# Participant App Settings **URL:** \ **Category:** Reference\ **Created:** [June 16, 2025, 9:19am UTC](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/participant-app-settings/1278 "2025-06-16T09:19:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mojtaba](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/e56c9b/32.png) [@mojtaba](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/u/mojtaba)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2025, 9:19am UTC](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/participant-app-settings/1278/1 "2025-06-16T09:19:26Z")
Welcome to Avicenna! This guide will help you get started with the Avicenna participant app, from installation to daily usage. Whether you’re participating in a research study or just want to understand how the app works, this guide covers everything you need to know. ## Getting Started The Avicenna participant app is designed to make your research participation experience smooth and engaging. The app allows researchers to collect data through surveys, activities, and passive data collection from your device (all with your permission). ### What You’ll Need - A smartphone (iOS 16.0+ or Android 10.0+ / API level 29+) - A stable internet connection - An email address for account creation - The study invitation code from your researcher ## Installing the App Follow the steps below to install the app on your device: ### iOS (iPhone/iPad) 1. **Open the App Store** on your iOS device 2. **Search for “Avicenna Research”** in the search bar 3. **Tap “Get”** button 4. **Authenticate** with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password 5. **Wait for the download** to complete 6. **Tap “Open”** when the installation is finished ### Android 1. **Open the Google Play Store** on your Android device 2. **Search for “Avicenna Research”** in the search bar 3. **Tap “Install”** 4. **Accept permissions** if prompted 5. **Wait for the download** to complete 6. **Tap “Open”** when the installation is finished ### Alternative Installation (Android) If you can’t find the app on Google Play Store, your researcher may provide you with an APK file: 1. **Enable “Unknown Sources”** in your device settings Go to Settings \> Security \> Unknown Sources Toggle the switch to allow installation from unknown sources 2. **Download the APK file** from the link provided by your researcher 3. **Tap the downloaded APK file** to install 4. **Follow the installation prompts** ## Creating Your Account Get started by setting up your account with the following steps: ### First Launch 1. **Open the Avicenna app** on your device 2. **Tap “Sign Up”** to create a new account 3. **Select “I am a Participant”** when prompted 4. **Enter your information** 5. **Tap “Create Account”** ### Signing In 1. **Enter** your email and password 2. **Tap** “Log in” ## Joining a Study To join a study, use your invitation code and follow the steps below ### Using an Invitation Code 1. **Log in** to your Avicenna account 2. **Enter the registration code** provided by your researcher 3. **Complete** the eligibility survey 4. **Review** the study information and consent form 5. **Tap** Participate ### Accepting Email Invitations 1. **Check your email** for a study invitation from Avicenna 2. **Click the invitation link** in the email 3. **Sign in** to your Avicenna account 4. **Review and accept** the consent form ## Using the App Next, learn how to complete surveys from your home screen, the home screen shows: - **Activities:** Where you can view and track your study activities. - **Notifications Bar:** Which displays alerts from the app. - **Settings Icon:** Provides quick access to the app’s settings and customization options. You can find information by going to this. ### Completing Surveys You can complete the surveys by following steps below: 1. **Tap** on a survey button 2. **Answer** each question 3. **Tap** “Submit” to complete the survey ## Participant App Settings The **Settings** page in the Avicenna participant app allows you to manage your account, customize your experience, control your data preferences, and more. To access the **Settings** page, tap on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the app. ![Participant App Settings](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/1X/8cce207f18840c315e98e3877bf8b2ea815d894b.jpeg) ![Tap on the gear icon to access the Settings page](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/2X/1/1dd228b4038f862e010b3f1813378e0b9bc52e52.png) > [!note] > Below, we will explain each of the available options in detail. ### Join Study The **Join Study** option allows you to enroll in research studies. After selecting, you will be prompted to enter a registration code. Once done, you will be added to the study, and will be able to begin participating. ![Enter the registration code to enroll in research studies](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/1X/342d758802c49714fc153f1c099814cc368ad584.png) ### Sync