Protect yourself and the community
COVIDSafe helps assist health officials understand and contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The app uses Bluetooth® technology to help identify users who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
Download the COVIDSafe app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
How to use COVIDSafe
You need the right settings to ensure COVIDSafe is active. Keep it working by following tips to improve the app’s performance.
Keep Bluetooth® ON
You must turn your Bluetooth ON for COVIDSafe to work.
If you experience problems, we recommend that you temporarily close COVIDSafe when:
- pairing with new Bluetooth accessories
- syncing with, and using, impacted Bluetooth reliant devices
Check if COVIDSafe is active
COVIDSafe is working correctly if your app home screen shows ‘COVIDSafe is active’.
Open the app:
- before you leave home
- if you will be around other people
- every few hours to check if COVIDSafe is active
Other settings and permissions
Enable Location Services. This is a requirement by Google and Apple to make COVIDSafe work.
COVIDSafe does not store or use location data
On Android, Battery optimisation must be OFF. Some devices call this 'Battery Saver' or 'Low Power Mode'.
Connect to the internet
Connect to the internet or mobile data every few hours to:
- ensure COVIDSafe can identify issues with the app
- renew your encrypted ID
COVIDSafe does not require continuous internet connection to stay active.
Technology and performance
Read and understand the technology behind COVIDSafe.
How it works
COVIDSafe uses Bluetooth technology to identify close contacts between app users.
When a user tests positive, a health official assists with voluntary upload of app data. This data is then used to assist with contact tracing to identify other users who may need to isolate or get tested.
COVIDSafe will not notify you if there is a positive case around your area.
COVIDSafe is a system
COVIDSafe is a combination of:
- the COVIDSafe app that users have installed on their mobile device
- the Health Portal that state and territory health officials (contact tracers) use to identify close contacts
COVIDSafe data is used to assist with contact tracing by health officials.
7 million registrations
The efficiency of COVIDSafe increases when more users download, register and have the app active around other people.
In one case, NSW Health used COVIDSafe App data to identify a previously unrecognised exposure date from a known venue.
This resulted in the identification of an additional 544 contacts. From this group, 2 people tested positive.
Privacy and your data
Read the privacy policy for the COVIDSafe app. Your information is protected and stored in the National COVIDSafe Data Store.
What information is collected and why?
You register to use the app with your:
- chosen name
- age range
- postcode
- mobile number
These information are used to help conduct contact tracing when you register for, use or upload data to COVIDSafe.
Where is the information stored?
Your registration details and diagnostic information are stored in the National COVIDSafe Data Store.
If you test positive and complete voluntary upload of your information, data on your close contacts are also stored to the National COVIDSafe Data Store.
How can I delete my data?
You can request to have your registration information removed from the National COVIDSafe Data Store.