Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about NXT Sentinel

Is my voice data recorded or sent to servers?

No. All voice processing happens entirely on your device using on device machine learning (CoreML for iOS, TensorFlow Lite for Android). Your trigger word never leaves your phone and no audio is recorded or stored.

Does NXT Sentinel work offline?

Yes. The core duress protection features (app hiding, trigger word detection, device lockdown) work completely offline. SMS alerts to emergency contacts also work without internet, as long as you have cellular service.

How do I unlock my device after triggering the alarm?

You'll need to enter your master password (set during app setup) on the "System Maintenance" recovery screen. This password is different from your phone's unlock code and is stored in your device's secure keychain.

What if someone forces me to unlock my phone?

Even if you are forced to unlock your device with your PIN or fingerprint, NXT Sentinel will have already hidden your sensitive apps from the home screen and app drawer. The only way to unhide them is with your master password in Recovery Mode.

Can I have multiple trigger words?

Yes! You can set up to 4 different trigger phrases. This provides redundancy in case you forget one, or allows you to use different phrases in different contexts.

Will the app drain my battery?

NXT Sentinel uses low power background listening modes designed to minimize battery impact. On modern phones, the additional drain is typically less than 2-3% per day. You can monitor exact usage in your device's battery settings.

What apps can I hide?

You can hide any third party apps installed on your device, including banking apps, messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal), social media, photo galleries, and email clients. System apps (Settings, Phone) cannot be hidden for security reasons.

Is NXT Sentinel legal to use?

NXT Sentinel is designed as a personal safety tool and is legal to use in most jurisdictions. However, you are responsible for understanding local laws regarding audio monitoring and emergency alerts. We recommend consulting local regulations if you have concerns.

Can minors use NXT Sentinel?

Yes. NXT Sentinel is a safety tool available to users of all ages. Minors should use the app with parental or guardian consent and supervision.

What happens if I forget my master password?

For security reasons, we cannot recover your master password. However, you can reset it through your account settings using your account email. If you are locked out, you may need to factory reset your device as a last resort.

Does NXT Sentinel replace calling 911?

No. NXT Sentinel is a supplementary safety tool. In immediate danger, always call 911 or your local emergency number if possible. NXT Sentinel is designed for situations where calling for help directly might escalate the danger.

How accurate is the trigger word detection?

Our on device ML models achieve approximately 95% accuracy in controlled environments. False positives are rare but possible. We recommend using unique phrases (for example, "Red Weather" instead of common words like "Help") to minimize false triggers.

Need more help?

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