Data Completed The **Sync Data Completed** notification indicates that your data has been successfully synced in the system. Selecting this option will also **synchronize** all data, ensuring that everything is up to date. Once the process is complete, you can continue using the app with confidence that your information has been saved. ![Sync Data Completed](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/1X/4ee40d5314ee97b149d31bd75d40ab4054547d56.png) ### My Studies The **My Studies** tab provides an overview of all the studies you are currently enrolled in. Here, you can view study information and drop out from a study. ![My Studies tab](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/2X/3/3bbd4692366e0838867eb87817a9bd89480e27ab.png) ![Study Information](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/2X/f/f6caec2fa043171355c679f47835932233e69d13.png) ### Color Theme > Supported in Android and iOS. Avicenna allows you to personalize your experience by choosing from a selection of color themes within the mobile app. To do so, follow these steps: 1. **Open the Avicenna app** on your mobile device 2. Go to the **Settings** page 3. Tap/click on **Color Theme** 4. **Select your preferred theme** from the available options Once you select a color theme, the app’s appearance will immediately update to reflect your choice throughout the app, including menus, buttons, and icons. > [!note] > Color theme changes are device-specific and will not sync across multiple devices. The Avicenna app offers several visually distinct color themes, each with its own color palette. - **Ocean** - **Forest** - **Sunset** - **Turquoise** - **Violette** ## Account Information In **Account Information** , you can review and update your profile details, such as your Email address, and phone number. ### Email Address Your email address is used as the main contact point for account access and notifications. If the address has not yet been verified, you will see a warning message. To Verify your Email address: 1. Select **Verify** 2. Enter your **password** 3. You will receive a **verification code** via email 4. **Enter** the Verification code to finish the process You can also update your email address by tapping **Change**. This requires re-entering your password to confirm your identity before the new address is saved. ### Phone Number Adding a phone number is essential if you want to receive **SMS** notifications or enable security features such as Two-Factor Authentication. To add your phone number: 1. Tap **Add** 2. **Verify** your password 3. And then **enter your phone number** 4. You will **receive a verification code** on your phone 5. Enter the **verification code** #### Supported Countries The Avicenna app supports phone numbers from the following countries: | Region | Supported Countries | | --- | --- | | Europe | Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey/Jersey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City | | Americas | Canada, Chile, United States | | Other | Australia, South Africa | > [!note] > If your country is not listed above, you will not be able to add your phone number. For assistance, contact your researcher or Avicenna support. ### Language The **Language** setting allows you to choose the display language. Select from the available options to interact with the system in the language of your choice. ![Screenshot_2025.09.10_13.36.33.054](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/2X/4/46d09999045fcdb3bdb5ee68d45c320eedeabeb7.png) ### Notifications The **Notifications** tab allows you to manage how and when you receive reminders related to your studies. You can customize the notification types, choose the delivery medium, and verify your contact details to ensure you never miss important updates. **Survey Notifications** When this is on, survey reminders arrive at their scheduled time. Turning it off does not stop survey reminders, but they may arrive late. This setting is available on Android. **Sticky Notifications** [Sticky Notifications](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/background-data-collection/1250#p-2877-sticky-notifications-6) keeps a permanent Avicenna notification in your notification area. Android treats an app with an ongoing notification as active, which is the main thing that stops the system from closing Avicenna and interrupting data collection. This setting is available on Android. **Mediums** Studies may use different communication channels to send notifications. Within this section, you can decide which mediums you want to enable or disable, depending on your preferences. **Email** Here, you can set your email address as a notification channel. Please note that your email must be verified to receive updates. If your email address is not verified, you will see a message prompting you to complete the verification process. Select **Verify** to receive a verification email and follow the instructions to complete the process. **SMS** To receive SMS notifications, you need to have a verified phone number linked to your account. If your phone number has not yet been added, you will be directed to the **Account Information** tab to complete this step. Once verified, SMS will be enabled as a valid channel for your notifications ![Manage how and when you receive reminders related to your studies via the Notifications tab](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/2X/1/1d71730c7fa4a4538597990b4488f1bec8613d3d.png) ### Upload via Wi-Fi Only By enabling **Upload via Wi-Fi Only** , your data will be synchronized exclusively when connected to a Wi-Fi network. This prevents the use of mobile data and helps manage connectivity costs. ### Allow Data Collection The **Allow Data Collection** option enables the system to gather the information required for your participation in studies. You can control this setting at any time depending on your privacy preferences. ### Account Deletion For a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to permanently delete your participant account and all associated data and what happens after, please refer to [the Account Deletion documentation](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/account-deletion/1268/1). ![Permanently delete your participant via Account Deletion tab](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/2X/a/adc6bc4ef491dac3f85aba85f00303c4978bb56d.png) ### Sign Out Selecting **Sign Out** will log you out of your account. You will need to re-enter your login credentials the next time you wish to enter your account. # Introduction Pages and Onboarding Alerts When participants first log in to the Avicenna app or join a study, they go through two distinct onboarding experiences: **Introduction Pages** and **Onboarding Alerts**. Each of them is explained in detail below. ## Introduction Pages Introduction pages are informational screens that appear immediately after a participant signs up or logs in to the Avicenna app for the first time. These pages help participants understand the app’s features, their rights, and what to expect during their study participation. These pages are a series of welcome screens that educate new participants about: - **Welcome To Avicenna:** Introduces the app’s purpose, which is to allow users to participate in scientific research studies. - **Join A Study:** Explains that participation begins by entering a unique registration code provided by a research team. - **Read Before Consent:** Prompts the user to carefully review the study’s consent form, focusing on data usage, duration, and purpose. - **Own Your Data:** Informs the user of their rights to control their data, including stopping collection, leaving the study, or deleting data at any time. ## Onboarding Alerts Onboarding alerts are action-oriented prompts that guide participants to complete necessary setup steps for their specific study. These alerts require participants to take specific actions to ensure proper data collection and study compliance. They are study-specific notifications that prompt participants to: - Grant necessary permissions (GPS, sensors, notifications, etc.) - Verify contact information (email address, phone number) - Adjust device settings (battery optimization, background app refresh) - Connect wearable devices (Fitbit, Garmin, WHOOP, etc.) - And enable other required features for the study When a participant joins a study that requires specific permissions or setup, a **pink banner** appears at the top of the study homepage with the message, **“Your study setup is incomplete.”** Upon tapping the **Continue** button on the banner, participants are presented with a list of actions needed to complete their setup, and each alert can be addressed individually by following the prompts. ![Study setup incomplete banner](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/uploads/default/original/2X/b/b5c9fc3773dfcda56f964dfc6feccd3d9b1922cf.jpeg) Onboarding alerts ask participants to complete various settings. Below is a list of the settings required to complete the onboarding process. ### **Location and Sensors** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **GPS** | Requests permission to collect GPS location data. On iOS, GPS permission also allows Avicenna to keep the app running in the background for longer periods. | Android, iOS | | **Activity Recognition** | Requests permission to collect motion sensor data for activity tracking. | Android, iOS | | **Location Service** | Prompts participants to enable location services on their device. | Android, iOS | * * * ### **Wearable Devices** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **Garmin** | Requests permission to connect to a Garmin account and access Garmin Health data. | Android, iOS, Web | | **Fitbit** | Requests permission to connect to a Fitbit