Quick answer: Confirm you're signed in, use the right save method for where you found the recipe, and try a different import option if fields come in incomplete. If you're on the free plan, you may have hit your recipe save limit—upgrade to Plus or remove old recipes to save more.
Step 1: Confirm you're signed in
Saving requires a Recipe Cloud account.
- Web: Sign in at recipecloudapp.com/sign-in/
- iPhone/iPad: Open the app and check that you're logged in (not stuck on the sign-in screen)
If you can't sign in, see I can't log in to Recipe Cloud.
Step 2: Use the right save method
| Where you found the recipe | Best way to save |
|---|---|
| Recipe website or blog | iOS: Safari → Share → Recipe Cloud · Web: Chrome extension on the recipe page |
| Instagram, TikTok, YouTube | iOS: Share → Recipe Cloud · Web: Open the post in Chrome, then use the extension |
| You already have a link | iOS: + → Import from URL · Web: Add Recipe → import from URL |
| No link / your own recipe | iOS: + → Custom · Web: Add Recipe Manually |
See Getting Started for step-by-step instructions.
Step 3: Recipe Cloud missing from the iOS share menu?
If you don't see Recipe Cloud when you tap Share:
- Scroll right in the share sheet and tap More
- Tap Edit
- Find Recipe Cloud and turn it on
- Optionally add it to Favorites so it appears first
Try saving again from Safari (for websites) or from the social app's share button.
Step 4: Chrome extension not working?
- Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store
- Pin it to your toolbar so it's easy to find
- Sign in the first time you're prompted (extension connect flow)
- Return to the recipe page and click the extension again
Use Chrome on desktop—the extension doesn't run in Safari, Firefox, or in-app browsers inside Instagram/TikTok.
Step 5: Import worked but details are wrong or missing
Some sites don't expose ingredients cleanly. Try this:
- Try another save method — URL import vs. share extension vs. Chrome extension (one often works better than another for a given site)
- Edit before saving — Review and fix title, ingredients, and steps in the import preview
- Save manually — Copy the recipe into Custom / Add Recipe Manually if auto-import fails
For ingredient formatting tips, see our recipe formatting best practices article in the Knowledge Base.
Step 6: Social media and in-app browsers
Instagram, TikTok, and similar apps often open links in their own browser, where extensions don't work.
- iOS: Use the app's Share button → Recipe Cloud
- Web: Open the post in Chrome (copy link → paste in Chrome), then use the extension
Step 7: Hit a save limit?
If you see a message about upgrading or reaching a limit, your free plan may be full. Options:
- Upgrade to Recipe Cloud Plus for unlimited saving
- Remove recipes you no longer need, then try again
See How much does Recipe Cloud cost? and Is there a free version of Recipe Cloud?.
Step 8: Still stuck?
Submit a support request: support.recipecloudapp.com/submit-a-request/
Include:
- Account email
- Platform (iPhone, iPad, web, Chrome extension)
- Recipe URL (if you have one)
- Save method you tried (share, URL import, extension, manual)
- What happened — error message, blank import, wrong fields, etc.
- Screenshots, if possible