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1.Supported Platforms & Smartwatches

a) iOS Devices:

• iPhone Compatibility: The Carity App requires an iPhone running iOS 16.0 or later.
• Apple Watch Compatibility: watchOS 9.0 or later is required.
• Apple Watch (iOS via Apple Health Kit) including:
  • Apple Watch Series 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 (Supports ECG),
  • Apple Watch SE 1st and 2nd generation (does not support ECG),
  • Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 (Supports ECG)

IMPORTANT! iPhone Compatibility with watchOS Versions:

• iOS 16 → Compatible with watchOS 8,
• iOS 17 → Compatible with watchOS 9,
• iOS 18 → Compatible with watchOS 10.

Some newer Apple Watches require iPhone XR/XS or later for full compatibility. If using an older iPhone, users may need to purchase a compatible used Apple Watch.

b) Android Devices:

• Smartphone Compatibility: Requires a smartphone running Android 14.0 or later.
• Smartwatch Compatibility: Ensure your wearable supports Health Connect for data syncing with Carity. Based on what data Carity needs to provide you best experience we recommend:
• Polar Devices (Android via Polar flow app)

TIP: To enable data sharing with Health Connect, ensure your Polar Flow app is updated to version 6.22.0 or later. Within the app, navigate to General Settings and activate the Health Connect option to manage and share your health-related data seamlessly.

2. Pairing Instructions (Detailed Guides)

a) Apple Watch (iOS):

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Apple Watch.
3. Ensure the watch is synced with Apple Health.
4. Detailed Apple Watch PDF Guide
5. Additional Apple Support options

b) Polar Devices (Android):

1. Download the Polar Flow app.
2. Pair your device using the manufacturer’s app.
3. Connect the app to Health Connect.
4. Detailed Polar PDF Guide
5. Additional Polar Support options

If you encounter pairing issues, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide.

3. Setting Up Permissions for Data Syncing

a) Complete QR Code Activation (see the “Getting Started” article if you haven’t done this yet).

b) Go to the Progress Tab:

• If you haven’t added a wearable yet, you’ll see a prompt under the Progress Indicator to “Add Your Wearable”.
• If the QR code hasn’t been scanned yet, the prompt will show “Scan QR Code” as the first step.

c) Add Your Device:

• Tap “Add Device” to begin the connection process.
• The Carity App will scan for available devices.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete pairing.

d) Grant Permissions:

You will be prompted to grant permissions to the Carity App when adding your wearable. If you did not allow full data access during this process, you can adjust the permissions anytime through your mobile phone settings. While you can also revoke these permissions, please note that most of Carity’s features will become unavailable without proper data access.

• Apple Health (iOS):
  • Grant access to Apple Health to sync workout data, heart rate, and other key metrics:
  • Open the Health App on your iPhone.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy.
  • Tap Apps > Carity.
  • Enable all relevant data categories.
• Health Connect (Android):
  • Grant Health Connect permissions to allow Carity to read and sync health data:
  • Open Health Connect.
  • Go to App Permissions > Carity.
  • Enable all health data permissions.
  • Allow background activity to ensure continuous data syncing: Open Settings > Apps > Carity > Battery Usage. Select “Allow Background Activity”.
• Location Permissions (Optional):
  • Carity in general NOT require location access.
  • However, with selected wearables (i.e. Polar devices) you may need location services enabled for accurate data (e.g., 6 minutes walking distance estimation).

4. Recording Workouts on Each Wearable

Detailed Trial Workout Guides for each recommended smartwatch:

• Detailed Apple Watch PDF Guide
• Detailed Polar PDF Guide

5. What Data Is Synced & How Long It Takes

a) Synced Data Types (if supported by the wearable):

• Heart Rate: Captured only during recorded workouts
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV): If available
• VO₂max: If available
• 6-Minute Walking Distance: If available
• Workout Duration: Total duration of recorded workouts

For details on how scores are calculated and how data impacts your health metrics, refer to the Usage Guide.

b) How Long It Takes for Data to Sync

The time it takes for workout data from your wearable to appear in the Carity App depends on the device you use and how it syncs with either Apple Health or Google Health Connect. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process for Apple and Polar devices:

Apple Devices (via Apple Health)

• Apple Watch → Apple Health:
  • Workout data from your Apple Watch typically syncs to Apple Health automatically and almost instantly when your watch is connected to your iPhone.
  • If data doesn’t appear immediately: Ensure both devices are updated to the latest software. Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.Restart your devices if needed.
• Apple Health → Carity:
  • Once the data reaches Apple Health, the Carity App fetches it during its next sync. This usually happens within minutes but may vary based on your phone’s background activity settings.

Polar Devices (via Polar Flow & Health Connect)

• Polar Watch → Polar Flow App:
  • After finishing a workout, you must manually sync your Polar watch with the Polar Flow app by pressing and holding the BACK button on your watch.
  • The sync time depends on how much data is being transferred, but it usually takes a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
• Polar Flow → Health Connect (Android):
  • Once synced to Polar Flow, your workout data will transfer to Health Connect (Android) if integration is enabled.
  • The transfer typically happens immediately but can vary depending on your phone’s settings and connectivity.
• Health Connect → Carity:
  • Carity pulls data from Health Connect or Apple Health during its next sync. This generally occurs within minutes, but enabling background activity for all related apps ensures faster data flow.

Tips to Speed Up Syncing:

• Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled for stable connections.
• Grant all necessary permissions in Apple Health or Health Connect.
• Enable background activity for the Carity App and your smartwatch app.
• Manually refresh the Carity App if data seems delayed.
• Avoid battery optimization settings that restrict background syncing.

If data still doesn’t appear after syncing, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide or contact feedback@carity.care for further support.