account and access Fitbit data. | Android, iOS, Web | | **WHOOP** | Requests permission to connect to a WHOOP account and access WHOOP data. | Android, iOS, Web | | **HealthKit** | Requests permission to access Apple HealthKit data. | iOS only | | **SensorKit** | Requests permission to access Apple SensorKit data (device usage, ambient sound, etc.). | iOS only | * * * ### **Notifications and Background Operation** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **Notifications** | Requests permission to send push notifications to the participant. | Android, iOS | | **Time-Sensitive Notification** | Requests permission to send time-sensitive notifications that bypass Focus modes. | iOS only | | **Persistent Notification Banner** | Enables persistent notification banners that stay visible on the screen. | iOS only | | **Background App Refresh** | Prompts participants to enable background app refresh so the app can collect data when not actively in use. | iOS only | | **Schedule Alerts** | Requests permission to schedule notifications and alarms. | Android only | * * * ### **Battery and Power Management** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **Battery Optimization** | Prompts participants to disable battery optimization for the Avicenna app, ensuring continuous background data collection. | Android only | | **Battery Optimization (Device Specific)** | Special battery optimization settings for certain manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus). | Android only | * * * ### **Connectivity** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **Bluetooth** | Prompts participants to turn on Bluetooth. | Android, iOS | | **WiFi** | Prompts participants to turn on WiFi. | Android, iOS | * * * ### **Data Collection** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **App Usage** | Requests permission to collect app usage data (which apps are used and for how long). | Android, iOS | | **Audio Capture** | Requests permission to record audio from the device microphone. | Android, iOS | * * * ### **Account Verification** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **Email Validation** | Prompts participants to verify their email address. | Android, iOS, Web | | **Phone Validation** | Prompts participants to verify their phone number. | Android, iOS, Web | * * * ### **App Maintenance** | Alert Type | Description | Platform | | --- | --- | --- | | **Application Update** | Notifies participants when a new version of the app is available on the app store. | Android, iOS | ## Study-Specific Onboarding Alerts The onboarding alerts that participants see depend entirely on the study configuration. For example: ### Example 1: GPS and Pedometer Study If a researcher creates a study that collects GPS and pedometer data, participants will see onboarding alerts for: - **GPS permission** - To allow location tracking - **Battery Optimization** (Android) - To ensure continuous background data collection ### Example 2: Fitbit Integration Study If a researcher creates a study that collects Fitbit data, participants will see onboarding alerts for: - **Fitbit permission** - To connect their Fitbit account ## Data Sources Setup When you join a study, you may need to connect wearable devices or external data sources. The data sources available to you depend on your study’s requirements. To view and set up available data sources: - Open Avicenna app. - Go to **App Settings \> Data Sources**. - Review the available data sources. - Connect any required devices by following the instructions below. ### Quick Setup Guide by Device #### Fitbit 1. Go to **App Settings \> Data Sources**. 2. Click **Grant Access** next to Fitbit. 3. Sign in to Fitbit official website. 4. Check **Allow All** to collect all data types. 5. Grant access to Fitbit Profile for timezone accuracy. See the [Fitbit Setup Guide](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/fitbit/1259#p-2886-fitbit-data-source-in-participant-app-11) for screenshots and a detailed walkthrough. #### Garmin API 1. Install and set up the Garmin Connect app on your device. 2. In the Avicenna app, go to **Settings \> Data Sources**. 3. Find Garmin data source and click **Grant Access**. 4. Sign in to your Garmin account. 5. Review and confirm information sharing. 6. Click **Agree** to complete setup. See the [Garmin API Setup Guide](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/garmin-api/1260#p-2887-garmin-api-data-sources-in-participant-device-15) for screenshots and a detailed walkthrough. #### Garmin SDK 1. **Uninstall all other Garmin apps** (including Garmin Connect). 2. Put your Garmin watch in pairing mode. 3. Open the Avicenna app and navigate to the Garmin onboarding alert, then tap **START PAIRING**. 4. Grant Bluetooth permission when prompted. 5. Select your Garmin device from the list. 6. Enter the requested information (gender, birth year, height, weight, sleep schedule). 