Mobile App Setup

Platform: 📱 Mobile only

See also: Account & Login, Connection & Reader Setup

When you need this

You've just received an Android phone or tablet that will be used for timing at events — at the start line, finish line, or an intermediate checkpoint. Before you can use it on event day, you need to install the Navisport app, log in, and give the device a recognizable name so it shows up correctly in your event configurations.

Installing the App

The Navisport mobile app is available on the Google Play Store for Android devices.

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device
  2. Search for Navisport
  3. Tap Install and wait for the download to complete
  4. Once installed, tap Open or find the Navisport icon in your app drawer

The app requires Android 7.0 or later. If you don't see the app in the Play Store, check that your device meets this minimum version requirement.

Logging In

When you open the app for the first time, you'll see the login screen.

  1. Enter your Username and Password — these are the same credentials you use on the desktop client
  2. Tap Log in

If you don't have an account yet, you'll need to create one first. Account registration is done through the desktop client — see Account & Login for details.

Setting the Device Name

After your first successful login, the app asks you to name this device. This step is important — the device name is how you'll identify this phone or tablet when assigning it to checkpoints in your event configuration.

  1. Enter a descriptive name that tells you where or how this device will be used (e.g. "Finish line phone", "Start tablet", "Control 5 reader")
  2. Tap Save

Choose a name that makes sense in the context of your events. If you have multiple devices, clear names prevent confusion when you're assigning devices to checkpoints on the desktop client. You can change the device name later from Settings > Device name.

Connecting a USB Serial Reader

Most timing setups use a USB-connected SportIdent or similar chip reader attached to the phone via an OTG adapter. The app communicates with the reader over a serial connection.

Setting up the reader connection involves selecting the reader type and configuring the serial port. This is covered in detail on the Connection & Reader Setup page.

In brief:

  1. Connect the reader to your phone using a USB OTG cable
  2. When prompted, allow Navisport to access the USB device
  3. Go to Settings and select the correct Reader type
  4. The connection status indicator shows whether the reader is communicating

Understanding the Event List

Once logged in, the app shows your event list. This list syncs automatically from the cloud — any event you create or are assigned to on the desktop client appears here.

Events sync in the background whenever the device has an internet connection. When you open an event, the app downloads the full event data (classes, courses, registrations, checkpoints) so you can work offline during the event if needed.

A few things to know about the event list:

  • Events appear automatically — you don't need to manually add events on the phone. Create them on the desktop client and they sync to all devices in your organisation.
  • Offline capability — once an event is downloaded, you can time punches without an internet connection. Results sync back to the cloud when connectivity returns.
  • Event status — the list shows which events are upcoming, active, or completed, helping you quickly find the one you need on event day.

Tips

  • Name your devices before event day. When you're setting up checkpoints on the desktop and assigning devices, you'll want names that immediately tell you which physical device is which.
  • Keep the app updated. New reader support and bug fixes are released through the Play Store.
  • If you're setting up multiple devices for a large event, log in and name each one ahead of time so everything is ready when you arrive at the venue.