FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions”Quick answers to common questions about Thriva.
Getting Started
Section titled “Getting Started”What is Thriva?
Section titled “What is Thriva?”Thriva is a family digital wellness platform that helps families create healthy device habits together. Unlike traditional “parental control” apps, Thriva focuses on collaboration - parents and children agree on Device Availability Plans that structure when devices are available for learning, play, and rest.
Is Thriva free?
Section titled “Is Thriva free?”Thriva offers a free trial period. After that, a subscription is required to continue using the service. See our pricing page for current plans.
What devices does Thriva support?
Section titled “What devices does Thriva support?”Currently Thriva supports:
- Windows (10 and 11)
- Android (8.0+)
iOS/macOS support is planned for the future.
How many devices can I add?
Section titled “How many devices can I add?”Your subscription includes unlimited devices. Each device can be linked to any child in your family.
Device Modes
Section titled “Device Modes”What are the three modes?
Section titled “What are the three modes?”- Free Time - Full device access for play and entertainment
- Focused Mode - ThrivaOS environment with approved apps only
- Quiet Time - Device is fully rested (user logged out)
Who decides which mode is active?
Section titled “Who decides which mode is active?”Parents set schedules that automatically switch modes at designated times. Parents can also manually change modes or grant temporary overrides.
Can my child change their own mode?
Section titled “Can my child change their own mode?”Children can’t bypass mode restrictions. They can request mode changes by messaging parents through ThrivaOS.
Schedules
Section titled “Schedules”How do schedules work?
Section titled “How do schedules work?”You create recurring schedules that automatically switch modes at specific times. For example, “Quiet Time from 8 PM to 7 AM on school nights.”
What if schedules overlap?
Section titled “What if schedules overlap?”Quiet Time takes priority over other modes. Focused Mode takes priority over Free Time.
Can I make exceptions?
Section titled “Can I make exceptions?”Yes! Temporary overrides let you change modes for a specific period without affecting your regular schedule.
ThrivaOS
Section titled “ThrivaOS”What is ThrivaOS?
Section titled “What is ThrivaOS?”ThrivaOS is the environment children see during Focused Mode. It includes their tasks, calendar, approved apps, and AI assistant - without the distractions of games and entertainment.
Can kids get around ThrivaOS?
Section titled “Can kids get around ThrivaOS?”ThrivaOS is designed to be secure. On Windows, it replaces the desktop. On Android, it becomes the device launcher. Standard bypass methods are prevented.
What if my child needs an app that’s blocked?
Section titled “What if my child needs an app that’s blocked?”Add it to the approved apps list in the Parent Portal, or have them request access through ThrivaOS.
Tasks & Rewards
Section titled “Tasks & Rewards”How do tasks work?
Section titled “How do tasks work?”Parents create tasks that appear in the child’s ThrivaOS. Children mark tasks complete (optionally with parent verification), and can earn rewards like bonus screen time.
What rewards can tasks earn?
Section titled “What rewards can tasks earn?”Tasks can earn bonus Free Time minutes, Thriva Points (for larger rewards), or simply recognition.
Does Thriva integrate with Habitica?
Section titled “Does Thriva integrate with Habitica?”Yes! Thriva can sync tasks with Habitica for gamified habit tracking.
Privacy & Safety
Section titled “Privacy & Safety”Does Thriva see what my child is doing?
Section titled “Does Thriva see what my child is doing?”Thriva tracks which apps and websites are used and for how long. It does NOT capture screen content, messages, or keystrokes.
Is my data secure?
Section titled “Is my data secure?”Yes. Thriva uses encryption for all data transmission and storage. We never sell data to third parties.
Can other people see my family’s information?
Section titled “Can other people see my family’s information?”No. Your family’s data is completely private to your account.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”My device shows the wrong mode
Section titled “My device shows the wrong mode”Check if there’s an active temporary override. Also verify the schedule settings and ensure the device has internet connection.
The Windows service won’t start
Section titled “The Windows service won’t start”See our Windows Troubleshooting guide.
The Android app keeps closing
Section titled “The Android app keeps closing”See our Android Troubleshooting guide.
I forgot my password
Section titled “I forgot my password”Use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page to reset it.
More Help
Section titled “More Help”Can’t find what you’re looking for?
- Use the search function at the top of this page
- Ask the AI assistant using the floating button
- Contact support through the Parent Portal