Frequently asked questions

Handiy guides are generated by AI — specifically Anthropic’s Claude models — using structured prompts designed to produce step-by-step repair instructions. They are not written or reviewed by licensed tradespeople. We display this disclosure on every guide. For repairs involving gas, electrical panels, or anything where a mistake could cause injury or serious damage, we always recommend hiring a qualified professional.

Guides are based on common failure modes and widely documented repair procedures for each appliance type and symptom. They are generally accurate for typical scenarios, but appliance models vary and AI can occasionally produce errors or miss model-specific nuances. Always cross-reference with your appliance’s manual and verify safety requirements before starting any repair.

Please email hello@handiybook.com with the guide URL and a description of the issue. We take accuracy seriously and will investigate and update the guide.

Performing your own repairs on an appliance under warranty may void that warranty. Check your manufacturer’s warranty terms before proceeding. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer or an authorised service centre first.

The diagnostic tool walks you through a structured symptom tree — you select your appliance type, describe the symptom, and answer follow-up questions. At the end, it recommends the repair guides most relevant to your specific situation.

The photo scan feature lets you take or upload a photo of your appliance’s error code display, model sticker, or a part you’re trying to identify. The image is sent to Anthropic’s API for analysis. Handiy receives the identified text and uses it to pull relevant guides. The image itself is not stored by Handiy.

No. Photos submitted via the photo scan feature are compressed in your browser, sent to Anthropic’s API for analysis, and then discarded. Handiy stores only the prediction result (the identified text, appliance type, and confidence score) — not the image itself. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

When you use the diagnostic tool, we record anonymous session data: the appliance type, symptom selected, path through the diagnostic tree, and guides shown. We store a one-way hashed version of your IP address (never the raw IP) and a temporary session ID in your browser’s sessionStorage that is deleted when you close the tab. We do not collect your name, email, or any personally identifying information unless you create a Pro Portal account. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

No. We do not sell personal information. We do not use your data for targeted advertising. We do not use advertising cookies or tracking pixels. The only cookies we set are authentication cookies for Pro Portal users (strictly necessary, no third-party tracking).

Email hello@handiybook.com with the subject “Privacy Request”. Note that diagnostic session data is not linked to your name or email, so we cannot identify individual sessions without additional information. For Pro Portal accounts, we can delete your account and associated data within 30 days of a verified request.

The Pro Portal is a separate product for property managers and building operators. It lets you manage appliance maintenance across multiple properties and units — tracking appliances, logging repairs, and accessing guides in the context of specific units. It is designed for professionals managing other people’s properties, not for individual homeowners. Learn more.

The Pro Portal is currently in early access. Contact us at hello@handiybook.com to discuss access and pricing.

The Pro Portal is built for property managers with multiple units. Individual homeowners can use all of Handiy’s guides, diagnostic tools, and photo scan features without an account — no sign-up required.