FAQ

What is Hobnob?

Hobnob is THE best way to get together with the people you care about most.

Planning something? Send a stunning invite via text message or email with the iPhone or Android app. Your guests can RSVP simply by replying to your text message or email, or can visit the web invite to get instant directions, details, upload photos and more - no app required! With the app, you can chat with your guests, collect RSVPs, manage photos, and send instant text updates.

Need to organize a group? Effortlessly create and organize a group to make it easier to keep in touch and make future plans. Only people in the group can see all events and photos shared by the group, kind of like it’s own mini social network.

Hobnob - Do stuff in real life.

How do I use Hobnob?

First, search for Hobnob on the iOS or Android app store or click here. Once you've installed Hobnob, get started by creating a new invite or group. To create an invite, add details about your event and select a design (or upload your own). Once you're happy with your design, select your guests and send the invite by text message or email. Your guests will start RSVPing soon after receiving their invite, and you'll be well on your way to hosting a great party! To create a group, pick who you want to be in the group, then name it, and add a group photo to start chatting!

Can I send my invites by text message using Hobnob?

Yes! With Hobnob, you can choose to send your invitations by either text message or email. People who you invite via text message will receive a text message with your invitation design, your event name, and a link to your web invite. They can simply reply "Yes" to their text message, or click through to visit the web invite to get more details and RSVP. It's that simple!

Can I send my invites by email using Hobnob?

Yes! With Hobnob, you can choose to send your invitations by either text message or email. People who you invite via email will receive an email with your invitation design, your event details, and all of the other information they need to RSVP. They can simply reply "Yes" to their invitation, or click through from the email to visit the web invite to get more details and RSVP. Easy!

Can I use Hobnob for my business?

Absolutely! Businesses across the country use Hobnob for their event needs - both big and small. Hobnob has a wide variety of features that make creating and managing business events hassle-free. Some of our popular business features include texting a hashtag to RSVP, easily exporting a guest list and sending more than 1,000 invites per month. Contact us at business@hobnob.io so we can help you get started.

How do I earn free invites?

Earn 5 free invites for every friend that joins Hobnob from your link. If 10 friends join, that's 50 free invites! Each friend that joins will get 5 free invites too! You can refer friends to Hobnob from your main app settings. Open your app to the Home tab, tap on the circular icon in the upper right hand corner to access your settings and tap on Free Invites.

How do I create a group?

Tap on the main plus to see the option to create a new group. First, select the people you want to add to the group from your contact list or from previous guest lists. Then, name your group and add a photo. Now you can chat, see event history and easily invite the whole group to a new event!

How do I edit the group info?

You can edit the group name and photo by tapping on the more icon (three dots) on the top right of the group profile. Select Edit Group Info to start editing. Make your changes, then tap save. Anyone in the group can edit the group info at any time.

How do I add more people to a group?

Anyone can add more people to the group from the members tab of the group profile. Tap Add More People to add people from your phone contacts, Hobnob connections or previous guest lists.

How do I remove someone from the group?

You can remove a current group member by swiping left (iPhone) or long pressing (Android) on the group member’s name from the members tab of the group profile. Then you will see the option to remove someone from the group. They will receive a notification that they were removed and will no longer be able to access the group profile or chat.

How do I leave a group?

You can leave a group by tapping the more icon (three dots) on the top right of the group profile. Then you will see the option to leave the group. Once you leave a group you will no longer be able to view the group profile, chat or be invited to future events.

What is a Community?

A Hobnob Community is a lot like having your very own app for your group. You can create a branded community where you can chat with your members, feature important announcements or links, invite them to events, and share photos.

How is a Community different from a Group?

How do I join a Community?

Currently, all communities are private and you can only join a community you are invited to.

How do I create a community cover image?

Enter in your Community Name and tap next. Then select an font for your community name. You can choose from a variety of solid and gradient colored overlays and adjust the opacity. To add your own photo as the background, tap the camera icon and select a photo from your camera roll.

How do I upload a completely custom cover image?

First create a community cover image that is 2560 x 1440px. All main text, logos and primary subject matter should be centered within the center of the graphic (approximately 1282 x 896px). Save this image to your phone’s camera roll. Then open up the community cover image creator and tap the camera icon. Select your design and crop and scale if necessary. Then select “None” from the font list and the blank overlay option.

Can I send invites through text and email?

Yes! You can choose the best way to invite each contact. Select any mobile number or email that you have saved in your address book to invite them to an event.

Why are text invites not sent from my number?

