Frequently Asked Questions

Informative answers about how LifeAlarm works.

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Getting Started

What Proof of Life+ is—and isn’t.

What is LifeAlarm Proof of Life+ in one sentence?

LifeAlarm is a proof‑of‑life monitor and 24‑hour Rescue Mode. While you’re active, nothing is sent. If you go quiet beyond a grace period you set, the system privately delivers the information your contacts (assignees/beneficiaries) will need.

Is this a legal will or attorney substitute?

No. LifeAlarm does not create legal documents or give legal advice. It securely stores and delivers the instructions and files you provide, alongside timing rules you configure, so your family or partners can act without guesswork.

Do recipients need the app?

No. Recipients can use a secure web link on any standard browser. They verify their email and answer a personal hint to unlock only the items you assigned to them.

Proof‑of‑Life (Dead Man’s Switch)

Quiet by default. Protective when it needs to be.

How does it decide when to arm?

If no proof (i.e. steps or GPS movement) arrives for the 24h duration, the switch arms and rescue note releases begin.

What counts as “proof” of life?

Small signals of daily activity:

  • Step samples from iOS Health .
  • GPS “exit/movement” signal (over 300 feet).
  • Any manual check‑in you configure via the app or email.
Tune these under Settings → Proof of Life. Permissions for Health Steps and Location must be granted for the app to function properly. Conservative defaults reduce false triggers.
Travel and time away

For long flights or trips, you can pause monitoring.

If it arms and I’m alive, how do I stop it?

Use the veto email alert, or simply open the app to register proof. Both cancel the pending release and return you to normal monitoring.

Rescue Mode (24‑hour)

For situations where hours matter, not days.

What is it, exactly?

Rescue Mode sends a concise plain‑text Rescue Note to your chosen contacts if no proof-of-life arrives for 24 hours.

What should I include?

Keep it practical and non‑sensitive:

  • Who to call first and any relevant medical notes.
  • Last route/itinerary and building access instructions. The app will automatically transmit your last known coordinates to your Rescue Contacts
  • A small crypto rescue fund
Do not include passwords, private keys, or major assets- store those in encrypted items that release only after your PoL rules are genuinely met.

Security & Privacy

Zero‑knowledge by design.

How is my data protected?

Vault content is encrypted on your device with AES‑256‑GCM. Passwords are stored as Argon2 hashes (never plaintext).

Are proof signals always on?

Yes. The app considers any GPS movement of more than 300 feet a proof of life. Similarly, ten staps in a day is considered activity. If you do not keep your iphone with me (i.e. leave it at a desk for days at a time, the app will not detect inactivity. Most individuals typical daily use will work fine with our PoL monitor algorithm.

Are Rescue Notes encrypted?

Intentionally, no. Rescue is designed for speed in short‑horizon emergencies, so the note is sent in clear text to your chosen contacts. Keep only practical, non‑sensitive logistics there; put secrets in encrypted items that release after Proof‑of‑Life rules are met.

Data Control

It’s your data. You decide.

Do you share my data?

Never. No ads, no third party data brokers, noone other than your assignees/beneficiaries/contacts can see your information - not even your lawyers or our lawyers :)

Where do I see timers and last proof?

See Account → Status for the latest proof and current timers. Adjust behavior under Settings → Proof of Life.

Troubleshooting

Common issues, straightforward fixes.

“I expected the switch to arm but it didn’t.”

A fresh background proof (steps, exit, or an app open) likely reset your timer. Check Account → Status for the last proof, and tighten proof thresholds in Settings if you prefer stricter behavior.

“Rescue triggered, but I’m fine.”

Your device may have been off or permissions disabled for ~24 hours. Open the app to refresh proof, adjust permissions, and—if contacts were notified—send them a follow‑up to clarify. Contact support if you believe there is an error.

“I'm a beneficiary and I can’t unlock my items.”

Confirm your email matches where your notice was received. Think of any variations (case-sensitive) of the Hint/Answer your relative set. We are not able to decrypt information, but you may contact us for general assistance in this difficult time.

Reminder: In immediate danger, always contact local emergency services first. LifeAlarm notifies your contacts with the information you provided; it’s not an emergency responder.

Last updated: January 10, 2026