Android Installation

How to access SAFER for Android while it is in beta

SAFER Beta Installation Guide

Thanks for helping test the SAFER beta. This guide will walk you through installing the Android phone app and the WearOS watch app.

Before You Start

What You’ll Need

For the Android Phone App

  • An Android phone
  • The SAFER_Android.apk file

For the WearOS Watch App

  • An Android phone paired with a WearOS watch
  • A Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
  • The SAFER_WearOS.apk file
  • Both devices connected to the same home Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot

Important: WearOS installation will not work on the UC Davis Wi-Fi network because device-to-device communication is restricted.

iPhone users: The watch app currently only works with Android phones paired to WearOS watches.

Install the Android Phone App

Step 1 — Download the APK

Download the file:

  • SAFER_Android.apk

Optional:

  • apk_sha256.txt contains a SHA256 checksum if you would like to verify file integrity.

Step 2 — Allow App Installation

  1. Open the downloaded APK file on your Android phone.

  2. Android may display a message saying “Permission Required.”

  3. Tap Settings.

  4. Enable:

    • Allow from this source

After enabling this, the SAFER installer should appear.

Step 3 — Install the App

  1. Tap Install

  2. Wait for installation to complete

  3. When you see the Open button:

    • Do NOT tap Open
    • Tap Close instead

Step 4 — Re-disable Unknown App Installs

For security, we recommend turning this setting back off:

  1. Return to:

    • Settings → Allow from this source

  2. Toggle it OFF

This helps prevent accidental installation of untrusted apps later.

Step 5 — Launch the App

  1. Open the SAFER app from your app list
  2. Accept all requested permissions when prompted

The Android app is now installed. You can now [begin using](TODO insert link) or continue to the WearOS installation below.

Install the WearOS Watch App

Installing apps on WearOS requires a few additional setup steps.

Step 1 — Install ADB on Your Computer

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is required to install the watch app.

Setup guides:

Once installed, continue below.

Step 2 — Enable Developer Mode on the Watch

On the watch:

  1. Open:

    • Settings → About → Software Information

  2. Repeatedly tap:

    • Software Version or Build Number

  3. Continue tapping until you see:

    • “You are now a developer”

Step 3 — Enable Wireless Debugging

On the watch:

  1. Open:

    • Settings → Developer Options

  2. Turn on:

    • Wireless Debugging

Step 4 — Download the Watch APK

On your computer:

  1. Download:

    • SAFER_WearOS.apk

  2. Save it somewhere easy to find, such as:

    • Downloads
    • Desktop

Step 5 — Pair the Watch with Your Computer

On the watch:

  1. In Wireless Debugging

  2. Tap:

    • Pair New Device

  3. The watch will display:

    • An IP address
    • A port number
    • A pairing code

On your computer, open Terminal or Command Prompt and run:

adb pair <IP address:port>

Example:

adb pair 192.168.1.10:12345

You will be prompted for the pairing code shown on the watch.

Enter the code and press Enter.

Step 6 — Connect to the Watch

After pairing:

  1. Stay on the watch’s Wireless Debugging screen

  2. Note the:

    • IP address
    • new connection port

On your computer run:

adb connect <IP address:port>

Example:

adb connect 192.168.1.10:54321

If successful:

  • The watch should vibrate

  • Your computer should display:

    • connected to <IP address:port>

Step 7 — Install the Watch App

Run the following command on your computer:

adb install /path/to/SAFER_WearOS.apk

Example:

adb install Downloads/SAFER_WearOS.apk

Wait for installation to finish.

After Installation

  1. Open the SAFER watch app once

  2. Initial data synchronization may take up to 40 minutes, as it only syncs once the phone has made a prediction, while the watch app is running

  3. After synchronization completes, the watch app will display:

    • Current CBT value
    • CBT history

Troubleshooting Tips

Watch Cannot Connect

  • Make sure:

    • The phone, watch, and computer are on the same network
    • You are not using UC Davis Wi-Fi
    • Wireless Debugging is still enabled

adb Command Not Found

  • ADB may not be installed correctly
  • Restart your terminal after installation
  • Revisit the ADB setup guide above

Installation Fails

  • Retry the adb connect command
  • Restart the watch and try again
  • Confirm the APK file fully downloaded

Thank You

We appreciate your help testing the SAFER beta and sharing feedback with the research team.