Frequently Asked Questions

Olkano is a daily check-in service. You set a reminder, and if you miss a check-in, your trusted contacts get an alert. It's peace of mind for people who live alone or spend time on their own — and for the people who care about them. Below you'll find answers to the most common questions.

About Olkano

What is Olkano?: Olkano is a daily "I'm OK" check-in service. You set a reminder to check in, and your trusted contacts are alerted only if you miss a check-in.
What problem does Olkano solve?: It reduces the worry of "if something happens to me and I'm alone, nobody will know." Olkano creates a simple check-in routine, and if a check-in is missed, it alerts the trusted contacts you choose so someone can follow up.
How is Olkano different from an emergency button (SOS) app?: Emergency/SOS apps require you to press a button when something is wrong. Olkano works by exception — everything is quiet when you check in, and it only alerts others when a check-in is missed (for example, if you can't reach your phone).
Who is Olkano for?: Anyone who wants extra peace of mind when they're often alone — such as independent older adults, solo travelers, students living away from home, or people on night shifts.

How It Works

How does Olkano work?: Olkano reminds you to check in at your chosen schedule. When you check in, nothing else happens. If you miss a check-in, Olkano sends an alert to your trusted contacts.
What is a check-in?: A check-in is your confirmation that you're OK. In the app, it's typically a single tap that records you checked in for that scheduled time.
Does Olkano send alerts when I check in?: No. Alerts are sent only when a check-in is missed, not when you check in successfully.
What happens if I miss a check-in?: Olkano notifies your trusted contacts so they can follow up. The alert channel depends on your plan and the contact methods you've set up.

Trusted Contacts

What is a trusted contact?: A trusted contact is someone you choose to be notified if you miss a check-in — like a family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver.
Do trusted contacts need the Olkano app?: No. They can receive alerts through email and other channels (depending on your plan) without installing the app.
How many trusted contacts can I add?: On the Free plan you can add 1 trusted contact. On Plus you can add unlimited trusted contacts.
Can I invite a loved one to start checking in?: Yes. You can send an invite so someone you care about can start checking in, and you can optionally sponsor them.

Schedules & Features

What check-in schedules are available?: Olkano supports a daily schedule (same time every day). Plus also unlocks interval-based check-ins and additional scheduling options.
Can I pause check-ins and alerts?: Yes. You can pause the service when you don't want reminders or alerts, and resume later when you're ready.
Can I check in early?: Yes. If you're within the check-in window, you can check in early instead of waiting for the exact due time.
How does Olkano handle time zones?: Your schedule is stored consistently on the server and displayed in your local time in the app. If you travel, your reminders stay understandable in your current local time.
Can I use Olkano on multiple devices?: Yes, if you have a full account with credentials. Guest-style setups may not be recoverable if you lose your device.

Plans & Pricing

What plans are available?: Olkano offers a Free plan and a Plus plan. Free covers the basics with one trusted contact, and Plus unlocks more flexibility like unlimited trusted contacts and advanced scheduling.
What's included in the Free plan?: Daily check-ins, missed check-in alerts, and 1 trusted contact — basic peace of mind at no cost.
What's included in the Plus plan?: Unlimited trusted contacts, interval check-ins, and scheduling exceptions. Pricing is shown in the app and may vary by region.
What happens if I downgrade from Plus to Free?: Plus-only settings are adjusted to fit Free limits. For example, extra trusted contacts may be deactivated, and Plus-only scheduling options may be turned off.

Alerts

How are alerts delivered?: Alerts are sent to your trusted contacts using the contact methods you configure. Email is always supported, and Plus can unlock additional channels such as SMS and push notifications.
What should a trusted contact do when they receive an alert?: Start with the safest next step: try calling or messaging the person, then follow the plan you've agreed on (for example, contacting a neighbor or caregiver). If you believe there's an emergency, contact local emergency services.

Privacy & Safety

Does Olkano track my location?: No. Olkano is designed to work without location tracking.
Does Olkano sell my data?: No. Olkano does not sell personal data and does not use third-party analytics or advertising trackers.
Do I need to create an account?: You can start quickly without entering an email and password right away. Creating a full account is recommended for recovery and multi-device access.
How do I delete my account and data?: You can request deletion at any time. If account deletion is not yet available inside the app, email privacy@olkano.com from the email address linked to your account with "Delete my Olkano account" in the subject.
Is Olkano an emergency SOS service?: No. Olkano is a daily check-in service that helps others notice when you might need help. It is not a replacement for emergency services.
Is Olkano available in my country and language?: Olkano is built to work globally and supports multiple languages. Availability depends on the current release, and more languages can be added over time.