What is a Virtual User in Splitorium?

A Virtual User is a placeholder in Splitorium that represents someone who doesn't have the app installed. You can add their expenses, include them in splits, and track what they owe — all without them needing to download anything.

Can I split expenses with someone who doesn't have the app?

Yes! With Splitorium's Virtual Users feature, you can add anyone to your group and split expenses with them. When it's time to settle up, just tell them their balance. They don't need to download or sign up for anything.

Virtual Users: Add Anyone to Your Group Without the App

We've all been there. You're about to split an expense with a friend, but they don't have your expense app. So you either:

Spend 5 minutes convincing them to download it
Try to remember the expense manually (spoiler: you'll forget)
Use a notes app that becomes a confusing mess

Splitorium has a better solution: Virtual Users.

Add anyone to your group — even if they've never heard of Splitorium.

What Are Virtual Users?

A Virtual User is a placeholder that represents a real person in your group. You create it, give it a name, and it works just like a regular member for expense tracking purposes.

The difference? They don't need to:

Download the app
Create an account
Verify their email
Accept any invitations

You just add them by name, and Splitorium handles the rest.

When to Use Virtual Users

                    Perfect For:
                    Parents on family trips — Your kids don't need their own accounts
Tech-resistant friends — "I don't download apps" is no longer a blocker
One-time group events — No need for everyone at a dinner party to sign up
International travelers — Friends abroad might use different app ecosystems
Older relatives — Grandma can be in your vacation group without smartphone struggles
Temporary roommates — Subletting for a month? Add them virtually

                

How to Add a Virtual User

Adding a virtual user in Splitorium takes about 5 seconds:

Open your group

Navigate to the group where you want to add the person.
Go to group settings

Tap the gear icon or "Manage Members" option.
Add Virtual User

Tap "Add Virtual User" and enter their first and last name.
Done!

The virtual user appears in your group just like any other member.

Now you can add expenses where they're the payer, include them in splits, and track their balance — all without them doing anything.

What Virtual Users Can Do

Action	Virtual User	Regular User
Be the expense payer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Be included in expense splits	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Have a calculated balance	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Appear in the group member list	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Participate in Family Mode	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Log in to see their expenses	❌ No (you tell them)	✅ Yes
Edit or add expenses themselves	❌ No	✅ Yes
Receive push notifications	❌ No	✅ Yes

Settling Up with Virtual Users

When it's time to settle balances, here's how it works:

Check the balance: Splitorium shows you exactly what the virtual user owes (or is owed)
Tell them: "Hey Mike, you owe me $47.50 for the camping trip"
Receive payment: They Venmo/PayPal/cash you directly
Record it: Add the payment in Splitorium to zero out their balance

It's just like any other settlement, except you're the one who initiates the conversation instead of the app.

How This Compares to Splitwise

Splitwise doesn't have true virtual users. Their workarounds require:

Adding an email address for the person
The person receiving an invitation email
The person creating an account (even if minimal)

With Splitorium's Virtual Users, there's no email required. You just type a name and you're done. The person never has to interact with the app at all.

Aspect	Splitorium Virtual Users	Splitwise "Add by Email"
Email required	✅ No	❌ Yes
Account creation needed	✅ No	❌ Eventually
Invitation acceptance	✅ Not needed	❌ Required
Time to add someone	✅ 5 seconds	❌ Minutes to days
Works for tech-averse people	✅ Perfect	❌ Frustrating

Real Scenarios

The Family Vacation

You're planning a trip with your parents and your two kids. The kids don't have phones yet, and your parents "don't do apps." No problem:

Create group "Hawaii 2026"
Add yourself and spouse as regular members
Add Mom, Dad, and the kids as virtual users
Track all expenses normally

At the end, you tell your parents: "Your share is $1,240 total." Done.

The Dinner Party

You hosted a dinner with 8 people. Only 2 have Splitorium. Add the other 6 as virtual users, split the grocery bill, and text everyone their share.

The International Trip

Your travel buddy uses a different expense app (or none at all). Add them as a virtual user in your group, track everything from your side, and settle up when you're back home.

Pro Tips for Virtual Users

                    Best Practices
                    Use full names: "John Smith" is clearer than "John" when you have multiple Johns
Combine with Family Mode: Group virtual users (kids, elderly parents) under a responsible party for simpler settlements
Track who created whom: Splitorium shows who added each virtual user for accountability
Convert later if needed: If they eventually download Splitorium, you can migrate their history to their real account

                

Try Virtual Users Today

Next time someone says "I don't have that app," smile and say "That's okay, I'll add you."

Splitorium's Virtual Users means you're never blocked from tracking expenses with anyone. No more app fatigue conversations. No more forgotten IOUs.

Just add them, split expenses, and tell them their balance when it's time to settle.