Anchor lets someone you care about document what is happening and automatically alert you when they need support.
Planning ahead
How to add
a trusted contact
The person using Anchor sets up their trusted contacts from within the app. Set it up together before anything happens.
They open Anchor and go to trusted contacts
During onboarding, or any time afterward, they add contacts who will be alerted automatically when a recording ends. The number allowed depends on their plan.
They send you an invite link
You receive a link and a 6-digit code. Opening the link on a phone with Anchor installed takes you directly to the acceptance screen.
You accept the invite in Anchor
Accepting takes under a minute. You confirm that you want to receive safety alerts when they start a recording.
You are a trusted contact
When a recording ends, you automatically receive a safety alert by SMS. The message includes a secure link and an access code to view the evidence.
Just received an alert
I received an alert.
What now?
Do not panic.
The alert is sent automatically when a recording ends. The person is likely safe and the situation has passed. Take a breath before opening the link.
Open the link from the message
The link takes you to a secure page. You will be asked to enter your access code before anything is shown.
Enter the access code from the same message
The access code is in the same SMS as the link. Copy it and enter it when prompted.
View and download the evidence
You can view the evidence and download a copy. The vault link is valid for 24 hours.
Reach out to check in
Contact the person directly to let them know you received the alert and you are there for them.
If they are in danger, call 911
Anchor is not emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services directly. Do not wait.
Anchor is not emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Your privacy
Your privacy as a trusted contact
Being a trusted contact does not create an account for you or expose your information.
Your phone number is stored encrypted
When you opt in to SMS alerts, your phone number is encrypted to the inviter's public key. Anchor stores only the ciphertext and cannot decrypt it. The decryption key never leaves the inviter's device.
We cannot read the evidence you access
The secure link decrypts content using your access code, in your browser. The content is never sent to us in plaintext.
No account is created for you
You are not registering with Anchor. No profile, no credentials, no personal data stored against your identity.
You can opt out any time
Reply STOP to any SMS from Anchor. You will be removed from alerts immediately.
Common questions
Questions trusted contacts ask
Do I need to download Anchor to be a trusted contact?
Yes. Accepting an invite requires the Anchor app. Once you are set up, safety alerts are sent to you by SMS and you do not need the app open to receive them.
What if I miss the alert?
The vault link is valid for 24 hours after the recording ends. After that, the evidence is automatically deleted from the server. The person's local recording stays on their device.
Can I opt out of receiving alerts?
Yes. Reply STOP to any SMS from Anchor and you will be removed from alerts immediately.
Is my phone number private?
Yes. If you opt in to SMS alerts, your phone number is encrypted to the inviter's public key. Anchor stores only the ciphertext and cannot decrypt it.
What if the person is in danger?
Call 911. Anchor is not emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services directly.
How do I accept the invite?
The person using Anchor shares an invite link with you. Opening the link on a phone with Anchor installed takes you directly to the acceptance screen. You can also enter the 6-digit code manually in the app.
General information only, not legal advice. Anchor is not a substitute for emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.