Installing the KnotWise iPad app

Modified on Tue, 28 Jul at 11:09 PM

KnotWise for iPad is a native app from the App Store, not a browser shortcut. It keeps your logbook on the device and runs without a connection once you have signed in — exactly like the desktop apps.

What you need

  • An iPad with iPadOS 16 or later
  • An Apple Account, to download from the App Store
  • A KnotWise account — the Free plan is enough to start

Installing

  1. Open the App Store on your iPad.
  2. Search for KnotWise and tap Get.
  3. Open KnotWise and enter your email address.
  4. Enter the one-time code sent to that address. This first sign-in needs an internet connection.

Your logbook is now on the iPad. On the Sync and Share plans it synchronises with your other devices by itself.

What differs from the desktop app

  • No NMEA. Reading a chart plotter or GPS receiver over NMEA 0183 requires the desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux). The iPad app does not read NMEA streams.
  • Subscriptions are bought through the App Store, so Apple handles billing, invoices and refunds. What that means in practice: Managing your subscription.

Everything else is the same, offline behaviour included — see Offline mode — how KnotWise works at sea.

On iPhone

The app is built for iPad only. On iPhone, open log.knotwise.app in Safari and add it to the home screen — see Installing KnotWise on iPhone and Android. Note that the home-screen version needs a trial or a paid plan; the iPad app itself works on the Free plan.

Last updated: 28 July 2026

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