Troubleshooting Guide
Common issues and solutions for both developers integrating the Cirvia Parental SDK and parents using the dashboard.
For Developers
SDK Integration Issues
"SDK not initialized" Error
Problem: IllegalStateException when calling monitoring methods
Solution: Ensure ParentalAI.init() is called before any monitoring
- Check that init() completed successfully
- Verify Google account is available on device
- Confirm API credentials are correct
Google Authentication Failing
Problem: Authentication declined or Google account not available
Solution: Verify Google Play Services setup
- Ensure google-services.json is in app/ directory
- Check SHA-1 fingerprint registered in Firebase Console
- Verify user is signed into Google account
Network Errors During Monitoring
Problem: Content monitoring fails with network exceptions
Solution: Implement proper error handling and retry logic
- Use offline queue for failed requests
- Implement exponential backoff for retries
- Handle network connectivity changes
OutOfMemoryError with Images
Problem: App crashes when processing large images
Solution: Optimize image processing
- Resize images before encoding to base64
- Process images on background threads
- Implement proper bitmap recycling
Configuration Problems
Invalid API Key Error
Problem: API authentication failures
Solution: Verify API key configuration
- Check that API key starts with "pk_"
- Ensure BuildConfig values are set correctly
- Confirm partnership approval with Cirvia
Endpoint Not Found Errors
Problem: HTTP 404 errors when monitoring content
Solution: Verify endpoint URLs
- Use endpoints provided during partnership setup
- Check for typos in configuration
- Ensure using correct API version
Performance Issues
Slow App Performance
Problem: App becomes sluggish after SDK integration
Solution: Optimize monitoring calls
- Move image processing to background threads
- Implement batching for high-frequency content
- Use debouncing for real-time text monitoring
High Battery Usage
Problem: Increased battery drain
Solution: Reduce monitoring frequency
- Avoid monitoring every keystroke
- Batch monitoring requests
- Use appropriate thread priorities
For Parents
Dashboard Access Issues
Cannot Sign In to Dashboard
Problem: Google sign-in fails or loops
Solution: Check account and browser settings
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try incognito/private browsing mode
- Ensure pop-ups are allowed for cirvia.vercel.app
- Verify using correct Google account
Dashboard Shows No Data
Problem: No incidents appearing despite app usage
Solution: Verify monitoring setup
- Check that child's apps have Cirvia SDK integrated
- Ensure child is using monitored accounts
- Verify app permissions haven't been revoked
- Contact app developer for integration status
Missing Recent Activity
Problem: Dashboard shows old data but no recent incidents
Solution: Check connectivity and app status
- Verify child's device has internet connection
- Ensure monitoring apps are updated
- Check if child created new accounts
- Restart monitored apps if needed
Notification Issues
Not Receiving Alert Emails
Problem: High-risk incidents not triggering emails
Solution: Check email and spam settings
- Verify email address in dashboard settings
- Check spam/junk folders for Cirvia emails
- Add info@cirvia.co to contacts
- Test with Demo Mode to verify notifications work
Too Many Low-Risk Notifications
Problem: Overwhelmed by minor incident alerts
Solution: Adjust notification thresholds
- Go to Settings → Notifications
- Set alerts for Medium and High risk only
- Use weekly summaries for low-risk content
- Focus notifications on specific platforms
Data and Analytics Issues
Confusing Risk Scores
Problem: Don't understand why content received specific score
Solution: Review risk assessment factors
- Check incident details for AI analysis tags
- Consider platform context (public vs private)
- Review age-appropriate guidelines
- Use feedback feature to improve accuracy
Missing Platform Data
Problem: Child uses apps but no incidents from those platforms
Solution: Verify platform integration
- Check if app has Cirvia SDK integrated
- Ensure child's account is properly linked
- Verify monitoring is enabled for that platform
- Contact app support for integration questions
Technical Issues
Browser Compatibility
Dashboard Not Loading Properly
Supported Browsers:
✅ Chrome 90+
✅ Firefox 88+
✅ Safari 14+
✅ Edge 90+
Solution for older browsers: Update to latest version
