Silent Beacon
Consumer Application Guide
Version 11.01
Android Firmware Update Issue
Important: There is a known issue affecting some Android users that may prevent the Beacon firmware from updating successfully. We are actively working on a fix and will release an app update once it is available.
Until then, please do not select “Update Firmware” in the Silent Beacon app on Android devices.
Introduction
Discover the full capabilities of the Silent Beacon app by following this comprehensive guide. Learn about all the app screens, functions, and troubleshooting steps to make the most of your experience.
Definitions
The Silent Beacon device is referred to as the Beacon
The Silent Beacon’s application is referred to as the App
The main Silent Beacon user is referred to as You or Your.
A person you choose to receive alerts inside the app is called a Contact
A second user of a separate App and Beacon is referred to as a Secondary User
Your mobile phone, Tablet, or other Bluetooth device the beacon is connected to is referred to as a Smartphone
The lighting system on the Device is referred to as a LED
Important
By accessing or using Silent Beacon, LLC’s (“SBL”) mobile applications (“the Apps”), or other additional services and features to which you may subscribe for additional fees (the “Services”) owned or operated by SBL (also referred to as “We”, “Us”, or “the Company”) or Device, you are accepting and agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth within our Terms of Service, which may be modified by us in our sole discretion from time to time (the “Terms”)and you shall be bound by any modified Terms. Because our Apps, Services and Devices continue to evolve, we may change or discontinue all or any part of the Apps, Services and Devices, at any time and without notice, in our sole discretion.
Table of Contents
App Download
The Silent Beacon Application is exclusively downloadable for iPhones and iPads through Apple’s iOS App Store as well as for Bluetooth-enabled Android phones and tablets at the Google Play Store.
Compatibility for Apple Devices
Any Bluetooth 5.0 enabled iPhone or iPad with cellular service and the latest operation system installed is compatible.
Compatibility for Android Devices
To check if the your device is compatible, simply search for the App on Google Play store. If the App appears, it will work on your device.
Search & Download “Safety App for Silent Beacon“
App Updates
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version and that the Firmware on your Beacon has been updated to the latest version.
Splash Screen
The splash screen is the first screen you see when opening the Application. The screen includes:
• Silent Beacon logo
• Silent Beacon application version number
V
App Version
11
App Store Version
1
Branch
2
Enhancement
Notifications
A prompt will appear asking you to enable “Push Notifications.” This allows the App to send notifications when the following events occur.
- The Silent Beacon App is closed.
- The Beacon has disconnected from the phone.
- An Emergency Contact has triggered an alert from their own Beacon.
- Footsteps have either begun or ceased.
- Check-in has been pressed.
- The smaller button on the Beacon has been tapped (indicating whether it is connected or not without needing to open the App).
Registration
Please enter the phone number of the smartphone that will connect to the app. At the bottom of the screen, you will find legal documents:
By registering, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. When you are ready, tap Continue.
Registration - Step 2
A verification screen requires you to enter a 6-digit code which is sent to the number they entered in the Step 1 screen.
A verification screen requires you to enter a 6-digit code which is sent to the number they entered in the Step 1 screen.
If you do not receive the code, you can choose additional options on how to troubleshoot and receive the verification code. The two options include:
- Resend Code: Our server will attempt to send the passcode again to your phone.
- Verify by Phone Call: You will receive a call back with an AI verbally sharing the 6-digit code.
Once you enter the code, tap Continue. (edited)
Registration - Step 3
Enter your phone number and, optionally, your email address. Then tap Continue.
Your contact information helps the app accurately identify you when sending alerts to your Emergency Contacts.
Providing an email address is optional, but it can be used for account recovery and support if you’re locked out of your account or need help troubleshooting.
Registration - Step 4
Create a private 4-digit passcode. Your passcode is required to turn off an active emergency alert, log out of the app, remove your account, or disable certain app features.
Re-enter your passcode to confirm it was entered correctly. Then, tap Create Account.
Location Permission
After you tap Create Account, your phone will ask for permission to allow Silent Beacon to access your location.
Location access allows Silent Beacon to display your location in the app and share it with your Emergency Contacts during an emergency alert.
- iPhone: Keep Precise Location turned on, then tap Allow While Using App.
