Install the SemPal beta

Android only for now · takes about 3 minutes

Thanks for helping us test! The beta isn't on Google Play yet, so you'll install it straight from a download link. It's safe: it's the same app, just not through the store.

Got an iPhone? The beta is Android-only for now. We'll let you know as soon as there's an iPhone version.

Download SemPal for Android

Install it

Open this page on your Android phoneTap the download button above. If Chrome warns that the file "might be harmful", tap Download anyway.
Open the fileWhen it's finished, tap Open in the pop-up, or find SemPal….apk in your Downloads.
Allow installs from ChromeYour phone will say it can't install unknown apps. Tap Settings, turn on Allow from this source, then go back.
Tap InstallIf Google Play Protect says the app is unrecognised, tap More details → Install anyway. That's normal for apps that aren't in the store yet.
Open SemPal and sign upUse your email, pick your college and campus, and allow notifications when asked.

Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, Huawei, Oppo, OnePlus or Samsung? These phones can block notifications to save battery. After installing:

Long-press the SemPal icon → App info.
Battery (or Battery saver) → choose No restrictions / Unrestricted.
On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, also turn on Autostart.
Check Notifications are on.

What to try

Upload a syllabus: a photo, a PDF or a Word file. Check the deadlines it finds are right.
Add your timetable: from your college calendar link, a PDF or a screenshot. Check the days, times and rooms.
Reminders: set one up and see if it arrives on time.
Class alerts: report a change to one of your classes, and confirm or mark someone else's.
Anything else: tap around, try to break it. Weird files and edge cases are really useful to us.

Keep using your college's official info (Moodle, emails, your lecturers) for anything important. The beta can get things wrong, and that's exactly what we want to hear about.

Tell us what you find

Post in the SemPal beta WhatsApp group, or email support@sempal.ie. The most helpful reports say:

what you were doing,
what you expected, and what actually happened,
a screenshot if you can, and your phone model.

If the app crashes, we get an automatic report, but a quick message about what you were doing still helps a lot.

Please don't post your college calendar link or other private links in the group.

Updates

When there's a new version we'll post a new download link. Install it the same way; it'll update the app and keep your account. You don't need to uninstall first.

Removing the beta

To delete your data first, go to Profile → Delete account in the app. Then long-press the SemPal icon and tap Uninstall. Uninstalling on its own doesn't delete your account.

By using the beta you agree to our Terms. Here's how we handle your data: Privacy Policy.