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    The Government’s COVID-19 tracking app is called CovidSafe and is launching today!

    By Jason Cartwright
    2 min. read

    Today the Australian Government is launching the smartphone app for Android and iOS to help in the efforts of contact tracing. The app is called CovidSafe and is published by the Australian Department of Health.

    A new Government website – https://covidsafe.gov.au/ has been established and provides the link to download the Android and iOS versions of the app, hat tip to Beau Giles for the heads-up.

    The website also features a Help page to assist in understanding how the app works and those concerned with privacy, should absolutely take a read. It’s important that factual, technically accurate information is shared around this app, particularly when the health of Australians is concerned.

    How does COVIDSafe work?

    As you got about your life, Bluetooth your phone is scanning for possible Bluetooth devices to connect to. This unique Bluetooth ID is registered in the app.

    If someone tests positive to Coronavirus, State and Territory health officials can check if your phone’s unique Bluetooth ID, is listed as a device that that person was close to. If your phone is on the list, you’ll be notified that you were near someone who has contracted Coronavirus (who also had the COVIDSafe app installed).

    What data is collected for COVIDSafe?

    After installing the app, you will be asked for the following:

    • Mobile phone number – so that you can be contacted if needed for contact tracing.
    • Name – so the relevant health officials can confirm they are speaking to the right person when performing contact tracing. This will be easiest if you provide your full name, but you can use a pseudonym or fake name if you prefer​.
    • Age range– so health officials can prioritise cases for contact tracing, if needed​​.
    • Postcode –to make sure health officials from the right State or Territory who work in your area can contact you, and to prioritise cases for contact tracing, e.g. hotspot areas.

    The app uses a rolling 21-day window to allow for the maximum 14-day incubation period, and the time taken to confirm a positive test result. The rolling 21-day window allows the app to continuously note only those user contacts that occur during the Coronavirus incubation window. Contacts that occurred outside of the 21-day window are automatically deleted from the user’s phone.

    This app plays a significant role in Australia’s capacity to return to a more normal lifestyle. By understand when you come into contact with someone with Coronavirus, you can then be tested and quarantine accordingly. While it’ll definitely be disruptive when this occurs, it’s a powerful piece of data that can allow much of society to function again.

    The Government had said the app would be open source, to allow security researchers to review the code, but it doesn’t appear that’s going to take place before the launch of the app today.

    More information at https://www.covidsafe.gov.au and I’ll be downloading it as soon as its available.

    Jason Cartwright
    Jason Cartwrighthttps://techau.com.au/author/jason/
    Creator of techAU, Jason has spent the dozen+ years covering technology in Australia and around the world. Bringing a background in multimedia and passion for technology to the job, Cartwright delivers detailed product reviews, event coverage and industry news on a daily basis. Disclaimer: Tesla Shareholder from 20/01/2021

    411 COMMENTS

    1. Good one Jason- glad you mentioned this. I will download it too! There’s a lot of misinformation and conspiracy theorists on this one!

      • You mean people not willing to trust the government, no conspiracy in that. You know, like trust us we won’t release your metadata.

        • Or trust that the National Firearms Registry wont end up in the hands of thieves, Or that things like Centerlink’s “Robo debt” cant/wont happen. Or that there will “never ever be a GST under a liberal Government” “never ever” Or that kids did in fact go overboard.. or that 6 million people are/were on jobkeeper.. I mean the list goes on and on and on…

          And you wonder why people don’t want to install it.. I mean can that personal info be farmed with bluetooth sniffing I wonder?

        • HAHA comment was removed, but have a look into what happened to the National Firearms Registry. You wont find much but basically this apparently unhackable database (lol) of every gun in the country and how it is stored, and where was stolen within months of its inception.

          Can we trust a Government (no not labor or liberal per se) that promises that there will “Never ever be a GST..” who then goes on to install one as fast as humanly (bureaucratically) possible?

          How about the NSW govt who cant even get community transmission under control pushing to have interstate travel opened up again? They clearly have the best interests of the people of Australia at heart.. lol.

    2. I am trying to download the app. When I put in my details it keeps saying “invalid phone number” when I press Get Pin.

