From preparation to offline communication, step by step.
Set up the Android and iOS apps safely, test them before you need them, and resolve connection issues with clear platform-specific guidance.
Store releases: Android 1.1.7 · iOS 1.1.2 · Content verified August 2026
If there is immediate danger: Call the official emergency number where you are first. Crisis Connect supports communication but does not replace emergency services.
Quick routing
What do you need to do right now?
Choose your situation to open the right guide and jump directly to the relevant steps.
5-minute preparation
Four checks to complete before you need them
Completing these steps once in a calm moment makes the app much easier to use when networks fail.
01
Install and open
Download the app from its store and open the inbox at least once.
02
Check permissions
Review Bluetooth, nearby-device, notification, and relevant location access.
03
Add trusted people
Pair QR codes face to face with family members or teammates.
04
Run an offline test
Turn off internet, leave Bluetooth on, and send a short test message.
User guides
Showing 23 topics
Path in the app: Google Play or App Store → Crisis Connect → Open
Step by step
1Download the app only from the official Crisis Connect listing on Google Play or the App Store.
2Complete the short first-launch introduction and reach the inbox.
3Confirm that Bluetooth is on; offline communication relies on it.
4Review each permission by purpose in the next step.
Important: Do not rely on installing the app for the first time during a crisis; store access and initial setup may require internet.
Path in the app: Crisis Connect → Settings → Permission status
Step by step
1On Android 12 and later, allow Nearby devices so Crisis Connect can discover nearby Bluetooth devices.
2Older Android releases may require location for Bluetooth scanning; on current releases, location also supports maps, SOS, and nearby features.
3On iPhone, allow Bluetooth access; you can change it later under Settings → Privacy & Security → Bluetooth.
4Enable location for SOS or location sharing, and notifications for message and call alerts.
Important: Denying a permission does not disable the whole app, but the related discovery, location, or notification feature will be limited.
Path in the app: Settings → Profile → Medical Information and Emergency Contacts
Before you start
Prepare the medical details and medicines you choose to share.
Ask at least two emergency contacts for permission.
Enable a secure screen lock.
Step by step
1Review your identifying profile details.
2Add known blood type, allergies, medicines and important health notes without guessing.
3Add at least two emergency contacts, ideally in different areas.
4Prepare a child or dependent profile when relevant.
5Review where this information may be shared during SOS.
6Update it every three months and after health changes.
How to confirm it worked
No required-field warning remains.
Emergency names and numbers are correct.
Medical information is current and easy to scan.
Important: Never guess medical information. The profile does not replace professional medical assessment.
Path in the app: Messages → Add contact → Show or scan QR code
Step by step
1Open Crisis Connect on both phones while you are physically together.
2Show the QR code on one phone and open the scanner on the other.
3Check the displayed name and approve the pairing.
4Confirm the person appears in the inbox, then send a short test message.
Important: Do not pair with people you do not trust. Prepare the trusted-contact list before a crisis.
Path in the app: Messages → Contact or conversation → Message or call
Step by step
1Choose a person or conversation from the inbox.
2Send text, a voice note, a photo, or a supported file.
3Keep an internet connection active when using voice or video calling.
4Follow delivery state in the conversation timeline.
Important: Internet voice and video calls are different from nearby Bluetooth messaging and require an active internet connection.
Path in the app: Messages → Trusted contact → Send message
Step by step
1Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data, but leave Bluetooth on.
2Open the conversation for a previously added trusted contact.
3Send a short text message and watch the connection state.
4If it does not send, move the phones closer and keep both apps open before retrying.
Important: Airplane mode may turn Bluetooth off. For an offline test, disable Wi-Fi and mobile data separately.
Path in the app: Messages → Conversation → Add, microphone or location button
Before you start
Grant access only for features you use.
Use enough battery for large transfers.
Verify the recipient before sharing sensitive content.
Step by step
1Open a conversation and choose the content type.
2Record and preview a voice note before sending.
3Check that the location pin is accurate.
4Recheck a selected photo or file.
5Follow sending, delivered and read states.
6Offline, prefer small items and keep phones nearby until completion.
How to confirm it worked
The correct preview appears.
Status advances to delivered or read.
Location opens the intended coordinates.
If it does not work
Check system permissions if microphone or library will not open.
Try a smaller file and move phones closer.
Move outside and request a fresh location if the pin is wrong.
Important: Media uses more time and power than text. A short text and coordinates may be more reliable during an emergency.
Path in the app: Messages → Person or authority channel → Phone or camera icon
Before you start
Allow microphone and, for video, camera access.
Use stable internet for online calls.
Confirm Bluetooth proximity for nearby calls.
Step by step
1Open the conversation and start a voice or video call.
2Check whether it uses internet or nearby transport.
3Use microphone, speaker and camera controls.
4Turn video off on a weak connection.
5End the call and confirm its chat-history entry.
How to confirm it worked
Person and connection status appear.
Two-way audio works.
Ended or missed calls appear in chat.
If it does not work
Check mute, volume and Bluetooth audio routing.
Review notifications, Focus and background limits if it does not ring.
Disable video or change networks if video freezes.
Important: Internet calls require connectivity. Nearby calls depend on range and device support.
Path in the app: Home → SOS → Confirm and broadcast
Step by step
1Call your local official emergency number first whenever possible.
2Open SOS in Crisis Connect and follow the countdown or confirmation screen carefully.
3If location sharing is requested, allow it and confirm that device location services are on.
4Keep the phone powered, charged, and reachable while monitoring incoming responses.
