Vigilant is a Progressive Web App (PWA), which means you don't need to download it from an app store. Simply visit vigilantcare.co.za/app on your phone's browser.
Open the App
Visit vigilantcare.co.za/app in your phone's browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.)
Register an Account
Tap Register and fill in your details: name, email, password, contact number, address, and a 4-digit security PIN.
Add to Home Screen (Recommended)
Android: Tap the menu (⋮) and select "Add to Home Screen" iPhone: Tap the Share button and select "Add to Home Screen"
Enable Location
When prompted, allow location access. This is essential for emergency responders to find you.
💡 Tip: Upload a selfie photo during registration. This helps responders identify you during an emergency.
📱 2. Main Screen Overview
Once logged in, you'll see the main screen with five main buttons:
Stay Safe - Set a safety timer
Panic - Trigger an emergency alert
Report - Submit an incident report
Alarm - Turn your phone into a motion-detecting alarm
Event Map - View incidents in your area
The Menu (☰)
Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top-left corner to access:
Update Information - Edit your profile and photos
Link Responders - Connect to security companies or community groups
Family Pulse - Daily check-ins and emergency alerts with family
Visit our Website - Go to the Vigilant website
Log out - Sign out of your account
Linked Responders
At the bottom of the main screen, you'll see circular icons representing your linked responders. These are the organizations or individuals who will be notified when you trigger an alert.
🚨 3. Panic Button
What It Does
The Panic button sends an immediate emergency alert to all your linked responders with your current GPS location. Use this when you're in danger and need help immediately.
How to Use
Press and Hold
Press and hold the red Panic button. A circular progress indicator will appear.
Wait for Confirmation
Keep holding until the circle completes (about 2 seconds). This prevents accidental triggers.
Alert Sent
You'll hear a confirmation sound, and the button will change to "Help has been dispatched". Your location is now being shared with responders.
⚠️ Important: You must have at least one linked responder for the panic button to work. If you see "You have no active linked responders", go to the menu and link to a responder first.
The panic button will return to normal after approximately 15 minutes, or when a responder resolves your alert.
⏱️ 4. Stay Safe Timer
What It Does
The Stay Safe timer is your proactive safety companion. Set a timer when you're doing something potentially risky (late-night drive, meeting a stranger, walking alone). If you don't check in before the timer expires, an automatic alert is sent to your responders.
How to Use
Tap Stay Safe
Tap the blue Stay Safe button to open the duration selector.
Choose Duration
Select a preset time (5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes) or set a custom duration using the hours and minutes dropdowns.
Timer Active
The button will show a countdown. You'll hear a sound confirming the timer is set.
Cancel When Safe
When you're safe, tap the button and enter your 4-digit PIN to cancel the timer.
⚠️ What Happens If You Don't Cancel: If the timer expires without you entering your PIN, an automatic alert is sent to your responders with your last known location.
Duress PIN
If you're forced to cancel the timer under threat, enter your PIN backwards. This will appear to cancel the timer normally, but will secretly trigger a duress alert to your responders.
Example: If your PIN is 1234, entering 4321 triggers the duress alert.
🔔 5. Alarm (Sentry Mode)
What It Does
Transform your phone into a portable security system. The Alarm feature uses your phone's camera to detect motion. If movement is detected and you don't enter your PIN in time, an alert is sent to your responders.
How to Use
Tap Alarm
Tap the green Alarm button to open the Alarm page.
Position Your Phone
Place your phone where its camera can monitor the area you want to protect (e.g., facing a door or window).
Arm the Alarm
Tap Arm. You'll have a brief countdown before the alarm becomes active.
Motion Detection
When motion is detected, an alarm sound plays and you have a short time to enter your PIN to disarm.
Alert Escalation
If you don't disarm the alarm:
After the warning period, a loud alarm sounds
If still not disarmed, an alert is automatically sent to your responders
💡 Perfect For: Hotel rooms, temporary accommodations, monitoring your car, or any situation where you want to be alerted to intrusion.