- Android: Select Precise, then tap While using the app.
Using precise location helps provide the most accurate location information during an emergency.
Registration Error: Phone Number Already Registered
If you enter a phone number that is already associated with a Silent Beacon account, an error message will appear.
Return to the previous screen and select Log In to access your existing account.
If you do not recognize the account or believe the phone number should not already be registered, please contact Silent Beacon Support.
Log In
Enter the phone number associated with your Silent Beacon account, then tap Send Code.
Log In - Step 2
A 6-digit verification code will be sent to the phone number you entered in Step 1. Enter the code, then tap Continue.
If you do not receive the code, wait for the countdown to finish and select one of the following options:
- Resend code: Sends a new verification code to your phone.
- Verify by phone call: You will receive an automated call that provides your 6-digit verification code.
Log In - Step 3
Create a private 4-digit passcode. Your passcode is required to cancel an emergency alert, log out of the app, delete your account, or disable certain app features.
Enter your 4-digit passcode, then tap Continue.
Re-enter the same passcode to confirm it, then tap Confirm to complete the login process.
Location Services
After you create an account or log in, your phone may ask for permission to allow Silent Beacon to access your location.
Location access is required for Silent Beacon to determine your location and share it during an emergency alert.
- iPhone: Keep Precise Location turned on, then tap Allow While Using App.
- Android: Select Precise, then tap While using the app.
IMPORTANT: Silent Beacon and the Beacon device will not function properly unless location access is enabled. Be sure to allow location access and use Precise Location for the most accurate location information during an emergency.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Contacts are the people you choose to notify when you activate an Alert Mode. Depending on your settings, an Emergency Contact may receive:
- A phone call
- A text message with your GPS location
- A push notification
- An email with your GPS location
- Beacon-to-Beacon alerts
Add a Contact
You can add Emergency Contacts at any time from the Contacts tab in the Silent Beacon app. Tap Add Contact and enter the contact information requested.
Note: 911 is automatically included as a Contact. When adding an Emergency Contact, select a personal contact or an alternative emergency services phone number.
Contact Setup
Enter or confirm the contact’s information, then tap Save Contact.
First Name / Last Name
The contact’s name helps you identify who will receive your alerts and distinguish between multiple Emergency Contacts.
Phone Number
The contact’s phone number is used to send text message alerts and to call the contact if they are selected for Emergency Calling.
Email Address (Optional)
Add an email address if you want the contact to receive alert notifications by email.
If you selected Choose from Contacts, the available information will be filled in automatically. Review the information for accuracy before saving.
Contact Settings
After saving a contact, you’ll be taken to their Contact Settings. From here, you can view the contact’s status and choose how they are included in your alerts.
Contact Status
The contact’s status shows their current connection to the Silent Beacon app:
- Offline: The contact does not currently have the Silent Beacon app open.
- Online: The contact currently has the Silent Beacon app open.
- In Emergency: The contact is currently in Emergency Alert Mode.
You can also update the contact’s name, email address, and profile image. The phone number cannot be changed because it is used as the contact’s unique identifier.
Emergency Calling
Turn on Call Contact if you want this person to receive the phone call when you activate Emergency Alert Mode.
IMPORTANT: Only one contact can be selected for Emergency Calling at a time.
Alert Modes
Choose which Alert Modes you want this contact to receive:
- Emergency Alert: Notifies the contact when you activate Emergency Alert Mode.
- Check-In: Sends the contact a non-emergency check-in with your GPS location.
- Footsteps: Shares your real-time GPS location with the contact while Footsteps is active.
- Low Battery: Notifies the contact when your Beacon reaches the low-battery threshold.
- Beacon-to-Beacon: Alerts the contact’s Silent Beacon when you activate Emergency Alert Mode. The contact must have a Silent Beacon device.
Notification Settings
For each selected Alert Mode, choose how you want the contact to be notified:
- Text Message: Sends the contact a text message.
- Email Message: Sends the contact an email.
- Push Notification: Sends a notification through the Silent Beacon app. The contact must have the app installed to receive push notifications.
You can select more than one notification method.
Connect Your Beacon
On the Beacon tab in the Silent Beacon app, you’ll see No Beacon Paired if a Beacon has not yet been connected.