      • You might find that your phones Android version is too old to accept the app. This aspect has not been widely publicised, but I did find a mention of compatibility in fine print in a document when I stated looking for answers. My version is 4.4.2 on a Galaxy Note II. Very frustrating, as I am a strong advocate for the apps use. As with some other apps on Play Store, if your phone is not compatible, such apps will not even come up during a search. The app that you were directed to is probably the WHO app of the same name, which is not a tracing app. I understand that some older versions of IOS are the same.

        • Can confirm the same for 5.1 Android on Galaxy J3 – there will be a significant pool of people in this situation, many in the older age group. Hopefully they can provide a version suitable soon.

        • Yep……My Android Version is too old and am only getting “Your device is not compatible with this version”. Since I’m not going to go out and buy a new phone…….It looks like I’ll have to opt out of this one.

          • Me too. Very disappointing. I would love to download the app but I am not buying a new phone for it. Why didn’t someone think this through? Many of us are not the younger milenials that have to have the latest and greatest technology yesterday, and yet we are probably more at risk than they are and should have a better level of protection. So why do they bring out an app that doesn’t work on our phones?

            Go figure!

            Probably created by a milenial. 🙁

          • I’m getting exactly the same message. (“Your device is not compatible”). I’d like to join in, but there’s no way I’m buying a new phone. Poor planning here by the IT people behind it, who are clearly in their own “we’ve got the latest phones” bubble.

        • Yes, same issue does not come up in Play Store search and if accessed via direct link I am informed that the app is not compatible with my Android 4.4.4 phone. Mirror the frustration of Jeff R – I want to participate!

          • Yes, very frustrating! I have a Huawei Y625 running Android v4.4.2 and an 8″ Samsung “phablet” with the same version OS. I’m in the older age group and I can’t afford a new phone at this time. Also very angry with Commbank for locking us older phone users out of their new version netbank app.

    7. Well the funny thing is that only the Google Play store link works, the Apple App Store link links nowhere. So at the moment it looks like only Android users can use it……

    9. Would live to download but Apple Store says not available to download in WA – any news on when Apple will come to the party over t?

    10. I have downloaded it (Android) and installed this morning. While it is named COVIDSafe it should have the acronym SARSTAT app.

      Search and Record Safe Track and Trace.

      An excellent app that helps us all know the SARStatus in Australia.

      Oh and anyone with a smartphone that doesn’t download and install it is UNAUSTRALIAN.

    16. When I ask for a code to verify my ph number it says my number is invalid My ph number is 0423987101 My husband is getting this also

    19. I’m having the same issue with the phone number entry! Can’t get it to accept my number. Tried several times. Surely this was tested prior to release

    22. I am hugely disappointed. I was keen to play my part in registering my app but I’m having the same problem as not recognising my phone number either with the zero or not in front

    25. Government says it’s so secure that not even you can access your own data. Well it’s so secure that it won’t let me sign up! It keeps telling me my number is invalid.. I expected a glitch or two but not being able to sign up…

      • My wife told me six times that I couldn’t register until after 6pm, but I’m a bloke so I didn’t listen. Well guess what she was right – again!

    26. Getting a invalid phone number message (3) Times when I’m filling in app for a friend. Please help. Number is 042736XXXX & you drop 0 if +61 is the prefix. Tks

    27. Why does my valid mobile number show as ‘invalid’? I entered 61 42*******, then tried 042*******, just in case. No joy. I notice that others have the same problem but may as well highlight.

    28. Hello, I’ve tried entering my mobile number with and without zero in front, and I’m also getting the message “Invalide phone number”.

    29. apparently it’s not officially working until 1800,cause i have tried to sign up and it’s coming up invalided phone number aswell,i was informed to try after 1800 today

    33. “Error verifying phone number – please check your details and try again” – have tried with and without a zero in front of my number.

    35. why was the app even available on Google Play in the first place when mobile numbers cannot be recognised… this will put a lot of people off installing this now!

    37. i know i am a bloke, but i didn’t see anything on the App Store about waiting till after 6pm to register or else the phone number verification step wont work

    43. I’ve tried to set it up but it doesn’t work, it says it failed to verify my phone number. Useless, if you are going to launch something like this , make sure it bloody works first! Very frustrating.

