Personal safety guide · LoneBuddy
Looking for a Kitestring alternative?
Kitestring helped popularise a simple idea: set a safety check-in and make sure someone knows if you do not check in. LoneBuddy applies that idea in a modern Android personal-safety app.
Kitestring was a web and SMS-based check-in service. You could set a time, receive a check-in request and have a chosen contact alerted if you did not respond. People still search for Kitestring and alternatives to that simple missed-check-in idea.
How LoneBuddy approaches the same safety problem
With LoneBuddy, you choose a trusted Buddy, start a timed check-in and confirm when you are safe. If you miss the check-in, the app can send an SMS alert from your device. Your Buddy does not need the LoneBuddy app.
Important difference from old web-based services
LoneBuddy is local-first. Core safety information is designed to remain on your phone rather than being stored in a LoneBuddy cloud account. That privacy-focused design also means alerts rely on your device, its permissions, battery and available mobile/SMS signal. LoneBuddy is not an emergency service and does not guarantee message delivery.
When a timed safety check-in can be useful
The idea works for walking home alone, a first date or night out, solo hiking, motorcycling, long-distance driving, travelling alone and personal safety while working by yourself.
Download LoneBuddy freeFrequently asked questions
Is Kitestring still available?
The original Kitestring safety check-in service is no longer available as a current service.
Does LoneBuddy work exactly like Kitestring?
No. The safety idea is similar, but LoneBuddy is an Android app with local-first storage and device-originated SMS alerts. Its alerts depend on your device and mobile/SMS signal.
Does my Buddy need the app?
No. Your chosen Buddy can receive an SMS without installing LoneBuddy.
Does LoneBuddy continuously track me?
No. LoneBuddy is not designed as a general constant-location tracking service. Location can be used when relevant safety features require it.