How to set up a child safe smartphone

How to set up the HMD Fuse: A smartphone designed with children in mind

Parents have told us that entering the digital world is overwhelming and that they feel parental controls are complicated. We know that every family is different, and one solution won’t fit into every home.

Recently we partnered with SafeToNet to launch our latest device, the HMD Fuse. This smartphone is in a category of its own and a world first containing never before seen software created with the intention of making the online world and smartphone introduction safer for children.

Setting up your HMD Fuse

To help with setting up your HMD Fuse we have created a video. We have also written out a step by step so you can refer to it throughout the process. We recommend setting the HMD Fuse up with your child so you can both understand the process and how the phone looks, feels, and operates.

You can view the setup video above or here: https://youtu.be/sTOWVEgtQuI

Or setup your HMD Fuse using the instructions below:

Starting with your parent/guardian device:

1. Download the HarmBlock+ app on the IOS or Android device
2. Start with creating an account and following the steps to verify your e-mail and create your password

After completing the steps above, you will begin setup on the HMD Fuse

1. Copy apps and data (if applicable)
2. Use an existing Google account or create a new one for the child
3. Set your preferred security settings (pin, etc.)
4. Review and accept Google terms of service
5. Do not close the HarmBlock+ app
6. Review and agree requested permissions on HMD Fuse
7. Tap and allow ‘app permission settings’
8. Tap ‘Permissions -> Settings -> Location -> Allow all the time’ (return back to HarmBlock+ Junior App settings)
9. Tap ‘User data access settings -> Settings -> HarmBlock+ -> Permit usage access’ (return back to HarmBlock+ Junior App settings)
10. Tap ‘Notifications permissions settings’
11. Tap ‘Set up complete’
12. Review and accept Terms of service and Privacy policy
13. A QR code will appear – this QR code will be used for pairing with the guardian’s phone (this screen needs to remain on).

Pairing the two devices

1. On the guardian device open the HarmBlock+ app and select ‘Add a device’
2. Scan the QR code on the child’s device
3. Enter the child’s phone number that will be associated with their device.
4. Create a profile for your child
5. On the HMD Fuse, click through the intro screens
6. Tap ‘Set up HarmBlock’
7. Tap ‘Accessibility -> HarmBlock -> Use HarmBlock -> Allow’

Set up is now complete.

What parent phone can you pair with the HMD Fuse?

You don’t need a HMD phone to be able to pair with the HMD Fuse. The HarmBlock+ app is available on both iOS and Android devices. You won’t need to buy a new phone for yourself to pair with your child’s phone, we want the HMD Fuse to fit in seamlessly with your family.

What features does the HMD Fuse have for parents and children?

Features for parents

• Growing with your child – The HMD Fuse is built to grow with your child. Unlike other child smartphones or other adult smartphones, you can adjust the rules and boundaries for your kid and adapt them as they grow up.
• HarmBlock AI – a built-in AI that automatically blocks naked imagery from being viewed, captured, or saved.
• AI privacy – HarmBlock AI doesn’t collect user data. It doesn’t share user data. It doesn’t ingest user data. HarmBlock AI does what it’s supposed to do, locally on the device.
• A smartphone that’s a brick phone – The smartphone starts off as a basic feature phone, meaning parents choose to opt in to certain apps as opposed to findings things to opt out of.
• Live Location Tracking – Monitor your child’s whereabouts in real time, with location updates every 24 seconds. This is turned on for 30-minute intervals so it won't drain the battery. It also remains tracking after that in the background (at longer intervals)
• Customizable Safe Zones – Set up to 10 designated safe areas and receive alerts when your child enters or leaves these zones.
• Location History – Access a three-day history of your child’s movements to retrace their steps when needed (tracked every 5-minutes)
• Contact Approval System – Stay informed about who your kid communicates with by pre-approving their contact list. (This feature is currently available for texts and calls and not third-party messaging platforms)
• App and Screen Time Management – Directly control which apps can be viewed and used by your child, control which apps are visible on the child’s phone, and set daily screen time limits or usage schedules from your own smartphone in real time.
• DIY Screen Repairs – Replace common parts like screens or batteries at home using official self-repair kits.¹
• School Mode – a feature created to help your child cut down on smartphone distractions by pausing most apps and features, while still giving access to important to calls and messages from approved contacts.
• Bedtime Mode
  • a preset mode that automatically blocks non-essential apps and features at bedtime. Making sure that children can’t use their phone for games or entertainment

Features for kids

• Stylish Cases to Add Personality – kids can personalize their phone with cool clip-on outfits like the HMD Fusion Flashy Outfit (ideal for standout photos) and the HMD Fusion Gaming Outfit (designed for gaming on the go).²
• Next-Level Camera Performance – Capture every moment with a powerful 108MP rear camera, a 50MP front camera, and fun features like gesture selfies and selfie slow-motion.
• Sleek, Repairable Design – A modern design that not only looks great but is built for easy home repairs, because no one wants to be the person walking around with a cracked screen.
• Request Extra Screen Time – If usage limits kick in too early, children can simply request more time directly from their device.

Where can I buy the HMD Fuse?

The HMD Fuse comes with HarmBlock+, a first of its kind built-in safety system that offers protection straight out of the box. You can find out more information about where to purchase a HMD Fuse in your region here