Can a family member set up a simple helper on my phone remotely?
Yes, most of it. A family member can set Elsy up from their own phone and send you a link or a QR code, but Elsy still has to be installed on your phone. If you're able to agree to how Elsy works, you do that yourself the first time you open the app. If your family member consents on your behalf, everyone in your circle is at Full trust.
With Elsy, someone in your family can get a simple helper ready for you, even if you don't live near each other. It takes a little preparation, and it takes your consent, or a family member who is allowed to give it on your behalf.
Meet Elsy, an AI companion
Elsy is an AI companion you talk with, made to help with everyday life. She can give your day some structure, and your family can follow how you're doing, depending on their level in Your circle. Setting Elsy up needs an internet connection, and a family member can help with it. Read about how Elsy and your family work together.
How Elsy works
Elsy reminds you about appointments and medicines and notes when you've taken your medicine. She also talks with you and remembers what you tell her, so she gets to know you over time. When you tell her about your life, she writes the story up afterward with your own words as quotes, and you can send it to your family.
Setting Elsy up from a distance
When a family member sets Elsy up for you from a distance, most of it happens on their own phone. They download Elsy, choose For a parent or loved one and add you under Add a family member. Then you get a link or a QR code. Elsy still has to be installed on your own phone, and you do that yourself or with help from someone who's there with you. It can help to be on the phone or a video call with your family member while you do it, so you can go step by step together.
Step by step
- Talk it over first. You should know that Elsy is an AI companion, and what your family member will be able to see.
- Your family member downloads Elsy from the App Store or Google Play on their own phone and subscribes to a family plan. It covers both your Elsy and their side, and you don't pay anything yourself. The subscription requires payment details and renews until it's canceled, and the price and terms appear on screen before your family member confirms.
- Your family member adds you, with your name and the language Elsy should speak with you. They're also asked whether you can understand and agree to how Elsy works yourself. If they like, they can tell Elsy about you, your family and your interests before you start.
- You get a QR code, or a link in a text message or an email. Download Elsy on your phone and open it with the link, or tap Scan invite QR code and scan the code. The link in the email works for 24 hours, but your family member can send it again.
- The first time you open Elsy, a short page explains how Elsy works and which AI services help her. If you're able to agree yourself, you do it here.
If you installed Elsy without using the link, tap the same link again now that the app is installed. Otherwise you may end up in a new, empty account instead of the one that was set up for you.
If you aren't able to agree yourself and your family member gives consent on your behalf, everyone in your circle is at Full trust. They can then see how you're doing, your reminders and medicines, and what Elsy remembers about you. The screen says so when the consent is given.
What Elsy can do for you
Elsy can give your day some structure, someone to talk to and help remembering what's on the calendar. Reminders about medicines and appointments can take away some of the worry, for you and for your family. If your family lives far away, sending them your life stories is one way to stay close at a distance.
Why company and activities matter
According to the US National Institute on Aging, social activities and other activities you enjoy may help you maintain your well-being and independence as you age.
Does Elsy work on older phones?
Elsy works on iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets, and she needs an internet connection. The App Store or Google Play shows whether the app can be installed on your phone. If you don't have much experience with smartphones, read what to look for in a simple voice assistant.
What your phone needs
Elsy works on newer iPhones and Android phones. Before you set Elsy up, check that the phone is connected to the internet, on Wi-Fi or mobile data, and that Elsy is allowed to send notifications. Otherwise your reminders won't come through. If the app shows Allow notifications, tap it.
How to get started
If you'd like to get started on your own, download Elsy from the App Store or Google Play and tap Talk to Elsy. You can try Elsy free for 3 days on your own phone. If a family member wants to set Elsy up for you, they can read more on the page for families. Here's how Elsy works, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elsy safe to use?
Your conversations are stored securely, your stored data is hosted in the EU, and we never sell your personal data. What you say is processed by AI services in the United States so Elsy can hear you, answer and remember. Read more about how your conversations and reminders are kept private.
What can my family see?
What your family sees depends on their level in Your circle, from Stories only up to Full trust, where they also see what Elsy remembers about you. If you set Elsy up yourself, you choose the level for each person. If a family member set Elsy up and gave consent on your behalf, everyone in your circle is at Full trust. Your family never sees transcripts or recordings of your conversations, apart from the life stories you send, which contain your own words and can include short excerpts of your voice. See more about what your family can see.
Will Elsy work on my older phone?
Elsy works on iPhone, iPad and Android, and she needs the internet. The App Store or Google Play shows whether the app can be installed on your phone.
How is my data protected?
Before your first conversation, Elsy tells you which AI services help her and what they receive. Your conversations are stored securely, your stored data is hosted in the EU, and we don't use it to train general AI models. If your family member gave consent on your behalf, everyone in your circle can see what Elsy remembers about you.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk to a doctor about yours.