Huaketo Korona (COVID-19)

Did you know that the NZ COVID Tracer Mobile App now includes Bluetooth tracing. This means it will be able to alert you when you’ve been near another app user who tests positive for COVID-19.

What do I need to do?

Once the update has been installed, you will be able to turn on Bluetooth Tracing. If your phone is compatible, it will ask for permission to use your phone’s Exposure Notification System. This is entirely optional but strongly recommended.

If you have an Android phone, it might take a few minutes for it to confirm whether your device supports Bluetooth tracing. Please be patient and check back later if you need to. You can read more about compatibility requirements for Bluetooth tracing on our website.

Do I still need to scan the QR codes?

Yes, whether or not you choose to participate in Bluetooth tracing, you should also continue to scan the official QR codes wherever you see them.

QR codes allow us to create a private record of the places we’ve been, while Bluetooth tracing allows us to create an anonymised record of the people we’ve been near. Both are important for contact tracing.

What is Bluetooth tracing?

Bluetooth tracing uses radio waves to allow your phone to securely exchange randomised ‘keys’ with other nearby phones up to around 2 metres away.

When an app user tests positive for COVID-19, the contact tracing team will ask them to upload their Bluetooth keys. If you were near enough to that person for long enough to be at risk of exposure, you will receive a Bluetooth alert.

The Bluetooth alert will give you advice on what you need to do to protect yourself and your whānau to help stop the spread of the virus.

Watch a short video here for an overview of Bluetooth tracing.

Does Bluetooth tracing affect my privacy?

Protecting your privacy has been one of our top priorities throughout the development of NZ COVID Tracer.

Bluetooth tracing doesn’t involve exchanging any identifying information. Anyone who receives a Bluetooth alert won’t know who sent it or where they were when they were exposed to the virus.

Similarly, your digital diary of scanned QR codes and manual entries is stored securely on your phone where only you can see it.

The app has been endorsed by the Privacy Commissioner due to its focus on privacy.

We have also released the source code so you can see for yourself how the app manages your data.

Will Bluetooth tracing work on my phone?

Bluetooth tracing requires iOS 13.5+ on iPhones or Android 6.0+ on other phones. Phones with Android must also support Bluetooth Low Energy and have access to Google Play Services.

If your phone does not support Bluetooth tracing, you can still scan the QR codes to keep a private record of the places you visit, and will still receive location alerts if you have them enabled.

How do I update the app?

NZ COVID Tracer will update by itself if you have automatic updates enabled.

You can also manually update the app through the App Store (for iPhones) or the Play Store (other phones). Instructions can be found on the Ministry’s website.

Where can I find out more?

• NZ COVID Tracer home page
• Questions and answers
• Updated Privacy and Security Statement
• Updated Privacy Impact Assessment

If you experience any problems using the app, please contact the app support team at help@covidtracer.min.health.nz or on 0800 800 606.