Get started with Carakin

Carakin works on Android and the web with the same encrypted family. Follow these steps the first time you set things up.

1. Sign in

Install Carakin from Google Play, or go to carakin.com/app in a browser. Sign in with Google or Microsoft.

Carakin welcome screen with Continue with Google and Continue with Microsoft — Welcome / sign-in

2. Create or join a family

Create: Pick a family name. Carakin sets up encryption for that family on your device.

Join: Enter an 8-character invite code. An admin must approve your request before you can read family care data.

Create your family screen with family name field and Create family button — Create a family

Join a family screen with invite code field and Submit join request button — Join with a code

3. Save your recovery code

While a device is unlocked, create a recovery code in Settings and store it somewhere safe (password manager, printed copy, etc.).

Critical for solo admins: Carakin only stores encrypted care data on our servers. If you are the only admin, lose every unlocked device, and lose the recovery code, nobody - including Carakin - can decrypt the family again. Create the code early and keep a backup.

4. Invite people and approve access

Admins can invite others as Admin, Caretaker, or Kin from People → Users. Share the invite code. When someone joins, approve their join request (also shown on Today). When someone opens Carakin on a new computer or phone, approve their encryption access request.

Invite to family screen with Admin, Caretaker, and Kin role options — Choose a role

Invite ready screen showing an 8-character invite code and Share invite button — Share the code

5. Add kin profiles

Kin profiles are the people you schedule care for. Add them under People → Kin (with or without their own login - invite as Kin). Optionally mark This is me to link a profile to your account, then add medications, appointments, and tasks with +Care.

Add a kin profile

Next: Using Carakin day to day