Download the SafeZone app for free from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone).
To make the most out of the app's features, our recommended settings for using SafeZone are:
Downloading SafeZone is voluntary, though we highly recommend that students and staff download and register for the app. Our highest priority is the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors. Using SafeZone helps us to provide our students, staff, and visitors with a safe and secure environment.
The current version of the SafeZone app is compatible with:
Apple devices
Download SafeZone from the App Store.
Android devices
Download SafeZone from Google Play.
To ensure the SafeZone app functions correctly, specific permissions and settings must be applied to your Apple device.
Location Services
When prompted:
Always allowing access does not mean that you are constantly sharing your location with Protective Services; it just means that the app can continue to work in the background while using other apps. Your location is only shared when you check in or raise an alert.
Access to Motion & Fitness Activity: When prompted, grant motion detection permissions to optimise battery usage while checked in: OK. This will reduce battery usage when inactive.
SafeZone would like to use Bluetooth: When prompted, Allow. This improves location accuracy and enables connecting to Bluetooth devices such as PEEPs.
Notifications: When prompted, select "Allow notifications" to ensure that any emergency push notifications from the Protective Services are received.
Camera Access and/or Library Access: You will be prompted to allow access when adding a profile photo or sending a photo as part of an alert.
There are specific permissions and settings that should be applied to your Android device so that the SafeZone app can function correctly.
Location Services:
When prompted:
Always allowing access does not mean that you are constantly sharing your location with the Protective Services; it just means that the app can continue to work in the background while using other apps. Your location is only shared when you check in or raise an alert.
Exclude Battery Optimisation: On first login, you’ll be prompted to disable battery optimisation when the app is running in the background. When prompted, select Settings, then Apps Not Optimised, and display All Apps. Search for SafeZone, then toggle this option to Off (disabled). This setting will ensure that you remain checked in even when your device enters “doze” state.
Activity Recognition: When prompted, allow SafeZone to access your physical activity: Allow. This will reduce battery usage when inactive.
Bluetooth Required: When prompted, turn on Bluetooth. This improves location accuracy and enables connecting to Bluetooth devices such as personal alert devices.
Notifications: When prompted, select 'Allow notifications' to ensure that any emergency push notifications from Protective Services are received.
Camera Access and/or Library Access: You will be prompted to allow access when adding a profile photo or sending a photo as part of an alert.
Permission to make a Call: When prompted, you must allow the app permission to make a phone call. This action would be required when making a call to Protective Services or Emergency Services from within the SafeZone app.
SafeZone incorporates various functionalities aimed at enhancing battery efficiency.
To minimise location polling (subject to your device's permissions), the app employs motion and activity detection. For optimal use, most users are advised to stick with the 'default' activity profile settings.
Additionally, it's recommended to shift SafeZone to the background after check-in or when not actively in use. When you raise an alert, SafeZone will consume extra power to improve your location accuracy. Ensure that alerts are cancelled in SafeZone once you have received assistance or in cases of false alarms.
On first login, you will be prompted to authenticate using your Unikey credentials via single sign on (SSO). Your profile will be populated based on data provided by Sydney Student (student users) or Workday (staff users). Note that any changes made to your profile within the SafeZone app will not update your details in either Sydney Student or Workday.
You’ll be prompted to complete the app registration after logging in for the first time.
If you do not complete the registration process in the app, Protective Services will not receive your alerts.
First name, last name and mobile phone number should be pre-populated, but can be overridden if required. The University encourages all users to upload a passport-style photo to help Protective Services identify you when responding to an alert, though this is not a mandatory requirement.
If any fields are empty, this would be due to incomplete information in either Sydney Student or Workday – please update the relevant systems if information is incomplete or incorrect. The mobile phone number field should be populated with an Australian mobile phone number to ensure receipt of emergency notifications. Select “Sign Up” to complete the registration process.
Finally, the User License Agreement (ULA) must be agreed to before access to the app is granted.
MFA is an additional layer of security to protect the University and your user account from unauthorised access. MFA is being used by everyone with a UniKey (including staff, students and affiliates) who access single sign-on University applications such as Outlook, Canvas, and SafeZone.
