# Set up the parent app (/en/docs/platform/parent-app/setup)



## Before you start [#before-you-start]

* Android 11 or later.
* Anyone can create an account. See [Join the beta](/en/docs/platform/private-beta/join). If you already have a dashboard account, just sign in with it.
* The child app on your child's phone — see [Set up the child app](/en/docs/platform/android/setup).

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Open the app and take the tour [#open-the-app-and-take-the-tour]

    Tap **Get started**. A short tour covers real-time alerts, every child in one place, and trends. Then choose **Create account** or **I already have an account**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Create your account or sign in [#create-your-account-or-sign-in]

    * **Create account** — enter **Your name**, **Email**, **Password** (at least 8 characters), then tap **Create account**.
    * **Sign in** — enter **Email** and **Password**, then tap **Sign in**.

    If two-factor authentication is on for your account, the app asks for the **Two-factor code**. Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app and tap **Verify**.

    <Callout type="info">
      The email verification link opens in the app. You can keep going with setup before you've verified your email.
    </Callout>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Allow notifications [#allow-notifications]

    On Android 13 and later, **Stay in the loop** asks for the notification permission. Tap **Allow notifications**, or **Not now** if you'd rather decide later. Without it you won't get push alerts. See [Notifications](/en/docs/platform/parent-app/notifications).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Add your first child [#add-your-first-child]

    Enter **Child's name** and tap **Continue**, or **Skip for now** and add a child later from the **Family** tab. Then choose whether to **Notify me about new alerts** for this child and tap **Finish setup**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Pair a child's phone [#pair-a-childs-phone]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Show the pairing code [#show-the-pairing-code]

    Open the **Family** tab and tap **Add child**, or **Pair a device for** an existing child. The **Pair Child's Device** sheet shows a QR code.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Scan it on the child's phone [#scan-it-on-the-childs-phone]

    In the child app, choose **Scan QR code** and point the camera at the code. The Samsung variant also shows a code you can type into **Enter 6-digit code** on the child's phone.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Wait for the connection [#wait-for-the-connection]

    The sheet says **Waiting for the device to connect…** and then **Connected!** with the device name. The code expires after **5 minutes**, the sheet shows the countdown, and it generates a new code on its own when the old one expires.
  </Step>
</Steps>

If the child already has a paired device, the app says so and offers **Pair another device anyway**.

## Account and security settings [#account-and-security-settings]

In **Settings** you can:

* **Change password** and edit your name under **Profile**.
* Turn on **Biometric lock** to require biometrics to open SafeCircle.
* Review **Active sessions** and sign out other devices.
* **Sign out**, or delete your account and all its data under **Danger zone** (**Delete account**). This can't be undone.

Two-factor authentication is managed in the dashboard. See [Account and security](/en/docs/platform/dashboard/account-security).