Guests added from the main add guests screen will get a text from Hobnob’s shortcode number (462 662). This allows guests to just reply to the text with “Yes” or “No” to RSVP and we keep track of all of the RSVPs for you. We can understand your concern that your guests may not recognize the number, which is why we make sure to include the host's name on the invite so your guests immediately know who it is from.

What happens when a guest replies to the text or email invite?

If a guest responds to the text they receive with an answer that is not an RSVP we forward that message to the host as a private message.

If I have already invited guests and I invite more guests will my original guests receive the invite again?

No, guests will only receive the invite when they are first added to an invite. Once added, they will not receive the invite again if you add more guests.

Can Hobnob be used to send invites to international numbers?

Currently, Hobnob is only available in the United States and Canada.

Why don’t I see all my contacts on my Android phone?

You may have a filter on your contacts. To turn off the filter:

1. Go into your Contacts app and press the menu button in the top left
2. Press “Display Options”
3. Select the gmail account that your contacts are being synced with, and make sure all groups have check marks. That will turn off all filters.

On Samsung devices it’s a little different:

1. Go to: More > Settings > Contacts to Display
2. Your settings should be set to “All contacts”
3. Or use “Customized list” and turn on all the options to enable more contacts to be visible from within the app

If you’ve followed the above and you’re still not seeing some contacts, try tapping the "Customize" section in the "Contacts to Display" screen and then toggling all the groups on. Some Android devices still use the settings in the "Customize" section even though the "All Contacts" option has been selected.

Why are my invites not sending?

First, make sure you have the most current version of the app installed. Next, make sure you have enough invite credits available to send. Check your main app settings to see how many invites you currently have. If you're still having trouble, send us an email at help@hobnob.io. Please include the name of your event and your phone number in your email.

What kinds of designs can I choose with Hobnob?

Hobnob includes diverse designs that suit many different event types, and that look stunning when sent through text message, email, or even shared on social media. Hobnob has a variety of invite designs that are great for inviting your friends to birthdays, BBQs, bachelorette parties, book clubs, and everything in between!

Can I use my own design with Hobnob?

Yes, absolutely! While Hobnob includes many designs you'll love, sometimes you have a design of your own in mind. With the Hobnob app, you can upload your own design to use as an invitation. Whether you choose one of the built-in designs or upload your own design, you can be sure your guests will say ‘wow!’ when they're invited!

What is the best format for a custom flyer design?

When creating a custom flyer we suggest 1242 x 2208 pixels (an aspect ratio of 9:16) for optimal viewing on mobile devices. See our custom flyer tips.

What if my location doesn't show up when searching Google Places?

If your location name doesn't match any locations returned by the Google Places search within the app, you can enter your own custom location name to use instead. This type of location won't include a map on your invite.

How do I cancel an event?

To cancel an event, we recommend first sending an event update. Open your invite in the app, go to Event Details and Updates section and on the bottom you'll see a text field where you can enter a message. Type your message that you are cancelling the event and when you tap "Send" you can choose who to send it to based on their RSVP. Your guests will then get this message via text. Finally, we recommend also deleting the event so your guests do not receive any more auto-reminders.

How do I delete an invite?

Open the invites tab in the app and scroll to find your invite. If you are the host, tap the more icon (three dots) on the invite to see the option to delete an invite. This will delete all photos, chat messages and details associated with this event. Co-hosts and guests do not have the option to delete invites.

How do I edit the flyer design?

To edit the flyer design, open your event by tapping on the flyer image from the Events tab. Then tap the circular edit icon on the bottom left hand corner. Select “Edit Flyer”, make your changes and tap “Update” in the upper right hand corner to save your new design.

How do I edit my event name?

If you need to change your event name, open your event by tapping on the flyer image from the Events tab. Then tap the circular edit icon on the bottom left hand corner. Then select “Edit Event Name”, make your changes and tap “Update” in the upper right hand corner to save.

How do I edit the event details?

To make changes to your event details, open your event by tapping on the flyer image from the Events tab. Scroll down to the first section titled “Event Details & Updates”, here you can make changes to your event description, add a custom host name, add or edit a link and send an event update.

How do I edit the date and time?

To edit the date or time of your event, open your event by tapping on the flyer image from the Events tab. Then tap on the row that shows the current date and time. Make your changes and tap “Save” in the upper right hand corner. Guests will NOT be automatically notified of the change, we recommend using the Event Update feature if you want guests to know of the change. The web invite and all new guests invited will see the updated date and time.

How do I edit the location?

