Set up cloud sync for Kharcha

You create your own free Firebase project (Google's app database), so your expenses are stored in your Google account — not with anyone else. Takes about 10 minutes, easiest on a computer.

1. Create a Firebase project

   • Go to console.firebase.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
   • Tap Create a project, name it (for example kharcha-viqas) and continue.
   • Google Analytics is not needed — you can switch it off. Finish creating the project.

2. Turn on email sign-in

   • In the left menu open Security → Authentication and tap Get started.
   • On the Sign-in method tab choose Email/Password, switch on the first toggle only, and Save.

3. Create the database

   • Open Databases & Storage → Firestore and tap Create database (Standard edition if asked). Keep the Database ID as (default).
   • Location: for example nam5 (United States) or asia-south1 (Mumbai). This can't be changed later.
   • Choose Start in production mode and create it.

4. Lock the database to your account

   • In Firestore open the Rules tab, delete what's there, paste the rules below, and tap Publish.

   rules_version = '2';
   service cloud.firestore {
     match /databases/{database}/documents {
       match /users/{userId}/{document=**} {
         allow read, write: if request.auth != null
                            && request.auth.uid == userId;
       }
     }
   }

   Copy rules

5. Copy your app's config

   • On Project Overview tap + Add app and choose the web icon </> (or: Settings → Project settings → Your apps).
   • Give it the nickname Kharcha, leave Hosting unticked, and tap Register app.
   • Copy the whole block that starts with const firebaseConfig = { and ends with };. Send it to your phone (e.g. WhatsApp to yourself) if you're on a computer.
   This config is not a password — it only tells Kharcha which project to talk to. Your data is protected by your sign-in and the rules from step 4.

6. Connect Kharcha

   • In Kharcha go to Settings → Cloud sync → Connect Firebase, paste the config and tap Save & continue.
   • First time: enter your email and a password and tap Create account. This is a Kharcha-only password — it doesn't have to match your Gmail password.
   • Kharcha uploads everything already on the phone. The cloud icon at the top turns green when it's synced.
   • On a new phone or a second device: open your Kharcha link, connect with the same config, and tap Sign in. Your expenses, categories and budgets come down automatically.