First-Time Setup

After logging in for the first time, you'll need to grant certain permissions for RouteBot to work properly. This guide explains what permissions are needed and why.

Why Permissions Are Important

RouteBot needs specific permissions to provide its core features:

Permission Why It's Needed
Notifications To alert you when your vehicle is approaching
Location For drivers to share their location during routes
Camera For drivers to scan QR codes at route completion

Note: Different user types need different permissions. Parents and employees primarily need notifications, while drivers need additional permissions.

Notification Permission

What It Does

The notification permission allows RouteBot to:

  • Send push notifications when your bus/shuttle is approaching
  • Alert you about service updates
  • Notify you of important messages

How to Grant

When prompted:

iOS:

  1. A dialog appears asking "RouteBot Would Like to Send You Notifications"
  2. Tap Allow to enable notifications

Android:

  1. A dialog appears asking for notification permission
  2. Tap Allow to enable notifications

If You Denied

If you accidentally denied notification permission:

iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > RouteBot
  2. Tap Notifications
  3. Toggle "Allow Notifications" on

Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot
  2. Tap Notifications
  3. Enable notifications

Location Permission (For Drivers)

Drivers need location permission for real-time tracking during routes.

Types of Location Permission

Type When Used Required For
Foreground Location When app is open Basic tracking during routes
Background Location When app is in background Continuous tracking during routes

Foreground Location

This allows RouteBot to access your location while you're using the app:

iOS:

  1. Dialog: "RouteBot Would Like to Access Your Location"
  2. Select While Using the App

Android:

  1. Dialog: "Allow RouteBot to access this device's location?"
  2. Select While using the app

Background Location

For continuous tracking even when the app is minimized:

iOS:

  1. After granting foreground access, you may see another prompt
  2. Select Always Allow for background tracking
  3. Or go to Settings > RouteBot > Location > Always

Android:

  1. You may be prompted to "Allow all the time"
  2. Or go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot > Permissions > Location
  3. Select Allow all the time

Important: Background location is essential for drivers. Without it, location updates stop when the app is in the background, and parents/passengers won't see accurate vehicle positions.

Camera Permission (For Drivers)

Some schools/companies require QR code scanning at the end of routes.

What It Does

The camera permission allows RouteBot to:

  • Scan QR codes attached to vehicles
  • Verify route completion
  • Ensure safety checks are performed

How to Grant

When starting a route that requires QR scanning:

iOS:

  1. Dialog: "RouteBot Would Like to Access the Camera"
  2. Tap OK or Allow

Android:

  1. Dialog: "Allow RouteBot to take pictures and record video?"
  2. Tap Allow

If Not Using QR Codes

If your school/company doesn't use QR code verification, you won't be prompted for camera permission.

Permission Flow in the App

The app guides you through permission setup:

  1. Automatic Prompts: Permissions are requested when needed
  2. Explanation Screens: The app explains why each permission is needed
  3. Retry Options: If denied, you can grant later from device settings

For Parents and Employees

When you first open the app after login:

  1. You'll see a notification permission prompt
  2. Grant permission to receive arrival alerts
  3. That's all you need for basic functionality

For Drivers

When you first try to start a route:

  1. Notification permission - For system alerts
  2. Foreground location - For basic tracking
  3. Background location - For continuous tracking
  4. Camera (if required) - For QR code scanning

Best Practices

Keep Permissions Enabled

  • Don't disable notifications if you want arrival alerts
  • Don't disable location (drivers) during active routes
  • Permissions can be adjusted anytime in device settings

Battery Optimization (Android)

For drivers, disable battery optimization for RouteBot:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot
  2. Tap Battery
  3. Select "Unrestricted" or "No restrictions"

This ensures background location works reliably.

Location Accuracy (Drivers)

For best tracking results:

  1. Enable GPS/Location Services on your device
  2. Choose "High Accuracy" mode if available
  3. Ensure you have a clear view of the sky for GPS signal

Troubleshooting Permissions

"Permission Required" keeps appearing

  1. Go to your device Settings
  2. Find RouteBot in the Apps list
  3. Tap Permissions
  4. Grant the required permission

Notifications not arriving

  1. Check notification permission is granted
  2. Ensure "Do Not Disturb" is disabled
  3. Check that RouteBot notifications aren't silenced
  4. Verify your internet connection

Location not updating (Drivers)

  1. Check location permission is set to "Always" or "All the time"
  2. Disable battery optimization for RouteBot
  3. Ensure GPS is enabled on your device
  4. Check for good GPS signal (outdoors)

Camera not working (Drivers)

  1. Check camera permission is granted
  2. Ensure no other app is using the camera
  3. Restart the app if necessary

Next Steps:

Last updated: March 23, 2026