📝 6. Submit a Report
What It Does
Report incidents in your area to help keep your community informed. Reports can include photos, audio recordings, and text descriptions. All reports are reviewed before being shared on the community map.
How to Submit a Report
Tap Report
Tap the orange Report button. Note: You must have at least one linked responder to submit reports.
Record Audio (Optional - Android only)
Tap "Start Recording" to describe what happened. You can record up to 90 seconds.
Add Photos (Optional)
Attach up to 2 photos of the incident. You can take new photos or select from your gallery.
Add Text Note (Optional)
Write a description of the incident (up to 500 characters).
Submit
Tap Submit Report. Your GPS location is automatically included.
Your report will be reviewed by monitors and, if approved, will appear on the community Event Map for others to see.
🗺️ 7. Event Map
What It Does
The Event Map shows verified incidents reported by other Vigilant users in your area. Stay informed about what's happening around you.
How to Use
Tap the Event Map button on the main screen
The map shows incident markers in your area
Tap on a marker to see details about the incident
Use pinch to zoom in/out and drag to pan
💡 Note: Only reviewed and approved reports appear on the map. This ensures you only see verified information, not rumors.
🔗 8. Link Responders
What Are Responders?
Responders are security companies, neighborhood watches, community policing forums, or other organizations that monitor alerts and can dispatch help when needed.
How to Link a Responder
Open the Menu
Tap the menu icon (☰) and select Link Responders.
Search
Type the name of a security company or area and tap Search.
Send Request
Find the responder you want and tap Request Link.
Wait for Approval
The responder will review your request. Once approved, they'll appear in your linked responders list.
You can link to multiple responders. When you trigger an alert, ALL your active linked responders will be notified.
👨👩👧👦 9. Family Features
What Is It?
Vigilant's Family Features let you stay connected with loved ones through daily wellness check-ins (Family Pulse) and ensure they're notified in emergencies. Everyone uses the same Vigilant app—no separate download required.
Family Pulse - Daily Check-ins
Share your daily "energy level" with family members and see how they're doing.
Open Family Pulse
Tap the green Family Pulse button on the home screen.
Check In Daily
Select your energy level (100% fully charged to 20% need support). This shares your status with linked family.
View Family
See your family members' current energy levels and get alerts if someone hasn't checked in for 3+ days.
Family Responder - Emergency Alerts
Link family members to receive emergency notifications when you trigger a panic.
Add Family Members
In Family Pulse, tap Add Family Member and enter their email. They must have a Vigilant account.
They Accept
Your family member opens their Vigilant app and accepts your link request.
Emergency Alerts via WhatsApp
When you trigger a panic, our 24/7 Control Room contacts your family via WhatsApp with your location and details.
💡 Tip: Family features work alongside professional monitoring. Link both family AND a security responder for maximum protection!
✏️ 10. Update Your Information
Keep your information up to date so responders can identify you and find you quickly.
How to Update
Tap the menu icon (☰)
Select Update Information
Edit your details: name, email, contact number, address
Update your selfie photo (helps responders identify you)
Update your home entrance photo (helps responders find your home)
Tap Save
⚠️ Important: Keep your address current! In an emergency, responders may be dispatched to your registered address if GPS is unavailable.
💡 11. Tips & Best Practices
For Best Results
Keep Location On: Always allow location access for the app. This is critical for emergency response.
Add to Home Screen: Install the app to your home screen for quick one-tap access in emergencies.
Link Multiple Responders: The more responders you're linked to, the faster help can arrive.
Use Stay Safe Regularly: Make it a habit to set the timer for any potentially risky activity.
Keep Your Info Updated: Current address and photos help responders help you.
Remember Your PIN: You'll need your 4-digit PIN to cancel Stay Safe timers and disarm alarms.
Test the Duress PIN: Remember your PIN backwards for emergencies where you're under threat.
