1. Register a free parent account
Create your free ShhSafe parent account first, then sign in to the Parent Dashboard before starting any child-device setup.
Installation Playbook
How to Install
ShhSafe Child
A clear, back-to-back install guide: first confirm Android compatibility, then complete setup from download through all critical privileges.
Current production APK baseline
One APK today covers Android 8+ (API 26+) through current Android releases. Android 7 and older require a dedicated legacy compatibility build.
1. Compatibility
Android coverage since 2015Android Version
Device Era
Support Tier
Notes
Android 16 (API 36)
2025+
Best effort
Core install and monitoring flows work, but this is the newest platform and OEM/security updates are still shifting prompts and restrictions. We validate continuously and expand full certification with each release cycle.
Android 15 (API 35)
2024+
Best effort
Supported in production, with active compatibility checks because Android 15-era policy updates can change permission paths and sideload behavior across device brands/patch levels.
Android 14 (API 34)
2023+
Full support
Primary production target. All core setup and safety flows are actively validated.
Android 13 (API 33)
2022+
Full support
Fully supported, including restricted-settings guidance for sideload installs.
Android 12 / 12L (API 31-32)
2021-2022
Full support
Fully supported for onboarding, monitoring permissions, and routine sync.
Android 11 (API 30)
2020+
Full support
Fully supported with app settings guidance for background location behavior.
Android 10 (API 29)
2019+
Full support
Fully supported with split location permission flow.
Android 9 (API 28)
2018+
Full support
Fully supported for current APK feature set.
Android 8 / 8.1 (API 26-27)
2017+
Full support
Lowest production-supported Android version for current APK.
Android 7 and older (API 25 and below)
2015-2016
Legacy track needed
Not installable with current APK. Requires a legacy compatibility build track.
What support tiers mean
Full support: Fully certified on our current production track. Setup, permissions, and monitoring flows are stable and actively regression-tested.
Best effort: Production-ready, but newer Android generations can change security prompts or permission behavior via OEM and monthly platform updates. We monitor and patch quickly, and continuously move these versions toward full certification.
Legacy track needed: Current APK does not install on that version; a dedicated legacy build line is required.
2. Install Back-to-Back
2. Create a child profile in Household
In Parent Dashboard, open Household and add the child profile you want to pair. Installation should always be linked to a child profile.
3. Generate and open the install link
From Parent Dashboard, create an install link for the child profile and open it directly on the child phone.
4. Download APK and allow install source
If Android asks, allow installs from your browser/file manager for this one install, then complete APK installation.
5. Skip app scan when prompted
If Google Play Protect prompts to scan this sideloaded APK, choose to skip scanning and continue installation for this setup flow.
6. Finish onboarding screens in order
Set Parent PIN, complete permissions step, choose icon visibility, and confirm review screen before finishing setup.
7. Grant location correctly
Grant precise location first, then set Location to "Allow all the time" in App info so background updates stay reliable.
8. Enable monitoring services
Turn on Accessibility Service and Notification Access when prompted so safety signals can be collected consistently.
9. Enable Device Admin protection
Activate Device Admin when requested to improve uninstall resistance and hardening of child-device policy enforcement.
10. Verify dashboard heartbeat
Open Parent Dashboard and confirm the child appears online with location, permissions, and diagnostics flowing normally.
Privilege Checklist Before You Hand Phone Back
Location (Precise + Allow all the time)
Required
Accessibility Service
Required
Notification Access
Required
Device Admin
Required for hardening
Contacts, Calls, SMS, Photos, Camera, Microphone, Phone State
Feature-dependent
Final Verification
Confirm child device heartbeat and live status in dashboard
If the child device appears online with permissions and location active, installation is complete.