Getting Started

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1. Installation Requirements

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.

  • iPhone Compatibility with watchOS Versions:
    • iOS 16: Compatible with watchOS 8
    • iOS 17: Compatible with watchOS 9
    • iOS 18: Compatible with watchOS 10
  • Note: 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.

Android Devices:

Phone Compatibility: Requires a smartphone running Android 14.0 or later.

Smartwatch Compatibility: Ensure your wearable supports Health Connect for data syncing with Carity.

Regional Availability:

The Carity App is currently available exclusively in Switzerland.

2. Downloading and Installing the Carity App

Carity (for Regular Users):

Carity-P (for Clinical Study Participants):

  • iOS Only: Available on the Apple App Store.
  • Carity-P is designed specifically for participants enrolled in clinical studies.

Steps to Download:

  1. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  2. Search for “Carity” or “Carity-P” based on your participation type.
  3. Download the appropriate app
  4. Allow notification permissions when prompted to receive reminders and alerts.

3. Activating the Carity App

  1. Launch the App on your smartphone.

  2. Scan the QR Code provided by your Care Team to unlock app features and receive your unique Participant ID (no personal data like name or date of birth is collected).

  3. Troubleshooting QR Code Scanning:

    If QR code isn’t scanning: Ensure camera permissions are enabled.

  • iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera > Enable Carity.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Permission Manager > Camera > Enable Carity.

    If the issue persists, contact: feedback+help@carity.care or navigate to Profile > Info > Feedback & Support within the app.

4. Setting Up 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. 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 read workout data, heart rate, and other key metrics:

  • Open the Health App on your iPhone.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy.
  • Tap Apps > Carity.
  • Enable **all data **categories.

Health Connect (Android):

Grant Health Connect permissions to read workout data, heart rate, and other key metrics:

  • Open Health Connect (search on your phone or look into settings)
  • 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”.
  • Allow background activity to ensure continuous data syncing: Open Settings > Apps > Carity > Battery Usage. Select “Allow Background Activity”.

Location Permissions:

  • Carity does NOT require location access.
  • However, some smartwatches or their companion apps may need location services enabled for accurate data (e.g., VO₂max, 6 minutes walking distance estimation based on elevation changes).
  • However, some smartwatches or their companion apps may need location services enabled for accurate data (e.g., VO₂max, 6 minutes walking distance estimation based on elevation changes).
  1. After setup, perform a short trial workout (walking, running, stairs, or dancing) — at least 2 minutes — to trigger data syncing.
  2. Wait for data to flow into Carity — syncing times vary depending on your device and system.
  3. If no data appears after a few hours, refer to the Troubleshooting section.

Detailed Trial Workout Guides for each recommended smartwatch: Detailed Trial Workout Guides for each recommended smartwatch:

  • Apple Watch (available soon)
  • Polar Devices (available soon)

Tip: While a real workout is ideal, a short movement simulation can also trigger data syncing. However, some smartwatches or their companion apps may prompt you to delete short workouts (typically under 10 minutes). If you choose to delete it, the workout will not appear in Carity. For this trial workout, we recommend keeping it to ensure successful data syncing.

6. Need Help?

If you encounter installation issues or need further guidance: