Do you have the latest version of the COVIDaware MN app?
Check the Google Play or App Store to update your app today.
Codes are not available for at-home tests.
Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

COVIDaware MN can notify you if you have been near someone who tests positive for COVID-19 AND they are also using COVIDaware MN. 

Answers to the most frequently asked questions

Will this work on my phone?

Which phones can use COVIDaware MN?

Why won’t COVIDaware MN work on older phones, iPods or iPads? 

How do I update my operating system? 

What if I get a new phone after I’ve been using COVIDaware MN? Will my exposure history transfer over to my new phone? 

About COVIDaware MN

What’s the difference between the COVIDaware MN app and the Exposure Notifications setting on my iPhone?

What should I expect when I download the app or enable the Exposure Notification Setting?

What is the source code used to build COVIDaware MN?

How does COVIDaware MN slow the spread of coronavirus?

Why should everyone who lives in or visits Minnesota use COVIDaware MN?

How can I get the app?

How can I get the Exposure Notification setting on my iPhone?

Who made COVIDaware MN?

What’s the current version of COVIDaware MN?

How it works

How do I get a verification code? I received a positive test result for COVID-19.

How long will it take to receive a notification once someone who tests positive enters their results in COVID MN?

The public health department notified me that I was exposed to COVID-19. Why didn’t I get a notification from COVIDaware MN on my phone?

Does COVIDaware MN work outside of Minnesota, or communicate with exposure notifications from other states?

What phones support COVIDaware MN?

Do I need to be connected to WiFi or a cellular data connection for COVIDaware MN to work?

How soon does COVIDaware MN start working? 

I downloaded the app, and made sure Bluetooth is active and Notifications are enabled. Do I have to open the app for it to work?

How do I report positive or negative COVID-19 test results in COVIDaware MN?

I just got a new phone. Will my exposure history transfer over to my new phone?

How does COVIDaware MN know if I’ve been exposed?

Does COVIDaware MN register an exposure through walls? For example, if I live in an apartment, or work in an office building, or if I’m in a healthcare exam room?

How close do the phones need to be in order to detect another phone with COVIDaware MN?

Does COVIDaware MN use the GPS on my phone?

Do I have to have Bluetooth turned on for COVIDaware MN to work?

Protecting your privacy

How does COVIDaware MN protect my privacy?

Is COVIDaware MN a "contact tracing app"?

Will Google, Apple, or the State of Minnesota collect information about me?

How do phones communicate with each other?

How do I get notified if I am exposed to another user who has tested positive for COVID-19?

Does COVIDaware MN share my personal information if I’ve been exposed?

Does COVIDaware MN share my personal information if I test positive for COVID-19?

Can a person submit a fake positive result?

How does COVIDaware MN know if I’m infected?

Does COVIDaware MN use any of my personal information?

Does COVIDaware MN use my location?

Why is the location setting on my Android phone turned on?

About verification codes

What is a “verification code”?

Do I need a verification code so COVIDaware MN will work on my phone?

When will I get a verification code?

I just started using COVIDaware MN. Do I need to enter a verification code right away?

How do I get a verification code?

What does a verification code do?

Are verification codes given for both positive and negative tests?

I received a negative test result for COVID-19. Do I need to enter a verification code into the app for that?

About exposure notifications

What is an exposure notification? How does it work?

When will I get an exposure notification?

What does the exposure notification look like?

What will the exposure notification tell me?

Will COVIDaware MN tell me where and when I was exposed?

Will I get an exposure notification immediately if I come in contact with someone infected with COVID-19? Will I know the exact date it happened?

How often does COVIDaware MN check for possible exposures?

I just got a new phone. Will my exposure history transfer over to my new phone?

If you get an exposure notification

What is an exposure/close contact?

How will I know if I’ve been exposed?

What should I do if I have been exposed?

Will COVIDaware MN tell me where the exposure happened and when?

Troubleshooting

Why did my phone get a message that exposure notifications are off? I have not turned the app or Bluetooth off.

My phone and operating system are compatible, but I’m having trouble getting COVIDaware MN to work.

Why won't COVIDaware MN install on my iPhone?

I just got a new phone. Will my exposure history transfer over to my new phone?

I’ve used all the troubleshooting tips, and my phone is compatible, but COVIDaware MN still won’t work.