This article covers what is included in Finalsite's Mobile App and Chat module, including how the app is deployed, what features are available to school communities, and where to find configuration documentation for each area.
Troubleshoot app releases and version
To see the latest features or confirm whether your app is running the current version, Subscribe to the Mobile App & Chat Software Blog. Compare the version number in the blog to the version shown at the bottom of the app's Settings screen (tap the profile circle in the top right corner of the home screen).
If the app hasn't updated in over a week, check for pending agreements in the Apple Developer account. This is the most common reason automatic updates stall. Contact Finalsite Support if the issue persists.
💡 Quick answers
- How is the app deployed? The Finalsite project management team handles initial deployment, including content setup, app customization, SIS integration, and login authentication. Contact your Client Success Manager at clientsuccess@finalsite.com to get started.
- Does the app include Chat? Yes, if the district has purchased Finalsite Chat. Chat enables real-time messaging between families, teachers, and staff in chat rooms and direct messages, with built-in moderation and translation.
- Which SIS integrations are supported? FinalsiteOpen, GG4L, inResonance, PCR, PowerSchool, Rediker, RenWeb, Senior Systems, and Veracross.
- Which login methods are available? SAML and Google Auth. LDAP support is coming soon.
- Where is the detailed configuration documentation? See the links at the bottom of this article for the full set of school leader guides covering home screen management, CMS connections, notifications, permissions, and Chat setup.
About the Mobile App and Chat
Finalsite's Mobile App provides a single, branded hub for school-to-family communication — news, calendars, directories, push notifications, and (for Chat districts) real-time messaging — accessible via iOS, Android, or web browser. The app pulls live content from the CMS, so updates made on the website are reflected in the app automatically.
Families can download the app by searching for the school or district name in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
What the app includes
| Feature | What it does | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Home screen | Dynamically displays news, events, photos, and more. Navigation buttons in the bottom toolbar are fully customizable. | Manage your home screen |
| CMS content | News boards, calendars, photo albums, directories, and athletics schedules sync live from the CMS. | Manage CMS connections |
| Push notifications | Send targeted push messages to app users directly from Finalsite Messages. | Send notifications from Messages |
| Location filtering | Users can filter app content by school or campus. Useful for multi-school districts. | Enable location filtering |
| Translation | The app interface and managed content display in the user's preferred language. 57 languages supported. | How translation works |
| Chat | Real-time messaging in chat rooms and direct messages between families, teachers, and staff. Includes SIS rostering, moderation, and real-time translation. Requires Chat purchase. | Finalsite Chat master guide |
Get started: Where to go from here
Select the section most relevant to the current task:
For school leaders: Configuration and management
- Mobile App for school leaders: Getting started
- Manage your mobile app home screen
- Manage your CMS connections with the mobile app
- Mobile App and Chat permissions
- Decide how visitors log in and access your mobile app content
- Manage private content with user logins
- Manage your subscriptions and notifications
- Track your mobile app's performance with Appfigures
For your community: Getting started and using the app
- Mobile App for community members: Getting started
- Mobile App for community members: Manage your subscriptions and notifications
For Chat users
- Finalsite Chat master guide
- Chat for your community: Get started
- Chat for school leaders (full section)
Community rollout resources
Launch kit materials — including templates for communicating the app to families — are available at finalsite.com/launch-kit.
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