Android Installation

This guide walks you through installing Thriva on an Android phone or tablet. The process takes about 10 minutes due to the permissions required.

System Requirements

• Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later
• Internet connection for registration
• Access to device settings

Step 1: Download the APK

1. On the Android device, open a browser
2. Go to downloads.thriva.app
3. Tap “Download for Android”
4. If prompted, tap “Download anyway” (browser security warning)

Why not Google Play?

Thriva requires permissions that Google Play doesn’t allow. We’re working on Play Store availability with a companion setup process.

Step 2: Allow Unknown Sources

Before installing, you need to allow app installation from this source:

1. Open the downloaded file (check your Downloads folder)
2. Tap “Settings” when prompted
3. Enable “Allow from this source”
4. Go back and open the file again

Step 3: Install the App

1. Tap “Install”
2. Wait for installation to complete
3. Tap “Open”

Step 4: Grant Permissions

Thriva needs several permissions to manage the device effectively. The app will guide you through each one:

Accessibility Service

Why: Thriva uses this to detect which app is running and manage app access during Focused Mode.

How:

1. Tap the prompt in Thriva
2. Find “Thriva” in the accessibility list
3. Toggle it ON
4. Confirm any warnings

Device Administrator

Why: Allows Thriva to enforce Quiet Time by locking the device.

How:

1. Tap the prompt in Thriva
2. Tap “Activate” on the device admin screen

Usage Access

Why: Lets Thriva see which apps are being used (for usage reports).

How:

1. Tap the prompt in Thriva
2. Find “Thriva” in the list
3. Toggle it ON

Display Over Other Apps

Why: Allows Thriva to show the Focused Mode interface.

How:

1. Tap the prompt in Thriva
2. Toggle “Allow display over other apps” ON

Notification Access (optional)

Why: Lets Thriva show status notifications.

How:

1. Tap the prompt if shown
2. Enable notification access for Thriva

Step 5: Get a Registration Code

1. Log in to parents.thriva.app (on any device)
2. Go to Devices
3. Tap “Add Device”
4. Enter a device name (e.g., “Emma’s Phone”, “Tablet”)
5. Select “Android” as the device type
6. Click “Generate Code”
7. Copy the 8-character code (like A7F2B401)

This code expires in 1 hour and can only be used once.

Step 6: Register the Device

Back in the Thriva app:

1. Enter the 8-character registration code
2. Tap “Register”
3. Wait for registration to complete

Step 7: Link to a Child

After the device registers, you need to link it to a child in the Parent Portal:

1. Go to parents.thriva.app
2. Navigate to Devices and click on your newly registered device
3. Under Link to Child, select which child uses this device
4. The device will now follow that child’s schedule and mode changes

Step 8: Verify Setup

After linking:

1. The device appears in your Parent Portal under Devices with status “Online”
2. The child shows this device in their profile
3. Thriva is ready to manage the device

After Installation

The device starts in Free Time mode. To activate structure:

1. Go to the Parent Portal
2. Select the child linked to this device
3. Change their mode or create a schedule

Family Discussion Starters

Take a moment to discuss these questions together as a family:

• Let's set up Thriva on your phone together - any questions before we start?
• I'm going to explain each permission so you understand what Thriva can see.
• How do you feel about having this on your phone?

Understanding the Permissions

We know these permissions seem extensive. Here’s what Thriva does and doesn’t do:

Permission	What Thriva Does	What Thriva Doesn’t Do
Accessibility	Detects current app, enforces Focused Mode	Read message content, capture passwords
Device Admin	Locks device during Quiet Time	Wipe device, access files
Usage Access	Reports app usage time	Track location, read messages
Display Over	Shows Focused Mode interface	Display ads, pop-ups

Thriva is designed for transparency, not surveillance. We don’t read message content, track location (unless you specifically enable it), or share data with third parties.

Troubleshooting

If installation doesn’t work smoothly, see our Android Troubleshooting Guide.