To edit the location of your event, open your event by tapping on the flyer image from the Events tab. Then tap on the row that shows the current location. Make your changes and tap “Save” in the upper right hand corner. Guests will NOT be automatically notified of the change, we recommend using the Event Update feature if you want guests to know of the change. The web invite and all new guests invited will see the updated location.

How do I add guests?

There are several ways you can invite guests. 1. On the Add Guests screen, select people from your contacts or manually input phone numbers or email addresses 2. By tapping the share icon after you create the invite.

We recommend inviting guests through option 1 because these guests will immediately show up on your guest list and they will get auto-reminders. When guests are invited via option 2, they need to RSVP to show up on the guest list because this uses apps outside of Hobnob to invite (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) There is no way for us to track these invites until they respond.

How do I delete a guest?

To delete a guest on iPhone, tap on their name on the guest list to see the option to delete. On Android, long tap on the guest’s name to see the option to remove the guest. Guests will not be notified that they have been deleted.

Can I hide my guest list?

Yes, if you go to the event in the app (from the My Invites screen, tap your event), scroll down to the bottom and you'll see a section called "Event Settings". There, under Host Preferences, you'll see an option to turn off Guest List. You can re-enable it at any time.

How do I change my guest's RSVP?

As the host, you can change your guest’s RSVP from the guest list. Tap (iPhone), or long tap (Android) on the Y, N or ? icon next to your guest’s name to see options to change their RSVP.

How do I download my guest list?

As the host, you can download your guest list. Open your invite to the guest list and tap the download icon (down arrow) to see options of where to send your file (ie. email it to yourself). The guest list will be exported as a file and can be opened with Microsoft Excel or Google Docs.

What do the colored circles with initials mean?

If a user has not yet uploaded a photo, we automatically generate an avatar for them with a colored background and their initials. The color is selected randomly from 5 pre-selected colors.

What does the colored circle around someone's photo mean?

If you see a teal circle around someone’s photo or initials avatar it means they have the Hobnob app. If the circle is gray this means they don’t have the Hobnob app yet.

How do I make changes to my plan?

To upgrade your plan, downgrade your plan, or switch to a different payment frequency (monthly or annually) you will need to manage your subscription where you originally purchased it. See instructions on how to make changes to your subscription on the App Store or Google Play Store. To switch back to the free plan, you must cancel your subscription.

What are the different plan levels?

All Hobnob users are automatically on the Hobnob Free plan and you can upgrade your plan to unlock premium features and increase your guest limit per month. All new users are eligible for a 7 day free trial for any of the Standard, Plus, and Premium plans. All plans are eligible for a 50% discount if you choose to pre-pay for the year.

What if my subscription is not showing up in the app?

To check if your subscription has successfully processed:

1. Check your main settings by opening the app to the Home screen and tapping the icon on the upper right hand corner to view your settings and Current Plan.
2. If your plan hasn't updated in the app, check your subscription status in the App Store or Google Play Store.
3. If it hasn’t updated, tap "Restore Purchases" (on iPhone only, for Android skip to step 4).
4. You may need to delete and reinstall the app.
5. Still having trouble? Send a copy of your receipt to help@hobnob.io.

How do I cancel my plan?

To cancel your plan you will need to manage your subscription on the platform where you originally purchased it. Instructions on how to make changes to your subscription are available through both the App Store and Google Play Store help sites. Please note: events created while on the free trial will be inaccessible once the trial is over unless you subscribe to at least one month of paid service.

Once you unsubscribe, your subscription will be valid until the end of your current billing cycle. Once your current billing cycle ends you will automatically revert back to the Hobnob Free plan.

Cancelled subscriptions are non-refundable. No prorated refunds will be offered for partially used subscriptions. We reserve the right to issue refunds at our sole discretion, or as required by applicable law. If we choose to issue a refund in one instance, we are not obligated to issue the same refund in the future.

Can my event have more than one host?

Yes! With Hobnob, any number of people can host a single event together. Whoever creates the event can add co-hosts in the same step as inviting guests. Once co-hosts download the app, they can invite people to the party from their own address books, just like you can!

How do I add a co-host?

Open your invite to your guest list. On the guest list tap (iPhone) or long press (Android) on any guest invited via text to see the option to add them as a co-host. Co-hosts can help you manage your guest list by adding or removing guests and they will be listed as a co-host in the guest list.

Can I chat with my guests and co-hosts?

Of course! The Hobnob app allows everyone invited to the party to chat as a group, or to message each other privately. Best of all, you can continue to chat after the party so you can keep in touch between events and plan your next party together!

Who receives chat messages?

