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APP SUPPORT / IOS KEYBOARD

Fidel — Amharic Handwriting Keyboard

Effortless Ethiopic typing powered by natural handwriting recognition.

Download on the App Store

📖 About Fidel

Fidel is a custom iOS keyboard designed specifically for the Amharic language. Instead of navigating complicated layout grids, Fidel lets you draw or sketch Amharic characters naturally on your screen. Choose a recognition suggestion to insert Ethiopic text in apps that allow custom keyboards. Recognition can make mistakes; review your text before sending it.

⚙️ Setup & Installation Guide

To start using Fidel on your iPhone or iPad, follow these simple steps:

  1. Install the App: Download and install Fidel from the App Store.
  2. Enable the Keyboard:
    • Open your device Settings.
    • Go to General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
    • Tap Add New Keyboard... and select Fidel.
  3. Grant Permissions (Optional/Full Access):
    • Enable Allow Full Access to download the Amharic handwriting model from the keyboard. Keep the keyboard open during its download. The keyboard and practice app download their models separately. Once downloaded, handwriting is recognized on your device. Letters and the bundled dictionary work without Full Access or a model download.
  4. Write in other apps: Switch to Fidel with the globe key in an app that supports custom keyboards. Choose a suggestion to insert it. In versions with expanded writing, tap the expand arrows, write on the scrolling page, then tap Done to insert the converted text into the active text field. Some apps and secure fields require Apple’s system keyboard.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Fidel collect my keystrokes or handwriting data?
Handwriting recognition runs on your device. Fidel does not upload your writing to the developer. The practice app stores unfinished text and ink locally; optional saved words, phrases, and practice samples also stay on the device. See the privacy policy below for retention, sharing, and the separate Google ML Kit diagnostics.
Why do I need to enable “Full Access”?
Full Access allows the keyboard to download and update its Google Amharic handwriting model. In version 1.2 and later, Full Access also lets the keyboard save changes to settings, phrases, favorites and personal words shared with the app on this device. The bundled dictionary and Letters picker do not require Full Access. Model downloads remain separate; sharing does not use a cloud service.
How do I report a bug or suggest a feature?
You can reach out directly via our support channels below.

🔒 Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 8, 2026

  • On-device recognition: Fidel uses Google ML Kit to recognize handwriting on your device. Fidel does not upload your sketches or typed text to the developer’s servers.
  • Local storage: The practice app saves unfinished text and ink so you can resume. When enabled, personal-word learning stores approved words and usage counts locally. Saved quick phrases and practice evaluation samples are also local; samples are saved only when you choose to save an attempt. These writing files use iOS file protection and are excluded from device/cloud backups. Fidel does not synchronize them to a cloud service. In version 1.2 and later, writing preferences, phrases, favorites and personal words share a protected on-device App Group. Drafts, practice progress and model downloads remain separate. Features depend on app version.
  • Keyboard privacy: Expanded keyboard drawings are kept in memory for that keyboard session. Fidel does not save the host app’s draft. In version 1.2 and later, keyboard Full Access permits shared-data writes. Without that access, keyboard changes remain in a local fallback and merge when shared access returns. Earlier versions keep separate words, phrases and preferences.
  • Your controls: You can disable word learning, delete saved words and phrases, clear drafts and ink, and delete saved practice samples in the app’s controls. Deleting a shared item removes it from the active collection in both components. Protected local migration copies and deletion bookkeeping may remain to prevent old data from returning; these controls are not a secure-erasure guarantee. Fully deleting Fidel removes its app data. Offloading the app may preserve its data. Share/export actions transfer only the content you choose through your selected destination or action.
  • Model downloads and SDK diagnostics: Google ML Kit may contact Google for model downloads and updates. Its SDK collects diagnostic and usage data, including device and app information, per-installation identifiers, performance metrics, SDK events and error codes, and configured recognition languages. This is separate from handwriting and text processed locally. Fidel does not include advertising networks. See Google’s ML Kit terms and iOS data disclosure.
  • Contact and updates: Befkadu Meshesha is the developer. Use the contact form for privacy questions. Changes to this policy will appear on this page.

📄 Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: October 31, 2026

  • Acceptance of Terms: By downloading and using Fidel, you agree to these terms.
  • License: Fidel is licensed, not sold, to you for personal, non-commercial use on Apple-branded devices that you own or control.
  • Disclaimer of Warranties: The app is provided on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied.
  • Limitation of Liability: The developer shall not be held liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of this application.

📬 Support & Contact

Need assistance or have feedback? We are here to help!