The FFXIV Companion App is an official mobile utility designed by Square Enix for Final Fantasy XIV players on iOS and Android devices. It bridges the gap between your real life and the game's economy, letting you manage your retainers, chat with friends, and organize inventory items directly from your phone without logging into the main client.
If you want to know whether the app is worth your phone storage, how the free and paid subscription models work, and what it can actually do while you're away from your PC or console, this guide covers every feature, limitation, and setup requirement.
Core Features and What You Can Do
The app divides its utility into two main pillars: out-of-game social coordination and in-game economic management. While you can't control your character or run dungeons from your phone, you can handle tedious logistical tasks that usually eat into your play session.
Retainer Market Board Management
Retainers act as your personal bank tellers and marketplace vendors. The companion app lets you check your retainers' inventory, review sales history, and list or adjust prices on the Market Board.
- Listing items: You can put items up for sale directly from your retainer's inventory while away from the game.
- Price adjustments: If an item undercuts you, you can change the price instantly from your phone.
- Currency tracking: Keep an eye on your Gil and retainer ventures without booting up your system.
Scheduling and Event Planning
The scheduler feature allows free company members and static raid groups to coordinate raid times, social events, and crafting nights. You can set event dates, send notifications to party members, and track who has RSVP'd. This replaces external scheduling tools like Discord bots or spreadsheets for many casual and mid-core free companies.
Chat and Social Messaging
You can chat with friends, free company members, and linkshells directly through the app. The messaging system uses Kupo Nuts, an in-app currency that refills daily for free or can be purchased in bundles. It's useful for coordinating log-ins or catching up with guildmates during a lunch break.
Free Versus Premium Plan
Square Enix offers two tiers for the companion app: the Free Plan and the Premium Plan. Understanding the differences helps you decide if you need to spend extra monthly subscription money.
Free Plan Limitations
The free tier gives you basic access with strict caps:
- Retainers: You can manage up to 2 retainers. If you have extra retainers hired via the Mog Station, the free app version won't show them.
- Inventory Slots: Limited inventory and saddlebag access.
- Kupo Nuts: You receive a set amount of free currency daily for chat messages and market board requests.
Premium Plan Perks
For an additional monthly fee (roughly $5.00 USD), the Premium Plan expands your administrative power:
- Double Retainers: Manage up to double your standard retainer count (matching your in-game hired retainers).
- Expanded Inventory: Double the inventory storage capacity within the app.
- Increased Currency: A higher daily cap on Kupo Nuts and more free Market Board retainer sales slots at one time.
Setting Up the FFXIV Companion App
Getting started takes just a few minutes, but it requires access to your Square Enix Account credentials and two-factor authentication device if you use one.
- Download the official FFXIV Companion App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and log in using your standard Square Enix ID and password.
- Select your active character profile if you have multiple characters across different data centers.
- Link your account by following the on-screen authentication prompts. If you use a software token or physical security token, keep it handy for the initial handshake.
Once linked, your app syncs directly with the game servers. Keep in mind that server sync updates aren't instantaneous; changes made in-game can take a few minutes to appear on your phone, and vice versa.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
Many players download the app expecting a mini-game or remote play functionality, only to find themselves frustrated by strict design boundaries.
- No Remote Play: You cannot move your character, craft items, or gather nodes remotely. The app is purely administrative.
- Market Board Tax: Listing items via the app still incurs normal tax rates, and you must log into the game to collect your earnings from the retainer.
- Login Conflicts: You cannot access certain inventory features while your game client is actively logged into the character you're viewing on the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy items off the Market Board using the app?
Yes, you can purchase items using your in-app currency and Gil reserves, provided you have enough funds and inventory space. Purchased items go directly to your retainer's inventory or pending delivery box.
Do I need a subscription to Final Fantasy XIV to use the app?
You need an active, paid subscription to the main game on your Square Enix account to log into and use the companion app features.
Is my account safe while using the companion app?
Square Enix uses encrypted protocols to connect the app to game servers. However, you should always secure your mobile device with a passcode or biometric lock and enable two-factor authentication on your main account.
Why won't the app sync my retainers?
If you recently hired new retainers or changed data centers, force-close the app and reopen it to trigger a fresh server request. If you exceed your plan's retainer limit, extra retainers won't appear.