Tap Pair a Beacon to begin.
Before You Begin
Before pairing your Beacon, make sure it is charged, powered on, and ready to connect.
1. Charge Your Beacon
Fully charge your Beacon before beginning setup. Use the included USB-C charging cable with a compatible USB-C power source, such as a computer, wall adapter, or vehicle charging port.
2. Power On Your Beacon
Press and hold the smaller, smooth button for about 2 seconds. You will hear the Beacon power on, and the LED will cycle through red, green, and blue.
To check whether your Beacon is powered on, briefly press the same button:
- Blue LED: The Beacon is connected to the app.
- Red LED: The Beacon is powered on but not connected to the app.
IMPORTANT: Do not press and hold both buttons for longer than 10 seconds, as this will activate Reset Mode.
To turn off your Beacon: Press and hold both buttons for about 5 seconds. The LED will begin glowing purple as the Beacon powers off.
3. Keep Your Beacon Nearby
Keep your Beacon within arm’s reach of your smartphone during setup for the strongest Bluetooth connection.
Bluetooth®
A prompt will appear asking if you would like to enable Bluetooth.
Pressing “OK” will allow the Device to connect to the App via a Bluetooth LE connection.
IMPORTANT! If “Don’t Allow” is selected, the Beacon will not connect, and the App will not function properly.
In the Main Menu, an (!) icon will appear at the top right of the menu, prompting you to turn on Bluetooth.
Beacon Setup Guide
This step-by-step setup guide will help you quickly connect your Beacon to the application.
• Select Beacon model
• Charge the Beacon
• Turn on the Beacon
• Connect the Beacon
IMPORTANT! Bluetooth must be enabled on the smartphone that is connecting to the app!
Beacon Setup - Step 1
Ensure that the Beacon is fully charged before connecting it to the app.
The included USB-C cord that comes with the Beacon can be plugged into any USB-C port, which can be found on a computer, wall outlet, or car.
Beacon Setup - Step 2
To turn on the Silent Beacon, press the smaller button (smooth surface, not raised) for about 2 seconds. You will hear it power up and the LED light will activate cycling red-green-blue.
To see if the Beacon is turned on, press the same button and the LED should blink red or blue (red for not connected to the app, blue for connected).
IMPORTANT! Do not hold both buttons longer than 10 seconds as it activate Reset mode.
Note: To turn off the Beacon, hold both buttons for 5 seconds and it will start glowing Purple.
Beacon Setup - Step 3
To pair the Beacon with the App, place the Silent Beacon next to your phone and tap “Connect.”
Please allow up to 30 seconds for the connection to establish.
Beacon Pairing
The app will now locate the nearest Silent Beacon and attempt to pair with it.
To check if the Beacon is powered on, press the same button; the LED should blink red or blue (red indicates not connected to the app, blue indicates connected).
IMPORTANT! After the initial Bluetooth connection, Bluetooth Calling will need to be activated.
Beacon Pairing 1/2
The app will now locate the nearest Silent Beacon and attempt to pair with it.
To check if the Beacon is powered on, press the same button; the LED should blink red or blue (red indicates not connected to the app, blue indicates connected).
IMPORTANT! After the initial Bluetooth connection, Bluetooth Calling will need to be activated.
Beacon Pairing 2/2
Once the Beacon is paired to Bluetooth, a popup screen appears stating “Silent Beacon 2 would like to pair with your phone.”
Click “Pair” to fully connect the Silent Beacon to the Application.
Beacon Paired
Now that the Beacon is paired, “Bluetooth” and “Beacon Calling” appear as “Paired” in blue, along with the current battery level of the Beacon.
On this page, you can access helpful resources such as:
Beacon Device Manual
This manual reviews all features, capabilities, and setup processes, as well as Alert Modes and notification options for the Silent Beacon Device.
Application User Guide
This is the guide you are currently reading.
Beacon Paired Continued
How-to Videos
YouTube videos on step-by-step setup and navigation.
Can’t Find Your Beacon?
You can Ping their Beacon to sound its chime. You must be within Bluetooth range for this to work
Device Information
You can view their current Firmware version and access Firmware updates.
Device Identifier
The support team can refer to this number if you have a technical issues.
