Dear KoboToolbox Team and Developers,
I would like to kindly request the re-introduction and enhancement of a native, accessible Offline Export/Import and Peer-to-Peer Data Sharing feature directly within the KoboCollect user interface.
The Problem: In highly constrained deep-field environments with complete internet and mobile network blackouts, our monitoring teams cannot submit data via regular networks. We must rely on a physical focal person to conduct field visits to gather data. Because recent Android updates restrict direct file manager access to the app’s internal directory (Android/data/org.koboc.collect.android/...), it is incredibly difficult for field teams to manually copy or zip the instances folder to a master device without a high risk of data loss or file corruption.
Why this feature is critical:
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Timeliness: Allows a visiting supervisor or focal point to quickly bridge data from local surveyor devices to a master hub device using offline local connections (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or QR code syncing).
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Convenience & Safety: Eliminates the need for field staff to navigate hidden mobile root folders or rely on third-party file explorers to secure survey data.
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Data Integrity: Protects raw submission files from accidental deletion during manual copy-pasting loops.
Suggested Functionality:
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A clear, visible “Export Unsubmitted Data to Local ZIP” button inside the app settings that saves a clean archive straight to the public
Downloadsdirectory. -
An offline “Share Project Submissions via Local Hotspot/QR Code” feature (similar to old ODK functions) allowing device-to-device transfers in the field.
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A mobile-friendly “Local Bulk Import” button inside the master hub app so a focal person can ingest these ZIP archives directly and upload them once they reach network coverage.
This would significantly improve operational efficiency and data security for humanitarian programs operating in zero-connectivity environments.
Thank you for your incredible work on this platform!
Best regards,
Phyo Paing Than
