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Setup guide
KinStatus connects two phones: the caregiver or family member’s phone, and the loved one’s phone. Setup is completed with the loved one’s knowledge and participation.
Allow a few minutes and keep both phones nearby. The caregiver app runs on iPhone and Android; the loved one’s phone needs to be an Android phone.
Watch the setup video
Follow the full setup step by step — connect both phones, then finish the loved one’s Android phone settings.
Before you begin
- Both phones available and turned on
- Internet access on both phones
- Access to the caregiver’s email inbox
- Permission to configure notifications and background settings on the loved one’s phone
30 days full access. No credit card required.
1. Set up the caregiver
On the family member’s phone, open KinStatus and choose the option for setting up care for a loved one. Create a caregiver account (or sign in if one already exists), then confirm the email address when asked. Once confirmed, complete the short family setup, including a daily check-in time for the loved one.
Tip: if the confirmation email doesn’t appear, check the Spam or Junk folder.
2. Connect the loved one’s phone
After family setup, KinStatus shows a connection code on the caregiver’s phone. On the loved one’s phone, open KinStatus and choose the option for entering a code from a family member, then enter that code and confirm.
The code connects the loved one to the correct family setup. The loved one participates knowingly, and the code should be shared only with the intended family member.
3. Complete Phone Setup
After the code is entered, the loved one’s Android phone walks through a short Phone Setup checklist:
Activation
Confirmed automatically once the connection code is accepted.
Notifications
Notifications support reminders and relevant family alerts. The phone will ask for permission to send notifications.
Location
Location is optional supporting context and depends on the relevant Android permission. If location sharing is enabled, Android may ask for “Allow all the time” so the last-known location can update in the background. Status check-ins and notifications work even without this permission — location is separate, supporting context.
Battery and background operation
Some Android phones may need battery optimisation turned off, or set to unrestricted, for KinStatus to work reliably in the background. Some manufacturers also provide an extra auto-start or background app setting outside of KinStatus — if check-ins or alerts seem inconsistent, it is worth checking the phone’s own battery or app settings, since these vary between manufacturers and are not identical on every Android phone.
Final check
KinStatus shows which of these essential setup items are ready, so both of you can confirm setup is complete before everyday use begins.
4. Confirm that the connection works
- On the loved one’s phone, send an I’m OK status.
- On the caregiver’s phone, open or refresh the KinStatus overview.
- Confirm that the latest status and time appear, along with battery context and last-known location when location permission is enabled.
Everyday use
Once setup is complete, the loved one can use I’m OK, Call me, or I need help, and the caregiver sees the most recent status and relevant context. Everyday check-ins take one clear tap.
See how everyday check-ins work
Optional family helpers
A trusted family member can join using an invitation code from the caregiver. Access should be given only to the intended person, and it can be reviewed or removed later from within the app.
Troubleshooting
- Confirmation email not visible: check Spam or Junk, and verify the entered email address.
- Code not accepted: double-check the characters and ask the family member for a new code if needed.
- Notifications not arriving: review KinStatus’s notification permission on the loved one’s phone in Android Settings.
- Last-known location not updating: review location permission and battery or background settings.
- Different Android phones may use different setting names for these options.
Still stuck? Visit Support.
Privacy and control
Setup is performed with the loved one’s knowledge, and permissions remain under the phone owner’s control. Location is supporting last-known-location context — KinStatus does not show route history. KinStatus is designed for reassurance, not surveillance.
Read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for full details.
Important: KinStatus supports family communication and awareness. It is not an emergency service or medical device. If someone may be in immediate danger, contact the appropriate emergency services directly.
Ready to connect your family?
30 days full access. No credit card required.
