Does the website show photos that exist only on my phone?
No. Device-local Free photos are not uploaded to the website. The web stash explains when a copy has no cloud-backed photo available.
Can I share my stash from the website?
Plus owners can invite family by email and choose View Only or Can Edit. Recipients see Shared with me. The backend checks every shared record and photo on each request.
Can I buy Plus on the website?
Where web payments are enabled, Account & Plus opens Stripe-hosted checkout and Plus activates only after Stripe confirms the subscription. Where they are not enabled, Plus is purchased through the Apple App Store or Google Play once those products are live. Your plan is always read from the server record.
Why can I not sign in right after registering?
New email and password accounts must open the single-use verification link sent to that address before any session is created. Open the newest link, or select Resend verification email. The link expires after 24 hours, and older links stop working when a new one is sent. Apple, Google, and Facebook accounts use the email already verified by that provider.
How do I recover my password?
Use the Forgot password link on the sign-in page. A one-time code is sent by email when recovery delivery is configured. Signing in with the new password revokes old sessions.
Is the mobile app in an app store yet?
Not as a public listing at this stage. The Android and iOS apps are still in acceptance testing. The footer names each app and its store with an “In development” label, and install links appear once those listings are live.