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 when they send a safety alert during recording. The number allowed depends on their plan.
They send you an invite link or QR code
You receive a link (or they show you a QR code). Opening the link on a phone with Anchor installed takes you to the acceptance screen. There is no separate code.
You accept the invite in Anchor
Accepting takes under a minute. You confirm that you want to receive safety alerts when they send one during a recording.
You are a trusted contact
When they send the safety alert during recording, you receive it (push and optionally SMS). Open the Anchor app to view the evidence. No link or code is sent in the message.
Just received an alert
I received an alert.
What now?
Do not panic.
The alert is sent when they send the safety alert during recording. The person is likely safe and the situation has passed. Take a breath, then open Anchor to view.
Open the Anchor app
Tap the alert or open Anchor from your home screen. You will see the safety alert and can tap to view the evidence.
View the evidence in the app
Evidence is decrypted only on your device inside Anchor. You can view it, save a secure copy inside the app, or export a copy (with a clear warning).
Evidence is available for 24 hours
The server copy is automatically deleted 24 hours after the recording ends. The person's local recording stays on their device until they delete it.
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
Evidence is decrypted only on your device inside the Anchor app. 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. You need the Anchor app to accept an invite and to view evidence. Alerts are sent by push and optionally SMS; open the app to view.
What if I miss the alert?
Evidence is available in the Anchor app for 24 hours after the recording ends. After that, the server copy is automatically deleted. 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 or shows you a QR code. Open the link on a phone with Anchor installed (or scan the QR with your camera and open in Anchor) to reach the acceptance screen.
General information only, not legal advice. Anchor is not a substitute for emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.