THE NHS COVID-19 app is causing problems for some people who say it’s stuck on the loading screen or keeps sending loading notifications.
Frustrated users have taken to Twitter to complain about the mishap and raised concerns about whether the app is working properly.
Why does my Covid app say loading?
We have reached out to the the NHS COVID-19 app support for comment on the current reports of an issue.
However, the app website does already have a section called “What should I do if my app is stuck on the blue loading screen?”.
The fact this section comes under ‘Common questions’ suggests the loading problem isn’t too unusual.
The NHS website states: “If your NHS COVID-19 app is stuck on the blue loading screen when you open it, there are two ways you can try to fix this problem.
“Make sure your Apple iOS is the latest version of the software. Read our guide on how to check and update your Apple operating system.”
If you upgrade the app and the loading problem is still happening then the advice is to reset your location and privacy in the Settings on your phone.
Then the NHS advises opening the app again and accepting the phone permissions that pop up.
It adds: “If you’re still having issues, you should report a technical problem and include the type of phone you’re using to help us give you the right support.
You can opt to give us your email address so that we can follow up with more information, but this is not required.”
You can easily report a problem on the NHS COVID-19 app support website.
If your problem isn’t with the blue loading screen and just constant notifications of loading then some Android users have been turning “background activities” notifications for the app on and off again.
Data journalist Daniel Wainwright tweeted: “If your NHS Covid app on Android keeps showing a “loading” notification, I went to phone settings, notification settings and then turned off “background activities” notifications for the app, it stopped.
“I turned them back on again and it hasn’t come back. Doesn’t affect alerts.”
It’s currently unclear how many people have been affected or when the issue will be resolved.
How does the NHS Covid-19 App work?
Here’s what the app does…
- The app uses bluetooth to keep a record of which phones have spent 15 minutes within 2 metres of one another.
- It uses a technology ‘exposure notification’, which can be enabled in a phone’s settings.
- It later alerts people if they have been in proximity to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
- They will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days, as well as close contacts.
- Tracking can also be switched off to prevent false alarms for those working behind a perspex screen or wearing PPE.
- The app will also allow people to scan specific Dept. of Health QR codes when they enter venues, rather than having to use codes supplied by the venue.
- App users will also be notified of the risk level in their local area based on the first half of their postcode.
In other news, if you’re a Sky Q user you’ll now have access to the BBC Sounds app, which gives you access to podcasts, playlists and radio shows.
A WhatsApp bug could let total strangers join your group chats and steal your phone number.
And, Donald Trump has banned eight major Chinese apps from operating in the United States as part of efforts to protect national security.
Are you having problems with your NHS app? Let us know in the comments…
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