Mobile Dashboard Issues
Problem: Dashboard difficult to use on phone
Solution: Use responsive features or desktop access
- Use landscape mode for better layout
- Access key features through quick actions
- Consider tablet for better mobile experience
- Desktop recommended for detailed analysis
Data Sync Problems
Delayed Incident Reporting
Problem: Incidents appear hours later than they occurred
Solution: Understand sync timing
- Most incidents appear within 5-10 minutes
- Network delays can cause longer sync times
- High-risk incidents prioritized for faster processing
- Check device connectivity during incident time
Duplicate Incidents
Problem: Same content appears multiple times
Solution: Use filtering and bulk actions
- Filter by platform to identify duplicates
- Use bulk delete for confirmed duplicates
- Report persistent duplication issues to support
- Check if child using multiple accounts
Account and Privacy Issues
Data Access Problems
Cannot Download Incident Data
Problem: Export/download features not working
Solution: Check browser permissions and security
- Allow downloads from cirvia.vercel.app
- Disable popup blockers temporarily
- Try different browser or incognito mode
- Ensure sufficient storage space
Sharing Dashboard with Co-Parent
Problem: Co-parent cannot access same data
Solution: Use proper account linking
- Both parents must use same Google family account
- Or manually share exported reports
- Consider dedicated co-parent features (coming soon)
- Contact support for account linking help
Privacy Concerns
Child Knows About Monitoring
Problem: Child discovered monitoring and is upset
Solution: Have transparent conversation
- Explain safety reasons for monitoring
- Reassure that trust can be rebuilt
- Discuss age-appropriate privacy expectations
- Consider counseling if relationship damaged
Concerned About Data Security
Problem: Worried about data privacy
Solution: Review security practices
- Read privacy policy at docs.cirvia.co
- All data encrypted in transit and at rest
- No data sold to third parties
- Can delete data anytime through settings
Emergency Situations
High-Risk Incident Response
Discovered Serious Threat
Immediate Actions:
1. Ensure child's physical safety first
2. Document evidence using dashboard download
3. Contact local law enforcement if criminal activity
4. Contact school if involving classmates
5. Consider professional counseling support
Cannot Reach Child During Alert
Problem: High-risk incident detected but child unreachable
Solution: Follow emergency protocols
- Try multiple contact methods immediately
- Contact other adults who might be with child
- If serious threat, contact local authorities
- Use location services if available and necessary
Platform-Specific Emergencies
Predator Contact on Gaming Platform
Immediate Response:
1. Screenshot/download all evidence
2. Report user to platform immediately
3. Block user on all platforms
4. Contact law enforcement with evidence
5. Restrict child's access until situation resolved
Cyberbullying Crisis
School Day Response:
1. Contact school counselor/principal immediately
2. Document all related incidents
3. Request school intervention
4. Consider temporary platform restrictions
5. Provide emotional support to child
Getting Additional Help
Support Channels
Technical Issues:
- Email: info@cirvia.co
- Response time: 24-48 hours
- Include incident IDs and error messages
Safety Emergencies:
- Contact local law enforcement first
- Then email: emergency@cirvia.co
- Include all relevant evidence
Account Issues:
- Email: accounts@cirvia.co
- Include registered email address
- Describe access problems clearly
Professional Resources
Child Safety Organizations:
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
- Internet Safety 101
- Common Sense Media
Mental Health Support:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Local family counseling services
- School counselors and social workers
Legal Resources:
- Local law enforcement non-emergency lines
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- State attorney general cyber crime units
- Family law attorneys for custody/access issues
Frequently Asked Questions
For Developers
Q: How often should I call monitoring methods? A: Only when content is actually created/sent. Avoid monitoring every keystroke or real-time typing.
Q: What happens if monitoring fails? A: Implement graceful error handling - never break app functionality due to monitoring failures.
