Troubleshooting

Reading photos is the one part of Catchall that depends on something outside your device. Almost every problem below is about that - and in every case, the rest of the app keeps working: you can still browse, search and edit your collections, sync over iCloud, and export your data.

Messages you might see when starting a capture

"This device can't create records"

Reading photos needs Apple Intelligence, which this device doesn't support. Everything else in Catchall works normally - including collections synced from your other devices.

"Apple Intelligence is still setting up"

Apple Intelligence hasn't finished getting ready on this device. This usually takes a few minutes, and the message closes by itself as soon as capture is ready. Check that Apple Intelligence is turned on in Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri.

"You've used this period's allowance"

Reading photos uses an Apple Intelligence allowance that comes with your Apple account, and this period's is spent. It refreshes on its own - the message says when. If Apple offers a way to raise your limit, a Get More from Apple button appears.

Until then, you can take photos and save them for later.

"Capture isn't available right now"

Catchall couldn't reach the model that reads your photos, and shows the reason the system gave. Try again later, and check for an iOS update. If it persists, contact support and quote the reason shown.

Messages you might see while reading

No Connection

Reading photos happens on Apple's secure servers, so it needs a connection. Your photos are still there - try again when you're connected, or save them for later.

Too Many Photos at Once

Catchall reads every photo in a batch in one pass, and this batch was more than it could take in. Go back and try three or four at a time - you can add the rest to the same collection afterwards.

Too Much Text to Read at Once

The photo has more writing on it than Catchall can take in one pass - a full menu or a dense page of print often will. Photograph it in parts, a section or a column at a time, and add each to the same collection.

Too Quick in a Row

Catchall read several batches in quick succession and has been asked to slow down. Wait a few minutes and try again - the message says roughly how long.

The service isn't responding

The service that reads photos isn't responding right now. Nothing is wrong with your photos, and trying again in a few minutes usually works.

"Nothing could be read from these photos"

Catchall couldn't find anything to make records from. Try adjusting the outlines, or start again with clearer photos - good light, the subject filling the frame, text straight on.