Nhs New App

[smurfchops]

Does downloading this app use a lot of mobile phone data? I cannot understand how I have used so much this month. And can I enter a hotel if I don’t have the app on my phone?

[bednobs]

yes you can enter a hotel without the app

[bednobs]

also, do you have broadband? if so download things when you are ay home and you dont use any data

[chelle7272]

Which app do you mean, There is an NHS one for your medical records and the Covid 19 app for checking in.

The check in app needs location on to work fully which will use data. Though you can check n and then turn location off again.
Venues need to record hyour visit, if not by checking in then by you signing a register, record slip etc. Best check with specific venues beforehand if you're worried

You can check what is using your data in Setting - Connections - mobile data

[Zacs-Master]

Is it running in the background all the time, keeping a track on where you are? Check in Apps / Permissions.

[smurfchops]

It is the NHS medical one. What do I need for checking in? I am getting confused!! Which app should I switch off? Sorry l am not technical. Thanks all.

[smurfchops]

Do I need both NHS apps so I can use the QPR code when checking in, or just the Covid 19 one, in fact do I need the new one at all? and how do I switch off background apps, and anything else I can do to use less data? Could it have been downloading the NHS app that used up so much? Thanks again. Sorry so many questions …

[New Judge]

There are two apps.

One is the NHS Covid 19 app which, in a roundabout way, lets you know if you've been in close proximity to somebody who tests positive for Covid.

Then there is the NHS App which, among other things, enables you and others to see your Covid vaccination record.

[bednobs]

you may already have a qr reader on your phone, so no need for the covid 19 app anyway (and in fact i havent come accross a place yet that will only let you in if you have the app - all the places ive been to also let you leave details on paper)
What phone do you have? Did you download the app at home?

[bednobs]

personally, my mobile data is always switched off unless i need to use it when out

[smurfchops]

Bednobs I have a Samsung Galaxy A40 and I have just switched off all background data manually, can’t seem to do all in one go on Android. Do they stay switched off? Yes I downloaded at home with WiFi, I always switch off Mobile Data when at home. Does the new NHS App work with the camera on my phone, and do I need them both just for the QPR code ?

[bednobs]

you need to turn off mobile data when you are at home and only turn it on when you need it when out. not sure thats the same as background data https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/samsung/galaxy-a40-android-9-0/connectivity/turn-mobile-data-on-or-off/

[Maydup]

I haven't bothered with either app. The Covid Track and Trace App feels a bit intrusive for me, following me about! Places are so relaxed now that if asked whether I have checked in (ie used the QR code in a hotel, cafe, pub etc) I just say yes and they are happy. If that doesn't work I say no and give name and contact number manually.

The new NHS app seems to be of no real use to me until such time that I need to prove I'm fully vaccinated. I cant foresee that need at the moment but if I do I'll download it then.

So, my advice is not to bother with the apps, especially if they are likely to eat up data or cause confusion, and see how you get on.

[Buenchico]

The NHS Covid-19 app uses your phone's camera to check in to a venue. All you do is to open the app and tap on 'Check into a venue'. That turns your phone's camera on, without you needing to do anything else, with the image shown within the app. You simply point your phone at the venue's QR code and wait for a second or so. You'll then see a screen confirming that you've checked in. It's incredibly easy!

The NHS app is entirely separate to the NHS Covid-19 app and doesn't use your phone's camera for anything. However it does allow you to access a screen showing your vaccination status, which might be handy if venues decide to ask for 'covid passports' to gain entry.

There's also a third app, called Ask NHS, which is a symptom checker.

Downloading any of those apps only uses a small amount of your phone's data allowance (or none at all if you use your home wi-fi). Actually using the apps (e.g. to check in to a venue) uses hardly any data at all.

[smurfchops]

Thanks all, glad when all this NHS kerfuffle is over ….

[New Judge]

This "kerfuffle" will never be over.

Once government assumes powers they are very reluctant to give them up. For example, in 1914 the pub opening hours were restricted so they had to close after lunch. This was introduced as an emergency measure to keep workers out of the pub in the afternoons during WW1. It took 74 years to have that restriction removed. Rest assured that whatever happens on June 21st, pettyfogging legislation will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

[Buenchico]

>>> Once government assumes powers they are very reluctant to give them up

Yup! Income Tax was introduced solely as a temporary measure in 1842. I wonder when the temporary period will come to an end?

;-)

[Hopkirk]

Does anyone actually use the Test and Trace app?

[Buenchico]

>>> Does anyone actually use the Test and Trace app?

I use it whenever I eat in Morrison's café and, for example, when I had a pub lunch last week. The majority of people I see using such places use the app, rather than filling in a paper form.