Remove Beacon
The Beacon will unpair from your phone and delete your settings from the Beacon, allowing it to become accessible to other users.
Factory Reset
The Beacon will unpair from your phone and delete your settings from the Beacon, allowing it to become accessible to other users.
Beacon Pairing Issue
When Bluetooth is paired, but the Beacon Calling is not, press “Learn More” under “Need Help Pairing?” to troubleshoot the App/Beacon.
Once you press “Learn More,” it will open the “How-To Information” section.
Beacon Reconnecting
If the app has lost connection to the beacon, it will continue to attempt to reconnect.
Once it locates your beacon, it will restore both Bluetooth and Bluetooth calling.
Main Menu
The Home Tab includes the most critical functionality – Emergency Alert Mode.
Emergency Alert
Automatically activates when the Beacon is in Emergency Alert Mode. Can also be manually toggled in the App for the same Alert.
Settings
Settings enable you to manage your subscription, customize information, change your password, and log out of the App.
Map / List Toggle
Allows you to switch between the Map view that displays your location and any Contacts who are in Alert Mode and List Mode which presents all alert information.
Free 30 Day Trial
For a limited time of 30 days, you have the opportunity to unlock our Plus Subscription completely free of charge. During this period, you can explore and try out all of our premium features and gain additional contact capabilities, enhancing your overall experience with our service.
Header Tab
Beacon Tab
You can check your Beacon status, connection, firmware and device information. This also gives you a color status of your Beacon.
Gray = Not Setup
Black = Disconnected
Blue = Connected
Yellow = Connection Issue
Contacts Tab
You can add/edit their Emergency Contacts
Community
You can view or post emergency situations in their local area.
Subscriptions
There are 4 available subscriptions on the App Store, each unlocking additional features and capabilities. More information can be found on the Beacon page here.
Free 30-Day Trial
All subscribers can opt-in to a 30-day free trial of the Plus subscription which includes access to 6 emergency contacts and additional features below.At the end of trial, you are charged via the App Store, unless you cancel their subscription or convert to another tier. Silent Beacon has no ability to talk to the App Store about your payments and how to cancel.
Track Footsteps
Allow your live GPS location to be shared with your Contacts.
Check-in
Send a non-emergency notification with your current GPS location.
Track Footsteps Alert Mode
Track Footsteps enables Contacts to continuously track your live GPS location. You can activate this mode by pressing the “Track Footsteps” button at the bottom of the “Home” screen or the small, smooth button on the Beacon.
Turn on from the App
Once “Track Footsteps” has been toggled on, a popup message will appear letting you know this has started. You may click “Turn Off” if this was done in error.
Turn on from the Beacon (App open)
The App will send the alerts and your live GPS location to your emergency contacts.
Turn on from the Beacon (App shut)
Nothing will happen.
Important! Receive Footsteps ”must be toggled on for each Contact within Contact Settings Page. You will receive a Push Notification every half hour letting reminding them that their GPS location is still being shared.
Check In Alert Mode
Check-in enables Contacts to receive non-emergency notifications with your GPS location. This mode will send a notification to your Contacts sharing a static link to their GPS location with a customized non-emergency message.
Turned on from the App
The App will display a popup message confirming that “Check-in” has been sent. The App will send a notification with your GPS location to their emergency Contacts.
Turned on from the Beacon (App open)
The App will send a notification with your GPS location to their emergency Contacts.
Turned on from the Beacon (App shut)
Nothing will happen.
Important! “Receive Check-ins” must be toggled on for each Contact within Contact Settings Page and the App must be open (in the background) to send Check-in notifications.
Emergency Alert Mode
Clicking “Activate Emergency Alert” allows Contacts to receive emergency notifications along with your GPS location. At the same time, the designated calling Contact will receive a phone call from you. You can activate the Emergency Alert by pressing the button at the bottom of the Home screen or the large button on the Beacon.
Activated from the App
The App will prompt you to confirm whether you wish to call the Emergency Number.
Activated from the Beacon (App open or closed)
A phone call will be automatically placed through the Beacon.
To deactivate the Emergency Alert, you must press the red “Emergency alert active” button and enter your 4-digit passcode. Once the 4-digit passcode is submitted, the Emergency Alert is disarmed.
Important!