    44. Could be that the two-step verification SMS Service is overloaded with requests right now.
      It might get better as this seems like a generic error, not an issue with everyone’s ‘phone number’ or formatting issue.

    45. Same with me error verifying phone number have checked iPhone and entering exactly right and also every possible variation

      • Try turning off your WiFi then it should work.
        This is what I did when it come up as “invalid phone number” and it worked.

    52. Post on ABC News says that the servers get activated after 6pm this evening. So wait a bit before signing up.
      Also, the Apple iOS App Store **does not find*** “covidsafe” but ***does find*** “COVIDsafe”. The capitals are apparently necessary.

    60. Successfully downloaded and activated Covid safe on my wife’s phone. Unable to do so on my phone as it will not accept my phone number.

    62. So it only notifies you if you came into “close contact” (within 1.5m for 15 minutes) with somebody who has Covid-19 (providing they too have the app). Considering it only takes a few seconds of interaction to pass on the virus, I want to know if a customer I serve has it – which obviously is less than 15 minutes of interaction. Pretty useless if you ask me.

      • Now Im wondering if a government cant even launch an app howin hell are they going to save us from this mess ???Im our of here
        .

      • There is some fine print somewhere that indicates that older versions of Android will not be compatible with the app. My Android version is 4.4.2 on a Galaxy Note II and it does not work. I have not been able to identify the earliest version that is suitable

    67. It would be fair to describe this app as a Beta version, and we are all testers. The source code will be made available so that those who are interested can do a bit fiddling. It would be good if the app could be made backwards compatible, to enable older versions of Android to be compatible. My Android version is 4.4.2 on a Galaxy Note II and it is incompatible with the app. I would think that the Bluetooth version is that the app operates under is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as it does not require manual pairing as with the earlier version. BLE by nature, ensures longer battery life on an Android phone. BLE also does not require a line of sight to operate, so it is feasible that if you are in one aisle as Woolies and another person is in the next aisle, both phones will be able to see each other through the cans of crushed tomatoes and baked beans.

    68. I have downloaded the app perfectly on my iPhone but my husband has a Samsung and google play says it is unavailable here ??

    70. I CANT even download this app on my phone. I dont have google play & I cant even connect to the network using google. My phone is a pre-paid phone so maybe this is the issue… I dont even know if the app is free which is important to me because of the high cost of pre-paid phones… Therefore Im out of the loop I suppose.

    71. Invalid Phone Number error msg – So I have now been trying hourly for 12hrs (9pm -9am) which is well after 6pm. My phone is an S8+ so not too old. I’ve had the same working number for about 20yrs so definitely valid. So what now? Maybe i’m too old to matter….

    74. I have three phones, Amaysim, Aldi and Aldi. All three do not get the PIN that tha App requires even after multiple trie. App fault. So cannot use Apps. Many others must have same issue.

    75. All you smart people having trouble putting your phone number in… +61 is our the country code so you DON’T put in the leading zero.

    77. I cannot seem to install the app on my Galaxy J1 mini. According to the specs, this Android device is said to be compatible, but when I try to install it from Google play, I get a message saying “No eligible devices were found”. I’ve tried switched the phone off and on, but no difference.
      So, the question has to be asked … despite the specs saying so, is my phone really able to run the COVIDSAFE app?

    78. Hi Jason, my husband has an iPhone 4 operating system 9.3…
      Covidsafe requires iso 10 to download. I guess he can’t register unless he forks out $200 from his meagre pension to buy a more up to date phone. Any suggestions? Thanks lynne

    80. I have a Samsung Galaxy J3/6 and I cannot download the app. I get a message telling me the app is incompatible with my device. Does anyone else have this problem and does anyone have a solution?

    81. I can’t seem to download this app on my samsung galaxy III smartphone. It doesn’t even appear in the play store. Anyone know why that would be?

    82. I only have a “Pay as you use plan” on Vodaphone which will not allow for me to download apps. I have tried every which way without success. Sat beside my wife who is on a Telstra plan and it downloaded immediately. So it appears that unless I pay a fortune for a plan with the server I cannot get notified if I come in contact with a carrier of the virus.

