Support

How do I set up the app?

After installing, open the app and add the locations you care about — your nearest Temples are suggested automatically, and you can search for Meetinghouses nearby. Set your schedule for each location (pick the days and times you'd like reminders), and you're done. Enable location permission to also get notified when you arrive and to discover nearby Meetinghouses.

What permissions does the app need?

Both platforms: Notification permission is required so the app can send you reminders.

Android: Do Not Disturb access is required so the app can control your ringer. Activity recognition and battery optimization exemption are optional but improve reliability.

Location (both platforms): Optional. Enables meetinghouse discovery, temple proximity suggestions, arrival-based reminders, and travel suggestions. The app initially requests when-in-use access and may ask for always-allow later if you enable background detection.

Will the app drain my battery?

Scheduled reminders use virtually no battery — they work like a simple alarm. If you also enable location-based reminders, the app uses efficient detection that most users find has minimal impact. You'll barely notice it running.

Is the app really free?

Yes, completely. Control That Ringer is free to download and use. There are no subscriptions, no ads, and no in-app purchases. It will always be free.

Can I use the app for locations other than Temples and Meetinghouses?

Yes! The app comes pre-loaded with every Temple worldwide and makes it simple to add the Meetinghouses in your Stake. You can also add any other address where you'd like your phone to stay quiet — a place of worship, a classroom, a hospital, or anywhere else.

Why is there a delay before I get a notification?

Scheduled reminders fire at your set day and time. You can set a "notify before" buffer (e.g., 15 minutes early) so you have time to silence your phone before things start.

Location-based reminders wait briefly after you arrive at a monitored location before sending a notification. This configurable dwell time (default 30 seconds, adjustable from 15 to 120 seconds) prevents false alerts when you're just passing by. The app never silences your phone automatically — you choose by tapping an action button.

Do my monitored temples update automatically?

No. When you first launch the app, it automatically sets your 3 nearest temples as monitored locations. If you travel or move, tap the location icon next to "My Temples" on the home screen to refresh your nearest 3. Refreshing adds new temples without removing ones you've already added. You can also manually add or remove temples from the temple selection screen.

How many locations can I monitor, and does it affect battery?

There's no limit on how many locations you can schedule reminders for. For location-based detection, Android supports up to 100 monitored locations, and Apple allows up to 20 per app on iOS (this is an OS-level limit, not ours). We recommend monitoring only the locations you regularly visit for the best balance of convenience and battery life.

What's the difference between Android and iOS?

Both platforms: Scheduled reminders, location-based reminders (when enabled), meetinghouse and temple discovery, and optional notification types like the weekly temple prompt and travel suggestions.

Android: Full ringer control — tap Vibrate or Silent right from the notification to silence your phone instantly. Supports up to 100 monitored locations for location-based detection. Requires Do Not Disturb access for ringer control.

iOS: Apple doesn't allow apps to control the ringer switch, so you'll receive a reminder notification prompting you to silence your phone manually. Apple allows up to 20 monitored locations per app for location-based detection.

What notifications will the app send?

Scheduled reminder: At your set day and time, you'll receive a reminder to silence your phone. This is the primary notification type and requires no location permission.

Arrival reminder: When you arrive at a monitored location (if location-based reminders are enabled), you'll receive a notification — on Android with Vibrate, Silent, and Dismiss buttons; on iOS as a reminder to silence manually.

Ringer restore: When you leave a monitored location or your schedule window ends, a notification reminds you to turn your ringer back on.

Optional notifications: Weekly temple prompt (a Sunday reminder to plan a temple visit), travel suggestions (find nearby locations when traveling), and a yearly time update (a December reminder to check your meeting times). All can be individually toggled on or off.

Background service (Android only): Android requires apps that use background location to display a persistent notification. This only appears if you've enabled location-based reminders. See the next question for more details.

Why do I see a notification that the app is "running in the background"?

This notification only appears if you've enabled location-based reminders. Android requires any app that uses background location to display a persistent notification — this is an Android system requirement, not something we can disable or hide. iOS has a similar requirement and may periodically show a banner reminding you that the app is using your location. If you only use scheduled reminders, you won't see this notification.

I'm not receiving notifications. What should I do?

First, check that your schedules are set up correctly — verify the right days, times, and locations in the app. Make sure notifications are turned on in your device settings. On Android, ensure Do Not Disturb access is granted. If you're using location-based reminders, check that location permission is set to "Always Allow" and that battery optimization isn't killing the app in the background — on some Android devices, you may need to exempt the app from battery restrictions. If issues persist, try restarting the app or your device, and feel free to contact us for help.

What's the difference between scheduled and location-based reminders?

Scheduled reminders fire at your set day and time — like an alarm — using no location data at all. They're the primary way most people use the app. Location-based reminders are a smart backup: when enabled, the app detects when you physically arrive at a monitored location and sends a reminder then. This is great for unplanned visits or as extra assurance. You can use either or both.

How do I find Meetinghouses near me?

When you grant location permission, the app can search for Meetinghouses in your area — making it simple to add the ones in your Stake. Tap "Add Meetinghouse" and the app shows nearby results. You can also add any custom address. Your 3 nearest Temples are suggested automatically when you first launch the app.

Is the app affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?

No. Control That Ringer is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.