You must choose which notification methods to share your alert message and GPS location for each Contact within the Contact Settings Page.
24/7 Monitoring Center
The 24/7 Monitoring Center is available with a Pro subscription and provides access to a monitored emergency response service directly from the Silent Beacon App. When enabled, the 24/7 Monitoring Center will appear in your Contacts list and can be alerted during an emergency.
After upgrading to Pro, you must enter a valid address in My Profile so the monitoring service can properly identify your location during an alert.
Activating the 24/7 Monitoring Center
- On the Home screen, tap the gear icon in the top left corner.
- Tap Upgrade to Premium.
- Under Pro, tap Subscribe for $9.99/month.
- Confirm the subscription using the on-screen prompts.
- After subscribing, a red exclamation mark will appear next to My Profile. Tap My Profile.
- Your name, phone number, and email are added with registration. Tap Add Address to complete your profile.
- Enter your full address, including the country.
- Tap Save in the top right corner, then tap Yes on the confirmation prompt.
- Tap Back Arrow (<) in the top left corner to return to the home screen.
- Tap Back in the top left corner and Back a second time to return to the home screen.
Beacon Screen
The Beacon Tab displays the following information:
• Beacon Manual
• Application User Guide
• How-to Videos
• Can’t Find Your Beacon Alert
• Device Information
• Device Identifier
• Remove Beacon
• Factory Reset
Remove Beacon from App
“Remove Beacon” will delete the Beacon settings from the App. This action is taken when you no longer want to use the App on your phone or when you are attempting to reconnect the Beacon.
Update the Firmware
If there is a firmware update available, you will receive a pop-up window when you open your Silent Beacon Application.
Follow the on screen instructions to update to the latest version.
You are encouraged to stay up-to-date as the latest firmware can resolve bugs and enable new features.
Factory Reset the Beacon
Performing a factory reset will restore the Beacon to its original settings. All stored data and connections to the app will be erased. You may want to factory reset the Beacon if you are experiencing connection issues between the app and the Beacon or if you are disconnecting the Beacon from your smartphone.
To complete this process, you must go to your Bluetooth settings and remove the connection to Silent Beacon 2.0.
Settings Menu
The “Settings” menu is where the you can manage their subscription, update messaging, adjust other settings, and review legal documents.
If you do not have a subscription to manage, it will read “Purchase a Subscription”.
- My Information
- Manage Subscription
- Customize Messages
- Fake Call
- Buy a Device
- Legal Documents
- Support
- Log Out
My Information
Your contact information is stored in the “My Info” tab, which includes your name, phone number, and email address. Only your name and email address can be edited.
Your phone number is the identifier that links the account to you and cannot be changed. If you have a new phone or phone number, you must delete your account within the App before creating a new account.
My Passcode
You may change the passcode that you set during the “Registration” screen.
Delete Account
Your information will be permanently deleted, and you will need to create a new account if you wish to log back in or use your Silent Beacon Device.
Settings Menu
The “Settings” menu is where the you can manage their subscription, update messaging, adjust other settings, and review legal documents.
If you do not have a subscription to manage, it will read “Purchase a Subscription”.
- Profile
- Subscription
- Customize Message
- Fake Call
- System Status
- Support
- Legal Documents
- Buy a Device
- Legal
- Log Out
Fake Call
A Fake Call initiates an automated call from the Silent Beacon phone number to your phone for when you may feel uncomfortable and want surrounding people to know you are in contact with others.
Online Store
This link will direct you to our online e-commerce store. You can purchase a Silent Beacon or Beacon accessories.
Legal Documents
You can view or download the legal documents that were agreed upon during the registration process.
- Terms of Service
- Privacy Policy
- Consent Form
Support
The Support page contains multiple support resources:
Online Help
App and device users can click this option to troubleshoot any issues. This will take you to the Support page at https://silentbeacon.com/customer-support/.
Customer Support
If you have paired a Beacon, purchased a subscription, or are within the 30-day free trial, a secondary support resource will appear providing the Customer Support number. You can call our Customer Support line from 9 AM to 5 PM EST if you need to speak with a representative.
Customer Service
1-888-652-1172
Beacon Device Manual
Application User Guide
(this manual)
How-To Videos
Videos available on our YouTube page.