    83. When I try to install the app I receive message saying this device is incompatible with the app. I have 5.1 android.
      Surely the gurus can fix this issue!!!!!!

    88. I cannot download the COVIDSafe app. It says my device is not compatible with this version. So what a brilliant idea, not!! Not everyone has latest devuces. Frustrating.

    92. I am trying to enter my phone number to get the verification pin and it keeps telling me it is an invalid number I have tried it with and without the initial 0 at the front.

    93. designed by an idiot!!~! It will not recognise correct phone numbers. The offered keyboard has no space symbol…impossible to register as it says incorerect number..yet the number has been with me for 20 years.

    94. Having the same problem as everybody else …. after trying variations to my phone number the app cannot identify my mobile

    97. I need to uninstall this app as it isn’t right, it told me I was positive to COVID 19 & when I spoke to someone about they told me it’s incorrect! Now I cannot get it off my phone & when I try calling my GP’s surgery it tells me I need to be triaged for the COVID19 I just want this app off my phone & it won’t let me uninstall it!!!

    105. Im trying to install the app but google play doesn’t display the app in search. I can find the app through the government site, but it says this item is not available in your country. well..it should be since its for Australia. Ive checked my profile addresss on google and its set to Australia, and I’m using a Huawei with Android 10. Any ideas??

    111. Yes, I had the same problem. It was telling me invalid phone number. Then turned off the wifi on the phone as suggested below. Then tried again and it worked.

    116. I don’t know why I never get the 6 digit pin on my iPhone, it keeps saying that ERROR, can’t verify your mobile number

    118. App has been up for over 24 hours and still refuses my phone number. Switched on and off. Deleted and reloaded app etc, but no joy. There does not appear to be any help available from the gov app page.
      Any fixes out there?

    121. I have waited until after 6pm after installing the app earlier in the day. The app still returns an invalid phone number response when I try to register, as it did earlier in the day. The resnonse is definitley a glitch in the software. The number is valid. It there is some other problem, the invalid number response is till incorrect, no matter what someting obscure in poorly presented instructions say.

      Given the importance of this software’s function, this should be fixed ASAP. It should not be difficult to do so.

    123. Hi, I keep getting invalid number. I have tried multiple times, turned off wifi and back on, still the same. I restarted my phone, it now tells me it is active but I need to upload my data. It wants the PIn which because my number is apparently invalid I can’t do it. What is wrong? any idea

      • I just looked on the govt app site in help. It stated in there that downloading the app from the play store will not work because it is set to overseas

    124. It will not let me verify my phone number
      I have checked all my information is correct but still will not let me verify

    130. Trying to load my number and marked invalid… tried reinstalling and no luck so l guess l won t be doing it ..and my phone in a Samsung s10 so latest software????

    133. I am prevented from loading the app as my mobile number is invalid on android 8 device.
      Please fix it urgently as you are stopping me and others from loading this important application.

    134. I tried to download it but was told the app is not suitable for the device or maybe the other way round. The phone is a Samsung Core. Two years old. Smart phone, has blue tooth etc. Husband’s phone is the same. Good enough for the requirements of retired people. Will they release versions that do not need the most expensive phones?

    135. My wife has an iPhone – this app has accepted her phone number. I have a Nokia and the COVIDSafe app has not accepted my number.

    138. Have turned off wifi but still won’t work! I can do it on my iPad but I don’t take that with me everywhere! Not a good look for such an important app.

    142. “error verifying phone number” when I press get pin
      Just as useless as the MyGov app
      Apart from that, a great idea

    143. Hi all

      If you’re experiencing an error when attempting to enter your phone number, if you’re connected to a wifi network, disconnect and try to register again.

    144. Ronald Nash: Thank you I couldn’t get a pin but when turned the Wi-Fi off worked immediately! Stay save and well I appreciate the help

    147. Trying to do the right thing – bit app not accepting my mobile number – i only have the one ! – left the 0 off just in case – still did not work ?
      Whats the issue here?

    148. I am trying to set up the Covid safe app butI keep getting a message saying that my phone number is not valid. I have tired entering it with and without the 0.

    149. Trying to download the app for some time but ‘no eligible devices for app install’ keeps showing. Tried turning on and off WiFi to no avail. Very frustraing. I have an iphone 6. Any suggestions?