Important: Crisis Connect does not replace official emergency services and cannot guarantee rescue. Range, battery, surroundings, and nearby devices affect the outcome.
Path in the app: SOS → Emergency Contacts or Settings → Profile
Before you start
Tell contacts they may receive an alert.
Save numbers with country code.
Pair app users as trusted contacts too.
Step by step
1Choose add contact.
2Select or enter the person and verify the number.
3Choose primary and backup people in different areas.
4Enable SOS preferences and system notifications.
5Agree on a test plan without sending a real SOS.
How to confirm it worked
At least two current contacts appear.
Each person knows what to do.
No permission warning remains.
Important: Do not add people without their knowledge. Recheck phone numbers regularly.
Path in the app: SOS → Active broadcast → Status and Field Team Chat
Before you start
Connect power if possible.
Keep location on and move the phone away from blocking metal.
Follow the cancel prompt if activated by mistake.
Step by step
1Confirm the active broadcast state.
2Send concise facts about people, injuries, hazards and access.
3Check that live location updates.
4Review verified role and sender identity.
5Reduce screen use but do not force-close the app.
6End SOS only when safe or directed by an authorized responder.
How to confirm it worked
SOS remains active on screen.
Updates include timestamps.
Responder replies stay in the same session.
If it does not work
Check location permission and services.
Keep Bluetooth on and move to an open position.
When internet returns, leave the app open to synchronize.
Important: Never send passwords, payments or sensitive data on an unknown request. Check in-app verification indicators.
Path in the app: Tools or Survival → Choose a tool
Step by step
1Open the in-app survival guide once and learn its main sections.
2Download any required offline map region while you still have internet.
3Test the compass, signal scanner, flashlight, and other tools your phone supports.
4Review your 72-hour kit and personal emergency card regularly.
Important: Some tools depend on hardware sensors and may not be available on every phone model.
Path in the app: Tools → Offline Map, Breadcrumb Trail or Compass
Before you start
Download the area with internet and enough storage.
Allow location and get the first GPS fix outdoors.
Test compass away from metal.
Step by step
1Download the needed map area.
2Turn internet off and verify the map still opens.
3Start and name a trail before travel.
4Check that points keep recording.
5Use the saved trail with safe real-world landmarks.
6Stop and save or delete the trail when done.
How to confirm it worked
Map opens offline without blank tiles.
Position and trail update reasonably.
Compass responds when the phone turns.
If it does not work
Check the downloaded area and free storage.
Move under open sky for GPS.
Remove the case, avoid metal and calibrate compass.
Important: Offline maps cannot guarantee current closures or hazards. Follow official evacuation directions.
Path in the app: Tools → Flashlight, Whistle, Signal Scanner or Sensors
Before you start
Check battery and hardware support.
Ensure loud audio and flashing light are safe.
Treat readings as supporting, not certified, data.
Step by step
1Use short spaced whistle signals.
2Choose steady, SOS or beacon light.
3Scan slowly and do not rely on one reading.
4Use compass and metal tools away from magnets.
5Read accuracy warnings and compare other signs.
How to confirm it worked
Light or sound stops immediately.
Supported sensors show live values.
Power-consuming tools are off after use.
Important: Flashing light may affect photosensitive people. Do not use loud signals near ears or replace rescue equipment with phone sensors.
Path in the app: Bottom navigation → Survival Guide
Before you start
Open the main categories in calm conditions.
Keep first-aid training current.
Adapt your kit to family, medicine and climate needs.
Step by step
1Find the event by category or search.
2Read scene-safety and official-help warnings first.
3Follow the steps and do-not-do section.
4Only give first aid you can perform safely.
5Test the section once without internet.
How to confirm it worked
Core sections open offline.
Search finds topics quickly.
Your preparation list is current.
Important: The guide does not replace training, health care or official instructions. Do not attempt a dangerous procedure solely from on-screen text.
Path in the app: Tools → Crisis Sentinel → Model and settings
Before you start
Use stable internet, battery and free storage.
Choose a supported model.
Read privacy information before entering sensitive data.
Step by step
1Check model status.
2Download the recommended model over Wi-Fi.
3Ask a preparation question and retest offline.
4Compare advice with official alerts and guide content.
5Install model updates when practical.
How to confirm it worked
Model status is ready.
A sample answer works offline.
Size and support are shown.
If it does not work
Check space, Wi-Fi and Low Power Mode.
Choose a smaller model if performance is poor.
Verify doubtful advice before acting.
Important: Crisis Sentinel can be wrong or incomplete. It is not diagnosis, an official order, a rescue guarantee or your sole decision source.
Path in the app: Crisis Connect → Settings → Notifications
Step by step
1Confirm that the notification switches inside Crisis Connect are enabled.
2On Android 13 and later, allow the system notification permission.
3On iPhone, open Settings → Apps → Crisis Connect → Notifications and enable Allow Notifications.
4Check that Focus, Do Not Disturb, or manufacturer power controls are not delaying alerts.
Important: Disabling notifications does not delete messages, but you may miss new message and SOS alerts while the app is in the background.
Path in the app: Android Settings → Apps → Crisis Connect → Battery
Step by step
1Update the app and check notification and Nearby devices permissions first.
2If the issue happens only while the screen is off, open the app's battery-use settings.
3If your device offers it, test the Unrestricted or equivalent background option.
4Review manufacturer-specific auto-start controls, then repeat the offline test.
Important: Removing battery restrictions can increase power use. Treat it as troubleshooting, not a default setup requirement.