Your First Device

Ready to install Thriva on your first device? This guide gives you the quick overview. For detailed instructions, see our platform-specific guides.

Choose Your Platform

Thriva currently works on:

• Windows 10/11 - Desktop and laptop computers
• Android 7.0+ - Phones and tablets

Coming Soon

iOS, macOS, and Chromebook support are in development.

Step 1: Generate a Registration Code

In the Parent Portal (parents.thriva.app):

1. Go to Devices
2. Click “Add Device”
3. Enter a device name (e.g., “Johnny’s Laptop”)
4. Select the device type (Windows or Android)
5. Click “Generate Code”

You’ll see an 8-character code like X7F2Q9KL. This code:

• Expires in 1 hour
• Can only be used once
• Links the device to your family account

Step 2: Install on the Device

Windows Quick Start

1. Download ThrivaSetup.exe from downloads.thriva.app
2. Right-click and select “Run as administrator”
3. Enter your 8-character registration code when prompted
4. Wait while setup downloads and installs the Thriva service
5. Done! You’ll see “Setup Complete” when finished

The setup installs:

• ThrivaService (background service that enforces modes)
• ThrivaTray (system tray icon for mode control)
• ThrivaDesktop (the Focused Mode kiosk environment)

Full Windows setup guide →

Android Quick Start

1. Download the Thriva APK from downloads.thriva.app
2. Install the app (you may need to allow installation from “unknown sources”)
3. Open the Thriva app
4. Enter your 8-character registration code
5. Grant permissions when prompted (accessibility, device admin, notifications)
6. Done! The app will start monitoring in the background

Full Android setup guide →

Step 3: Link User Accounts to Children

After the device registers, return to the Parent Portal:

1. Click on the newly registered device
2. You’ll see Available Users - usernames detected on the device
3. For each username, click “Assign to Child”
4. Select the child from your family

Why this matters: When you set “Johnny” to Focused Mode, Thriva needs to know which device usernames belong to Johnny. This link makes it work across all his devices.

Windows Example

Johnny might have:

• Username “johnny” on the Family Laptop
• Username “john” on Dad’s Desktop

Link both to Johnny’s profile. When you change Johnny’s mode, both accounts change together.

Android Example

Each Android device typically has one user. Link that device’s user to the appropriate child.

What Happens Next

After installation and linking:

1. The device appears in your Parent Portal under Devices
2. Status shows “Online” (checks in every 30 seconds)
3. Default mode is Free Time - No restrictions yet
4. You can change modes anytime from the Parent Portal

Tips for a Smooth Start

Start in Free Time mode - Let everyone get used to Thriva being installed before adding structure.

Test each mode manually - Before setting up schedules, try switching between Free Time, Focused Mode, and Quiet Time to see what each does.

Involve your child - Show them what ThrivaOS looks like in Focused Mode. Let them explore when there’s no pressure.

Set expectations - Explain that you’ll be creating a Device Availability Plan together, not imposing surprise restrictions.

Family Discussion Starters

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

• Which device should we set up first?
• Do you want to help me install Thriva, or would you rather I set it up first?
• How do you feel about trying this new system together?

Troubleshooting

If installation doesn’t work smoothly:

• Windows troubleshooting
• Android troubleshooting
• Chat with our AI assistant in the Parent Portal

What’s Next?

Once your first device is working:

1. Understand the three modes - Free Time, Focused Mode, Quiet Time
2. Create your first schedule - Build your Device Availability Plan
3. Add more devices - Extend to other family devices