7. Tap **Pair Device** to complete setup. See the [Garmin Direct Pairing Setup Guide](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/garmin-sdk/1261#p-2888-garmin-sdk-data-sources-in-participant-device-24) for screenshots and a detailed walkthrough. #### Hexoskin 1. Go to **App Settings \> Data Sources**. 2. Find Hexoskin and click **Grant Access**. 3. Sign in to Hexoskin website. 4. Click **Allow** to authorize access. See the [Hexoskin Setup Guide](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/hexoskin/1263#p-2890-hexoskin-data-source-in-participant-app-5) for screenshots and a detailed walkthrough. #### Polar 1. Go to **App Settings \> Data Sources**. 2. Find Polar and click **Grant Access**. 3. Sign in to Polar website. 4. Click **Accept** to authorize access. See the [Polar Setup Guide](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/polar/1264#p-2891-polar-data-source-in-participant-app-10) for screenshots and a detailed walkthrough. #### WHOOP 1. Go to **App Settings \> Data Sources**. 2. Find WHOOP and click **Grant Access**. 3. Sign in to WHOOP website. 4. Click **Grant** to authorize access. See the [WHOOP Setup Guide](https://forum.avicennaresearch.com/t/whoop/1265#p-2892-whoop-data-source-in-participant-app-8) for screenshots and a detailed walkthrough. ### Stopping Data Collection You can stop sharing data from any connected source at any time. 1. Go to **App Settings \> Data Sources**. 2. Find the device or data source you want to disconnect. 3. Click **Revoke Access**. Once access is revoked, Avicenna will stop receiving data from that source. ### Important Notes - **Garmin API and SDK cannot be used simultaneously** - choose one method for your device - **Keep apps installed** : For Fitbit, Garmin (API), Hexoskin, Polar, and WHOOP - keep the respective apps installed or data collection stops - **Regular syncing** : Ensure your devices sync regularly to Garmin/Fitbit/WHOOP servers so Avicenna can access the data - **Permissions matter** : Some data requires active permissions - check your onboarding alerts for any setup needed ## Troubleshooting and Common Issues #### App Won’t Open - Restart your device and try again - Check for app updates in the app store - Reinstall the app if the problem persists #### Can’t Sign In - Verify your email and password are correct - Check your internet connection - Try “Forgot Password” if you can’t remember your password - Contact support if the issue continues #### Surveys Not Loading - Check your internet connection - Close and reopen the app - Try refreshing the survey page - Contact your researcher if the problem persists #### Notifications Not Working - Check app permissions in your device settings - Verify notification settings in the app - Restart the app to refresh notification services ## Privacy and Data #### Your Rights - You control your data - you can withdraw from studies at any time - Your information is protected by strict privacy policies - You can request data deletion at any time #### Data Security - All data is encrypted during transmission and storage - Your personal information is kept confidential - Researchers only see anonymized or aggregated data - Your identity is protected throughout the research process ## Tips for Better Participation #### Stay Engaged - Set daily reminders for study activities - Complete surveys promptly when notified - Keep the app updated for the best experience - Check notifications regularly for important updates #### Maximize Data Quality - Answer surveys honestly - there are no wrong answers - Complete activities fully when possible - Report any issues to your researcher - Keep your device charged for continuous participation #### Communication - Respond to researcher messages when possible - Ask questions if something is unclear - Report technical problems promptly - Provide feedback on your experience ### Frequently Asked Questions #### What if I miss a survey or activity? Don’t worry! Most studies allow you to complete missed activities later. Check your app for any overdue items. #### How long do studies typically last? Study duration varies widely - from a few days to several months. Your researcher will inform you of the expected timeline. #### Can I withdraw from a study? Yes, you can withdraw from any study at any time without penalty. Your data will be handled according to the study’s withdrawal policy. #### Is my data safe? Yes, Avicenna follows strict data protection standards and complies with relevant privacy regulations. Your data is encrypted and protected. #### Need More Help? If you have questions that aren’t covered in this guide: - Check the FAQ section - Contact your researcher for study-specific questions - Visit our help center at [forum.avicennaresearch.com](http://forum.avicennaresearch.com) Thank you for participating in research with Avicenna! Your contribution helps advance scientific knowledge and improve health outcomes for everyone.