Safer Badgers - App Troubleshooting

Most issues after downloading the app can be resolved by restarting your device. Instructions on how to do so can be found below:

• iOS: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201559
• Android:https://www.howtogeek.com/437701/how-to-restart-an-android-smartphone-or-tablet

If you're having trouble logging in, please confirm you are eligible for Safer Badgers. More information is here: Safer Badgers - Testing Eligibility and Information.

Logging out of the application and logging back in should fix several issues with incorrect data displaying, such as building access or consent forms. To logout of your app:

1. Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner
2. Click on logout

We discourage uninstalling the Safer Badgers app as a troubleshooting step. Many issues can be resolved with a fresh app installation; however, this should only be done as a last resort option. If you are having issues with your Safer Badgers app, please contact the DoIT Help Desk before uninstalling.

You may also want to confirm that you have the most updated version via the App Store or Google Play Store.

! IMPORTANT: Before you uninstall your app, you must save your QR code as described in Safer Badgers - Encryption Keys and Secret QR code.

! Your QR code contains your testing and health history. This information will be lost if you do not save your QR code prior to uninstalling your app.

! We do not store your QR code, testing history, or health history on our server. We will not be able to retrieve it for you.

• iOS: The Safer Badgers app is currently available on the App Store. For a direct link to the App Store page, please see this webpage: https://saferbadgers.wisc.edu/
• Android: Android users can now download the Safer Badgers app on the Google Play Store at this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.wisc.safer
  • Note: If you downloaded the early APK version through the Box link, you  need to uninstall that version of the app and reinstall using the Google Play Store version to continue to receive app updates.
  • Please see Safer Badgers - Replacing the APK Android app with the Play Store version.

It's important to keep your Safer Badgers app updated. To find the version within the app, go to Settings and scroll to the bottom.

If you're unable to update to the latest version of the Safer Badgers app, you may need to force the app to close. 

For iOS

See How to force an app to close on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

For Android

1. Tap and hold the Safer Badgers app icon.
2. Tap App Info.
3. Tap Force stop.

Alternate instructions for older Android devices

If you aren't able to uninstall the app following the preceding steps, try the following:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Tap on Apps or Application manager.
3. Tap on the Safer Badgers app icon. You may need to scroll to find it.
4. Tap Force stop.

If you use a device running iOS 12 and have changed the default browser to Chrome or Firefox, you may be unable to log in.

In order to log in, change your default browser to Safari. To do so:

1. Navigate to iOS Settings > Safari > Default Browser App.
2. Select Safari.
3. Return to Safer Badgers and complete the login process.

The Safer Badgers app requires an internet connection. Check your internet connection and refresh your status.

The Content Restriction feature of iOS can interfere with the MFA-Duo prompt on iOS. Do the following to log in successfully:

1. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content.
2. Uncheck Limit Adult Websites to completely disable content restrictions.

If you do not want to fully disable content restrictions, you can allow wisc.edu (not wisconsin.edu) within the Content Restrictions page on the iOS device. This will allow the MFA-Duo prompt to display even if content restrictions are enabled.

You can only download the Safer Badgers app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store  in the United States. We cannot offer it in any other region. You may be able to borrow a device with Safer Badgers pre-installed.

You may be able to change the region of your Apple ID to access the US App Store. This process is supported by Apple. Please read the instructions very carefully as there are some irreversible changes made during the process. See Apple Support, Change your Apple ID country or region.

Safer Badgers will not display text and buttons correctly on an iPhone when Larger Text is turned on. To temporarily disable larger text while using Safer Badgers:

1. Go to: Settings > General > Accessibility > Larger Text.
2. Turn off Larger Accessibility Sizes.

See Safer Badgers - Viewing your Test Results for information and troubleshooting steps.

If you need help troubleshooting a loaner device, see Safer Badgers - Loaner Device Troubleshooting.

A cause for your badge color not changing after one or more negative tests can be that you have been asked to quarantine for being in close contact with someone who tested positive.

This can be identified on the front page of the Safer Badger app by navigating to the Next Step Area. It will look like the screenshot below stating: "UW-Madison University Health Services (UHS), in partnership with Public Health Madison & Dane County, asks you that you quarantine immediately."

You will have to speak to UHS by calling the Covid Response line, 608-262-7777, choosing the student/staff option and then option 1 for health/medical questions.