Questions
FAQ
Short answers to how PowerPlay is different from a regular screen-time app.
Does the kid need a smartwatch?
No. Phone only is the default — they carry the Android phone and steps count. If they already have a Fitbit, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or Garmin, a parent can switch PowerPlay to Watch in Parent controls. Those watches share steps through Google Health Connect. Apple Watch is not on Android; that comes with the iPhone app.
What plug do I need?
A Shelly Wi-Fi plug made for US outlets. You plug it into the wall, then plug the TV, console, or PC into the Shelly. The app talks to that plug on your home Wi-Fi. You can run up to three plugs at once. You do not rewire anything. Full steps are on the Setup page.
Can kids add free minutes?
No. There is no demo cheat and no “add 1,000 steps” button for kids. Minutes only come from real steps, or from a parent who unlocks the password and adds bonus time. Parents can also reset the bank to zero.
Do unused minutes disappear every day?
No. Power Minutes stay in the bank until they are used. Kids can save up for a movie night. Midnight only resets the daily step accounting — not the bank.
Can I block TV after bedtime?
Yes. Turn on bedtime lockout and pick the hours. During that window the On button will not work, even if they still have minutes. Default example is 9 PM to 6 AM — you can change it.
What are the achievements?
Fifty custom badges. Kids unlock them by walking, banking minutes, and collecting. Locked badges stay grey so they can see the goal. Progress stays on the phone.
Does it work if they leave the phone on the couch?
Phone only: no. The phone has to move with them. Watch / Fitbit / Samsung: yes — they wear the tracker, and PowerPlay reads today’s steps from Health Connect when they open the app. Auto uses whichever number is higher. Phone and watch are never added together, so one walk cannot count twice.
What happens when the minutes run out?
PowerPlay turns the smart plug off. The TV or console loses power. They walk more to bank new minutes, or a parent adds time. The outlet is the enforcement — not a nag.
Is it Android or iPhone?
Android is ready now, including Samsung phones. Tap Download the App. iPhone is on the Coming soon list — Apple Health steps and the same parent controls.
How do I connect a Fitbit or Galaxy Watch?
Install Google Health Connect. In the Fitbit, Samsung Health, or Garmin app, turn on sharing steps to Health Connect. In PowerPlay tap Parents → Where steps come from → Watch / Fitbit / Samsung (or Auto) → Save. Allow Steps for PowerPlay when Health Connect asks. Full taps are on the Setup page under Connect a watch.
How do parents change the rules?
Open Parents, enter the parent password, then change steps-for-15-minutes (default is 200 steps for 15 minutes), where steps come from (phone, watch, or auto), minimum steps before power, bedtime hours, plug IPs, bonus minutes, or reset the bank. Kids cannot open that section without the password.
Will this be on the Play Store?
Yes. Tap Download the App. It opens Google Play on Android, including Samsung phones. iPhone is still on the Coming soon list.
How much will it cost?
It is a paid app on Google Play, not a free download. The price is on the Play page. Join the waitlist if you want a note before that number changes.
Do you track my kid in the cloud?
No. Steps stay on the phone. PowerPlay is not a location tracker and does not sell health data. The plug only gets an on/off command on your home Wi-Fi. The full Privacy Policy is on this site.