Q: Can I customize the risk scoring? A: No, but you can adjust notification thresholds and filtering in your app's settings.
Q: How do I handle users who decline monitoring? A: Respect user choice and continue normal app functionality without monitoring features.
For Parents
Q: How much monitoring is appropriate? A: Focus on high-risk content and use lower-risk data for conversation starters rather than punishment.
Q: Should I tell my child about monitoring? A: Transparency is generally recommended - explain it's for safety, not to spy or punish.
Q: What if I disagree with a risk score? A: Use the feedback feature to help improve accuracy, and always apply your own judgment as a parent.
Q: Can my child bypass the monitoring? A: Determined teens may find ways around it. Focus on education and trust-building alongside monitoring.
Prevention Tips
For Developers
Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Don't hardcode API keys in source code
- Always handle monitoring errors gracefully
- Process images on background threads
- Test with real content scenarios
Best Practices:
- Use proper configuration management
- Implement comprehensive error handling
- Follow platform-specific integration guidelines
- Test offline scenarios thoroughly
For Parents
Proactive Safety Measures:
- Have regular online safety conversations
- Keep devices in common areas when possible
- Know your child's online friends and activities
- Stay informed about new platforms and trends
Building Digital Trust:
- Start with transparency about monitoring
- Gradually increase privacy as child matures
- Focus on education rather than punishment
- Celebrate good digital citizenship
Escalation Procedures
When to Contact Support
Developer Issues:
- SDK integration failures after following documentation
- Performance problems affecting app functionality
- API errors that persist despite troubleshooting
- Questions about platform-specific implementations
Parent Safety Concerns:
- High-risk incidents requiring guidance
- Suspected system failures during emergencies
- Questions about law enforcement procedures
- Need for professional consultation
Information to Include
Technical Issues:
- SDK version and Android API level
- Error messages and stack traces
- Steps to reproduce the problem
- Device/platform information
Safety Issues:
- Incident IDs and timestamps
- Platform and context information
- Actions already taken
- Urgency level of situation
System Status
Checking Service Health
Dashboard Status:
- Visit status.cirvia.co for real-time service status
- Check social media @CirviaSupport for updates
- Dashboard header shows connectivity indicator
API Status:
- SDK automatically handles temporary outages
- Failed requests are queued for retry
- Check logs for persistent API failures
Planned Maintenance
Advance Notice:
- Maintenance scheduled during low-usage hours
- Email notifications sent 24 hours in advance
- Dashboard banner shows upcoming maintenance
- Critical safety monitoring continues during maintenance
Version Updates
SDK Updates for Developers
Staying Current:
- Follow semantic versioning (major.minor.patch)
- Test new versions in development environment first
- Review changelog for breaking changes
- Update dependencies as recommended
Update Process:
- Review release notes thoroughly
- Test in development environment
- Update production apps during low-usage periods
- Monitor for issues after deployment
Dashboard Updates for Parents
Automatic Updates:
- Dashboard updates automatically
- No action required from parents
- New features announced via email
- Optional training provided for major changes
Browser Compatibility:
- Keep browsers updated for best experience
- Clear cache if experiencing issues after updates
- Contact support if features stop working
Data Recovery
Lost Access Recovery
Account Recovery:
- Use "Forgot Password" with registered email
- Contact support with account verification
- Provide identification if necessary
- Recovery typically completed within 24 hours
Data Backup:
- Incident data automatically backed up
- Export data regularly for local backup
- No parental action required for system backups
- Contact support for historical data recovery
Incident Data Recovery
Accidentally Deleted Incidents:
- Contact support within 30 days
- Provide incident IDs if available
- Explain circumstances of deletion
- Recovery possible in most cases
Platform Account Changes:
- Re-link accounts when child changes usernames
- Update monitoring settings for new accounts
- Historical data preserved under original accounts
- Contact support for account migration help
Still having issues? Contact our support team at info@cirvia.co with detailed information about your problem. Include screenshots, error messages, and steps you've already tried for fastest resolution.