new to this chess app. how do I castle? I know the rules. you can't castle through check, and currently I'm in a position where castling should be allowed, but how do I physically make that move? do impress the king & then the rook? it's not working! someone help!

move the king towards the rook, but an extra step, it will allow you to castle

Yes, move the king first! (2 spaces) and the rook to the other side of the king. Ta-da!

With stones and mortar, lasts basically forever.

This one is more than 2000 years old:

If communication is cut-off between king and rook by an opponent's piece, not check, no castle -- the king cannot pass through an attacked square. On the other hand, short castle the king moves from e1 to g1. Long castle, Ke1 to Kc1. Maybe this could be the problem.

If you're on about "physical" castling well that's got to be done one-handed. If you're a two-handed castler you want shooting.