# Join the beta (/en/docs/platform/private-beta/join)



SafeCircle is in **beta** and anyone can create an account. This page walks you through everything, in order.

| Step | Where                         | What you do                                   |
| ---- | ----------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| 1    | app.safecircle.tech           | Create and verify your account                |
| 2    | Google Groups and Google Play | Join the testers group and opt in             |
| 3    | Child's Android phone         | Install the app and accept the beta agreement |
| 4    | Dashboard and child's phone   | Pair the device                               |

<Callout type="info">
  You need an **Android 11 or later** phone for the child app, and a **Google account** that you use on Google Play.
</Callout>

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Create your account [#create-your-account]

    1. Go to **app.safecircle.tech** and click **Sign up**.
    2. Enter your **Name**, **Email** and **Password**, then click **Create account**.
    3. Open the verification email from `no-reply@auth.safecircle.tech` and click the link. You're brought back to the sign-in page. If it didn't arrive, click **Resend email**.
    4. Sign in with your email and password.

    You can also sign up with Google, Discord or Twitter / X.

    <Callout type="info">
      If you see **New sign-ups are temporarily closed**, registration has been paused by the SafeCircle team. Try again later, or contact **[support@safecircle.tech](mailto:support@safecircle.tech)**.
    </Callout>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Join the beta [#join-the-beta]

    Beta builds are distributed per platform. Pick yours.

    <Tabs items="[&#x22;Android&#x22;, &#x22;iOS&#x22;]">
      <Tab value="Android">
        Android apps are distributed through Google Play testing, which is only open to members of the **SafeCircle Testers** Google group.

        1. Open the group page: [groups.google.com/g/safecircle-testing](https://groups.google.com/g/safecircle-testing).
        2. Sign in with **the same Google account you use on Google Play** on the phone, and join the group (`safecircle-testing@googlegroups.com`).
        3. Opt in to the testing track for each app you want to test:

        | App                      | Who uses it                     | Opt-in link                                                                         |
        | ------------------------ | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
        | SafeCircle Parents       | Parent's phone                  | [Become a tester](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.safecircle.parents)      |
        | SafeCircle Child         | Child's phone                   | [Become a tester](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.safecircle.child)        |
        | SafeCircle AI Playground | Any phone, to try the AI models | [Become a tester](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.safecircle.aiplayground) |

        Once your account is approved you can also do step 2 from the dashboard: go to **Settings › General › Updates**, switch on **Google Play beta updates** and click **Join the group** in the **Join the beta testers** dialog.

        <Callout>
          The Google account matters. Google Play only shows the apps to accounts that are in the group, so use the account that is signed in to the Play Store on that phone.
        </Callout>
      </Tab>

      <Tab value="iOS">
        There is no iOS app yet, for children or for parents, so there is no iOS beta. You can still use the dashboard from any browser, including on an iPhone. See [iOS](/en/docs/platform/ios/overview).
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Install the child app [#install-the-child-app]

    On the child's phone, open the SafeCircle listing in Google Play and tap **Install**. The listing may take a little while to appear after you join the group.

    The full setup, including the permissions the app needs, is in [Set up the child app](/en/docs/platform/android/setup).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Accept the beta agreement [#accept-the-beta-agreement]

    The first time you open the app, a **Closed Beta** screen says:

    > You've been invited to test SafeCircle. This build is confidential and not for public distribution.

    Tick both confirmations to continue:

    * **I'm a beta tester and won't share this app**
    * **I understand distribution is prohibited and may result in legal action**

    The agreement means you're taking part as a tester, you won't share the app with anyone else, and you understand that distributing it is prohibited. The app keeps a **CLOSED BETA** reminder in its Settings.

    <Callout type="info">
      Depending on the build, the screen may also ask you to agree to the **Terms of Service** and **Privacy Policy**, with links to both documents. You can read them before accepting.
    </Callout>
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Pair the device [#pair-the-device]

    Add a child in the dashboard and generate a pairing code, then scan or enter it in the child app. See [Set up the parent dashboard](/en/docs/platform/dashboard/setup) and [Set up the child app](/en/docs/platform/android/setup).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Updating beta builds [#updating-beta-builds]

Google Play delivers beta updates like any other app. Keep automatic updates on, or open the SafeCircle page in Google Play and tap **Update**.

The child app starts in **Basic** (keyword) mode with no download. If you later switch it to an on-device AI model, that model is updated separately: when a newer one is available the app shows **Model update available**. See [Updates](/en/docs/platform/android/updates).

The dashboard updates itself. See [Updates and News](/en/docs/platform/dashboard/updates).

## Leaving the beta [#leaving-the-beta]

* **Stop receiving beta builds** — leave the **SafeCircle Testers** group at [groups.google.com/g/safecircle-testing](https://groups.google.com/g/safecircle-testing) and switch off **Google Play beta updates** in **Settings › General › Updates**.
* **Stop monitoring** — uninstall the child app, and revoke the device in the dashboard (see [Children and devices](/en/docs/platform/dashboard/children-devices)).
* **Delete your data** — delete your account in **Settings › Profile**. See [Account and security](/en/docs/platform/dashboard/account-security).

## Sending feedback [#sending-feedback]

Your feedback shapes the product. In the dashboard, open the **···** (**More**) menu in the top bar and choose **Report a bug** or **Request a feature**. The page and version you're on are attached automatically, and you can follow your submission afterwards.

You can also email **[support@safecircle.tech](mailto:support@safecircle.tech)**. For device problems, include your Android version and phone model.

## Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

<Accordions>
  <Accordion title="The app isn't visible in the Play Store">
    * Confirm you joined the **SafeCircle Testers** group with the Google account that is signed in to Google Play on that phone.
    * Make sure you opted in to the testing track using the Google Play opt-in link.
    * Wait a few minutes after joining, then close and reopen the Play Store.
    * Check that the phone runs Android 11 or later. Older versions can't install the app.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I joined the group with the wrong Google account">
    Leave the group on the wrong account, then join again with the account used on Google Play. To switch the Play Store to another account, tap your profile picture at the top of the Play Store and pick the account.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I didn't get the verification email">
    Check your spam folder, then click **Resend email** on the **Check your inbox** screen. If it still doesn't arrive, contact **[support@safecircle.tech](mailto:support@safecircle.tech)**.
  </Accordion>
</Accordions>