Joining a Group
Written By Bradley Bernard
Last updated 4 months ago
When someone invites you to a group, you'll need to "claim" your spot so the system knows which member is you. This connects your account to any expenses already added in your name.
How to Join a Group
Click the invite link shared by the group creator
Sign in or create an account
Select your name from the list of group members
Confirm to join the group
Once joined, you'll see all group expenses and can add your own.
"I Can't Find My Name" / "I Can't Click on Myself"
This is the most common issue when joining groups. Here's why it happens and how to fix it:
Why This Happens
Each group member slot can only be claimed by one person. If you can't select your name, it means:
Someone else already claimed your slot - Another person accidentally clicked your name when joining
You have a duplicate account - You may have joined with a different email previously
How to Fix It
Option 1: Ask who claimed your spot Contact the group creator or other members to find out if someone mistakenly clicked your name. They can check the member list to see who's connected to your slot.
Option 2: Have the group creator remove the incorrect claim The group creator can:
Go to the group's member list
Remove the person who incorrectly claimed your slot
Send you a new invite link
Option 3: Check if you have multiple accounts You might have signed up before with a different email (Google vs Apple vs email/password). Try signing in with your other accounts to see if you already joined.
Joining as a New Member
If you weren't added to the group before the invite was created:
Join using the invite link
Select "Join as new member" (or your name if the creator added you)
You'll be added to all future expenses automatically
Note: You won't be included in expenses created before you joined unless someone edits those expenses to add you.
The "1:1" Balance Before Joining
If you see a balance labeled "1:1" before officially joining a group, it means:
Someone added expenses with you as a participant
You haven't connected your account to that group yet
Once you join and claim your slot, this balance will move to the group
Tips for Group Creators
To avoid confusion when inviting people:
Add all members to the group first (with their names)
Share the invite link
Tell each person which name to select
Don't let people claim someone else's slot
If someone joins incorrectly, remove them and send a new invite.
Common Questions
Q: What if the group creator isn't responsive? You can join as a new member and ask the creator to transfer expenses to your new profile later. Or, create a new group and migrate.
Q: Can I change which slot I claimed? Not directly. The group creator would need to remove your current connection and have you rejoin, selecting the correct name.
Q: I see myself twice in the group. What happened? You likely joined as a new member when you should have claimed an existing slot. Ask the group creator to consolidate your accounts.