This guide will show you how to install the SORMAS Android application on any compatible Android phone or tablet.
Device Requirements
Android device (phone/tablet) with the following specifications:
Android OS version 8 and above
RAM (memory): at least 2GB (more is better)
Storage: at least 2GB (more is better)
Other Requirements
A hosted SORMAS server to connect the mobile device to.
Install the SORMAS Android Application
Enable “install unknown apps” on the device
This step is necessary because you will be downloading the SORMAS android application installation file (.apk) from the SORMAS server using a browser (e.g. Chrome) and not from the Google Play store.
For Android versions less than 9:
Navigate to Settings > Security
Enable the option Unknown sources
For Android versions 10 and above:
You will need to allow unknown sources for only the specific app; in this case, the browser (e.g. Chrome) that will be used to download the SORMAS Android application installation file.
For these versions there are two ways to accomplish this:
Navigate to Settings > Security > Install unknown apps
Enable the option only for the browser that will be used (e.g. Chrome)
OR
Navigate to Settings > Apps > Click the three-dots at the top right corner > Special Access > Install unknown apps
Enable the option only for the browser that will be used (e.g. Chrome)
Note:
If you are not able to find this option on your device, continue to the next step. Your device will prompt you to enable this and you will be redirected to the appropriate settings screen to enable the option.
Download and Install the SORMAS Android application
In this step we will use Chrome web browser to download the Android application. Any other browser can be used as well.
On the device, open the Chrome browser and navigate to the following URL: https://your-sormas-domain-name/downloads.
Replace your-sormas-domain-name with the domain name of your SORMAS server
You will be shown a list of SORMAS Android application installation (.apk) files as hyperlinks.
Click on the appropriate version file to download. Wait for the download to complete.
Click Open to open the downloaded file.
Confirm that you want to install the app.
The app will now be installed.
Configure the Application
In this step, we will configure the application to connect to the SORMAS server.
Open the installed SORMAS application. Since this is the first time of opening the application, the application settings screen will open automatically.
To configure the app:
In the Server URL field enter: https://your-sormas-domain-name/sormas-rest. Replace your-sormas-domain-name with the domain name of your SORMAS server.
Choose your language
Click save on the top of the screen
You will now be redirected back to the login screen
Note: Ensure that the Server URL value is correct. The SORMAS app cannot function with an incorrect Server URL.
Initial Login and Setup
On the Login screen, enter your username and password.
Click Sign In.
NOTE (Only if the login is not successful):
If the login was not successful, please check the following:
Ensure that you have an active internet connection
Confirm that the Server URL entered is correct
See the next section, on how to find the Server URL configuration option.
If login is successful, the application will do an initial synchronization with the server.
Grant all permissions required by the application such as GPS access.
Configure a PIN code for authentication and offline login
Enter a PIN and confirm the PIN to continue
You are now logged in and the setup is now complete.
Enjoy using the SORMAS android application.
Show full settings option
By default, the settings screen shows only the default options. To perform additional actions such as
Updating the Server URL
Logging out of the application
you have to the full settings options to show hidden fields and buttons.
To do this:
Navigate to SORMAS application menu
Click Settings at the bottom of the menu
Tap the SORMAS version label/text repeatedly
Other options such as a field to update the Server URL and also a log out button will now appear.