    152. Have tried for 2 days but the app will not accept my Australian mobile number. What’s wrong? I’ve tried it with and without the 0 after the +61…

    154. I’ve downloaded the app on my iPhone but it won’t accept my phone number. Is there a tech help line? I’ve dropped the zero at the start but says it can’t validate my number any suggestions?

    157. Unable to register – “invalid phone number” message comes up and cant progress, for both myself and husband.

    159. I want to do the right thing and download the app. But my phone is Android 5.1 lollypop (not compatible with the app). Is there another app for my phone?

    160. Have tried to download app 4 times but on each occasion it states my mobile number is invalid. Have tried with the 0 and without. Help! Have read commebts re wifi will try that.

    161. I have been trying for yesterday and today. I have entered correct details and left the 0 off the beginning of my mobile due to the 61+ being added and it says after 40 sec or so that it’s am invalid mobile number. I can usually solve my own tech problems. I’ve even shut down phone and restarted along with making sure battery is optimized, location on, bluetooth on and still no connection. I’ve even tried 11.30 at night when not so busy. Can you please advise.

    163. Invalid phone number , i had to turn off wifi and bluetooth for my Samsung device to work. just turning off wifi only didnt work.

    165. covid safe is not compatiable with a samsung 4 phone. How many older people do not have the latest phone.
      can this covid app be made compatiable.
      Thanks

      • I received the same message that my phone number was invalid even after I turned off the Wifi. Then I remembered that I had my VPN on.
        Need to turn off the VPN for it to recognise the phone number being an Australia only app.

    168. Hi I have a Samsung J5 2016 phone with 5.1.1 version
      Can you help me as I am getting a message that my phone is not compatible

    169. I have a Samsung A8 (only a year old), app tells me “This item is not available in your country”!!!! I have reset etc etc but still no luck.

    171. Are you having issues verifying your mobile phone number or receiving your PIN?

      If COVIDSafe does not verify your mobile phone number, or you do not receive your PIN within a few minutes after you register, switch off the Wi-Fi and use your mobile phone’s internet when entering your phone number.

      If that does not work:
      – Check the number you entered is correct. You can only use Australian mobile phone numbers starting with ‘04’ containing 10 digits. For example, ‘041234567X’.
      – Go back to the previous screen to check if you have answered all questions correctly, including name (no numbers or symbols like ‘?’ or ‘.’), age range and postcode.
      – Your PIN may have expired. Go back to the app and tap the ‘Resend PIN’ link.

      I had a “.” in my name and that was my “invalid phone number issue”

    172. have tried to download the App and I get the message “Your device isn’t compatible with this version” It’s a Samsung and not very old. Is Android a problem?

    173. I am having trouble getting my phone number to accept when getting this app, I don’t have WIFI on, but have Bluetooth , I’m using an IPhone , have tried several times today, deleted app and started again……..HELP

    175. Phone # is still invalid after following the turn off wifi suggestion. Tried now for 48 hours to use but still get the same message ?

    176. hI Trying to join in and help but on download of covid app it says your phone is incompatible!
      can`t afford a new phone So what to do?I `M SURE THERE WILL BE OTHERS LIKE MINE!
      (Something to dowiith no IOS) hellup!

    179. We also have an older Samsung J3 phone, Android 5.1, that appears to be incompatible. I would have thought these series of phones are common in the older age groups most at risk. We hope there is a resolution or assistance

    181. Have downloaded the app but even though I have put in mobile number it snds pin then says Failed to send message

    183. Im a older Aussie and I cant download the Convidsafe app because my Samsung phone is apparently said to be “too old” even though its only a few years old and a lot younger than my wives phone and nearly all of my elderly friends phones. We are the people most vulnerable to the Coronavirus and I don’t its acceptable that we are exclude from this safety initiative.

    184. I have a Samsung galaxy 10 and it won’t download at all. The wheel just keeps spinning. I have been trying for days. Any ideas please?

    187. I work in the disability sector, so I thought the app would be important for me due to being in contact with vulnerable people. I have an Oppo phone a few year old but is not compatible with the app. A New phone is not an option. Disappointed.