University of Sydney uses the Okta app, which needs to be installed on your smartphone before completing the MFA registration on your computer. Once set up, MFA will periodically prompt you to verify your sign-in to single sign-on (SSO).
The SafeZone app does not share your location with Protective Services until you press the check-in timer or raise an alert, such as pressing the Emergency, Call Security or First Aid buttons. You can review the SafeZone Privacy Policy within the SafeZone application’s main menu or read the SafeZone privacy collection notice.
Location services must be turned on to use the SafeZone app. The location service uses a combination of device network, WiFi and GPS positioning. The location service requires an active internet connection (via WiFi or mobile data) in order to operate.
Enabling WiFi and Bluetooth improves location accuracy. This will make it easier for Protective Services to locate you in an emergency. SafeZone's use of location services has been designed to minimise battery use. Enabling these functions may also be more energy efficient than using cellular tower positioning.
SafeZone supports the following languages:
To update your language preference, navigate to the language settings on your mobile device and make the necessary adjustments. Keep in mind that this modification will affect the language settings for all applications on your phone.
When you raise an alert, SafeZone securely shares your real-time location with Protective Services, enabling them to dispatch the nearest security personnel, monitor nearby CCTV, and coordinate with emergency services for the quickest possible assistance.
Wherever you are on campus, pressing the Emergency, First-Aid, or Call Security buttons will connect you with someone who will be able to offer you support. Alerts via the SafeZone app will be sent to you by the most appropriate people who can handle your needs. In most cases, this will be the Protective Services team.
When your alert is triggered, the Protective Services team will be alerted instantly and a responder will be dispatched to your location. The response time depends on how close you are to the responders' location.
If your life is being threatened, or if someone is seriously ill or injured, or if you just witnessed a serious incident, dial triple zero (000) for emergency services (fire/ambulance/police).
If you accidentally press a SafeZone call button, a 5-second timer will appear. You can cancel the alert within this period and Protective Services will not be notified.
If you cancel the alert after the 5-second timer has finished, Protective Services will receive your alert notification and contact you to ensure your safety. Please respond to their call or message to confirm your well-being.
The SafeZone emergency alert function will only notify Protective Services if you are within the defined boundary of a University location. This includes high traffic areas adjacent to University campuses, such as the common routes to and from Redfern train station.
If you press the Emergency or First Aid buttons outside of the University of Sydney SafeZone coverage areas, your phone will tell you that you are outside the zone and offer you a single-click button to dial triple zero '000' for emergency services (Police, Fire or Ambulance).
If you press the Call Security button while outside of the University, you will be put through to University Security. At this point, you can cancel the call or continue with the call.
View locations covered by SafeZone at the University of Sydney.
In an emergency situation, Protective Services will send an SMS alert to all University students and staff. SafeZone users will also receive push notifications via the app providing information and instructions that should be followed to ensure your safety. University staff and students without the SafeZone app installed or may also receive notifications via email.
These notifications may contain:
SMS notifications will be sent to staff or students based on the mobile phone number recorded in their Workday/SITS accounts. It’s possible to have international phone numbers recorded in those accounts, however, emergency notifications are more likely to be received if an Australian mobile phone number is provided.
The University will also periodically conduct test exercises of these emergency alert systems.
Your personal information may be used to reach out to you as a member of the University community in case of an emergency or incident. It is crucial for both students and staff to keep their personal details updated via Sydney Student (for students) and Workday (for staff) to ensure you receive accurate and timely information during emergencies or incidents.
Students can update their student profiles in the Sydney Student (SITS) system. Ideally, enter an Australian mobile phone number as your preferred contact number to ensure you receive emergency notifications successfully.
Staff can update their profile in Workday. Ideally, enter an Australian mobile phone number as your preferred work contact number to ensure you receive emergency notifications successfully.
You can add details directly into your profile within the SafeZone app, however, this will not update your Sydney Student or staff Workday profile.
For support or queries regarding the SafeZone App, please contact safe.zone@sydney.edu.au.