Guests who have the app will receive messages via push notification. If a guest does not have the app, we send them the first message and then they need to download the app to keep chatting. Or just use the mention feature by typing the @ symbol to notify them.

Can I turn off Guest Chat?

Yes, as the host you can turn off guest chat in the app. Go to your Event Settings and toggle off Event Chat. This section will no longer appear on the guest view of the invite.

Can I message guests based on RSVP?

Yes, co-hosts and hosts can message guests by RSVP by mentioning them in the event chat. Just type the @ symbol to see options to message @Everyone @Attending @Undecided or @Declined. Anyone who doesn’t have the app will be notified via text messages. App users will receive a push notification.

Who can receive a direct message?

Anyone! Direct messages work best if all users have the Hobnob app, only the first message is sent via text for non-app users. Anyone with the app will get a push notification and be able to see all their messages in the inbox tab.

How do I know someone got my message?

Just type the @ symbol to mention anyone in a chat or @Everyone to notify all members in a group chat. In an event chat, the host and co-host can message @Everyone or by RSVP type @Attending @Undecided and @Declined. If guests don’t have the app they will be notified via text message, if they do they will get a push notification.

Why can't I mention someone in a chat?

If mentions aren't working in an Event Chat this may be because the host has hidden the Guest List.

What if someone doesn't have the Hobnob app? Can I send them a direct message?

If you want to direct message someone who doesn’t have the Hobnob app, we will send them the first message via text. This lets them know you want to chat and they just need to download the app to continue the conversation.

What does the small colored dot on someone's photo mean?

If you see a green dot on the bottom right hand corner of someone’s photo or initials avatar it means that they are currently active in the chat. If the dot is gray, it means they are not currently active in the chat.

How can I submit photos for an event?

After an event, any attendee who RSVP’d “Yes” will receive a text message from our service requesting photos, and guests can respond to that text with as many photos as they like. Photos can also be uploaded on the web invite or through our iPhone or Android apps.

What if I don’t think a photo that someone uploaded is appropriate?

Each photo has a “More” icon on the bottom right hand corner. Once tapped you will see the option to report an image as inappropriate. Photos may not be removed immediately, but will be reported. You can also contact the host directly.

How do I remove a photo?

If you submitted the photo, you can tap on the “More” icon on the bottom right of an image to find the option to remove. If you are the host of an event, you will be able to delete any photo on your invite.

Who can see the event photos?

Only guests who have been invited to your event will get the link to view and add photos.

How do I upload multiple photos?

You can easily add all the photos from your event by opening the Photos tab of your event and tapping the plus icon. Then tap (iPhone) or long press (Android) on each photo to select multiple photos to upload.

How do I send an event update?

Hobnob users on the Standard plan and above can send an instant event update at any time. To send an event update, open your invite in the app to the Event Details and Updates section. On the bottom is a text field where you can type your update and when you tap send you can select who the update goes to based on their current RSVP status (Attending, Undecided, etc.) Guests who have the app will get a push notification and guests who don’t have the app will receive a text or an email (depending on how they were invited).

When are the auto-reminders sent?

Guests who have not yet RSVP’d receive a reminder two days after the invite is sent and one day before the event. All guests who are attending (RSVP’d Yes) or are undecided receive a reminder 1 hour before the event which highlights the location and driving directions if applicable. Auto-reminders are on by default, this can be adjusted per event in your Event Settings.

How do I change my phone number?

To update your phone number, send us an email at help@hobnob.io with your old number, new number and a list of your last three events (as a host or guest) to verify your identity.

How do I import a list of email addresses?

From the "Add Guests" screen, choose the "Import Numbers or Emails" row and then select "Import Email List".

From this screen you can copy and paste a list of email addresses to import to your guest list. Be sure the email addresses are separated by a comma. If you include names in the format below the app will display your guest names in the app. For example:

jane@example.com, Jen Doe <jen@example.com>, john@example.com

Or, you can use a semicolon to separate the addresses like so:

jane@example.com; Jen Doe <jen@example.com>; john@example.com

Alternatively, you can use one line per email address instead of commas or semicolons like so:

jane@example.com
Jen Doe <jen@example.com>
john@example.com

How do I add phone numbers that aren't in my address book?

From the "Add Guests" screen, choose the "Import Numbers or Emails" row and then select "Import Phone Numbers".

From this screen you can choose "New Phone Number" and type in the phone number you want to add to your guest list. The numbers you add here will not be added to your address book.

You can optionally add a first and/or last name and then hit "Save" to save and close or "Save+" to save and immediately add another number.