Getting Started

How do I set up my first check-in?

After creating your account, add at least one emergency contact. Then tap the check-in button on the home screen to start your timer. Choose an interval (12, 24, or 48 hours) and you're all set. You'll receive reminders before your check-in is due.

How do I add emergency contacts?

Go to the Contacts tab and tap "Add Contact." Enter their name, phone number, and email address. Choose which alert methods to enable (email is always included; SMS and voice calls require a Plus subscription). Your contacts will receive a welcome message letting them know they've been added.

What happens when I miss a check-in?

When your check-in timer expires, Beacon begins an escalation process. First, your contacts receive an email and SMS (if enabled). After 5 minutes, Plus subscribers' contacts receive an automated voice call. A follow-up reminder is sent 4 hours later. If you still haven't checked in after 24 hours, the full alert cycle repeats.

How does the alert escalation work?

Alerts happen in phases to balance urgency with avoiding unnecessary alarm. Phase 1 sends SMS and email. Phase 2 (5 minutes later, Plus only) makes a voice call. Phase 3 (4 hours later) sends a gentler follow-up reminder. Each contact can respond by confirming you're safe, acknowledging the alert, or saying they're checking on you.

Account & Billing

What's the difference between Free and Plus?

The Free plan includes up to 3 emergency contacts with email alerts. The Plus plan ($7.99/month or $64.99/year) expands to 10 contacts and adds SMS text message and automated voice call alerts for faster, more reliable contact notification.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Subscriptions are managed through your device's app store. On iOS, go to Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions. On Android, go to Google Play Store > Subscriptions. You can cancel anytime and continue using Plus features until the end of your billing period.

How do I delete my account and data?

Go to Settings in the app, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Delete Account." This permanently removes your account, all contacts, check-in history, and notification data. You can also email us at support@beaconsafe.app to request account deletion.

Troubleshooting

My contacts aren't receiving alerts

Check that your contacts' phone numbers and email addresses are entered correctly. SMS alerts require a Plus subscription. Text messages may be filtered by carriers or blocked by the recipient's phone settings. Ask your contacts to check their spam/junk folders for email alerts and to add our number to their contacts.

Push notifications aren't working

Make sure notifications are enabled for Beacon Safe in your device settings (Settings > Notifications > Beacon Safe on iOS, or Settings > Apps > Beacon Safe > Notifications on Android). Also check that Do Not Disturb is not active, and that Beacon has permission to send notifications.

What is Vacation Mode?

Vacation Mode pauses your check-in timer so you won't trigger alerts while you're taking a break. You can set an end date and your check-in cycle will automatically resume when vacation mode ends. Find it in Settings.

Important Safety Notice

Beacon Safe is not an emergency service and does not contact 911 or emergency responders. In any life-threatening emergency, always call 911 (or your local emergency number) directly. Alert delivery depends on network availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Still need help?

Our team is here to help. Send us an email and we'll get back to you.

support@beaconsafe.app

We typically respond within 24-48 hours.