    188. Not available in my country. Forget it then, I emailed customer support about it, an autio reply said to reply back with the problem. the problem that I already stated. Too hard, forget it.

    190. I have tried all the variations of uninstalling and reinstalling, using the 0 phone prefix and not using it, updating the Android version, switching wifi on and off and nothing makes any difference. Wifi makes no difference. I get “Please try again later” everytime. Been trying for 6 days now!

    191. Just discovered that a VPN stops it connecting to get a PIN. If you have a VPN running turn it off and it will work.

    192. Ha my phone is incompatible! Not buying a new phone just for this. Sorry world, just stay away from me & mine if you’re infectious. Thanks

    193. how many makes of mobiles are incompatible with CovidSafe? Government wants us to download it yet phone reject it. Something wrong there.,

    194. Today our PM repeated once again,that he will not remove restrictions until many more download the app. I was wondering if any of the fucking retarded app developers have told him that there coding is so pathetic that it is not compatible with million of phones and so we will never be downloading the app.

    195. I have a maybe 5yr old Sony Xperia smartphone. I tried to download the app via link but it says it is not compatible with my device. Do I need a newer phone?

    196. I can’t download it to my Sony Xperia, I get a message “not compatible with my device”. Do I need a newer phone to use it?

    197. I have a maybe 5yr old Sony Xperia smartphone. I tried to download the app via link but it says
      it is not compatible with my device. Do I need a newer phone?

    198. I’ve tried a few times to get the app on my phone but I just get the message that its “incompatible on your device”. Well I tried?

    199. On using the Covid Safe App I went in to upload information and it said to do the PIN number that they give me then when I put in the PIN number it said invalid ?? What’s that all about

    200. when I log into the corona virus app they keep wanting my details and each time they send me a new pin number how can I rectify this problem ?

    201. Ive tried to download the COVID safe app on a Samsung J16…Has anyone else got the message “your device isn’t compatible with this version

    203. My Covid safe app keeps turning itself off as it keeps changing battery optimisation, even tho I’ve allowed it. Only stays running for a few minutes then turns itself off again. It’s very frustrating.

    204. My android and 6 of my friends phones are too old. We are unable to get the app. Older people like myself are the ones who need the app most, but often don’t upgrade our phones until they break. There should be an app for all android and iPhone s.

    205. Hi. My husband has a 7 yr old nokia mobile. He downloaded the app and it said it was installed but he can’t find the icon for it anywhere on his phone. Can someone help me please. Thanks.

    207. Like many other older Aussies I cant download the “app” because my phone has been deemed as being too old even though I bought it only about 3 years ago. I probably would download it if I could but I wonder why it will only accept a mobile phone number when many of us oldies often don’t turn on our mobile phones when at home and would prefer to be contacted via our landline phones.

    208. Bug on Android phone – having COVID SAFE on and could not get Google “Find Your Device” to work when I lost my phone this week. Just tested this again and it only works when the app is off.

    210. I bought a new galaxy a 20 especially for this app, my old iphone 4s could not run IOS 10. I cannot enter my age, 81, it will only accept 0 to 15. I agreed my guardian would approve. Then my phone number was rejected. The WiFi fix
      did not work. The health Dept web site has no app help, it is set up to handle COVID-19 medical help. Does anyone know who is supporting this app?

      Thank you in advance.

      • this is disappointing… my phone died had to go back to older phone version 4.1 Android, can’t use the app… I’m surprised not to have heard in the news that this is part of the reason for the low uptake… app not designed for all phones. This is understandable in a commercial application, but very poor in an application supposedly designed to save lives. I hope the designers can go back and fix this flaw.

    212. Hi there – my husband has a Samsung Galaxy mini J1 and he has tried several times to download the CovidSafe app. It keeps telling him that his phone is not compatible. Can’t find any information on why that might be anywhere. Do you think that something is not set up correctly on the phone or it that particular model just not compatible? Many thanks.

    213. I have the Covid app. Keeps turning off on my Oppo phone. I turned off power saving and night mode. Thought I was staying tracked bit NO.

      • Hi Debbie, are you talking about the CovidSafe app being added to your Android phone? As that doesn’t and can’t happen without authorisation. It is however easy to remove an app. Once you uninstall the app will be gone.

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