Getting Started with Allo: Off-Grid Messaging Overview
Learn what Allo is, what you need before you begin, and how to go from unboxing to sending your first off-grid message in five steps.
Allo is an off-grid messaging system built for situations where mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and the internet are unavailable or unreliable. It combines a smartphone app with dedicated radio hardware — the Allo client device — so that teams can exchange text messages over a local radio mesh without depending on any external infrastructure. Whether you are preparing for a crisis exercise, running a pilot programme in your municipality, or deploying in the field during an actual incident, Allo keeps your team connected when conventional communications fail.
How Allo works
Your smartphone runs the Allo app and connects to your Allo client device over Bluetooth. The client device is the radio hardware you carry with you. Once paired, every message you type in the app is transmitted wirelessly from the client device into the Allo radio mesh — a network formed by all active client devices and any repeaters that have been placed in the area. Messages travel hop-by-hop across the mesh until they reach their destination, all without touching the internet.
Repeaters are fixed or semi-fixed devices positioned to extend coverage — on rooftops, in vehicles, or at key locations — and they relay traffic automatically. Your organisation's administrator manages users, devices, groups, and logs through the Allo web dashboard.
What you need before you start
Before you can use Allo you need the following:
- An invitation from your organisation. Your administrator sends you a QR code or invite link that links your account to the correct organisation, groups, and settings. You cannot create a standalone account without one.
- An Allo client device. The mobile app alone cannot send or receive radio messages. Your organisation issues devices to users; contact your administrator if you have not received one.
- Bluetooth enabled on your phone. The app communicates with the client device exclusively over Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and that your phone is not in a power-saving mode that restricts Bluetooth in the background.
- A compatible smartphone. The Allo app is available for both Android and iOS.
Five steps to get up and running
Follow these steps in order the first time you set up Allo.
- Install the app — Download the Allo app from the App Store or Google Play and grant the required permissions (Bluetooth, camera, notifications).
- Accept your organisation invite — Open the app, scan the QR code or follow the invite link your administrator provided, and verify your email address.
- Connect your Allo device — Power on your client device and pair it with the app over Bluetooth using the PIN shown on the device screen.
- Sync your settings — After pairing, the app pulls your organisation's groups, contacts, and configuration from the device. Wait for the sync to complete before sending messages.
- Send a test message — Open a group or contact conversation and send a short message to confirm everything is working.
Install the App
Download Allo on Android or iOS and complete first-launch setup.
Connect Your Device
Power on your Allo client device and pair it with the app over Bluetooth.
Send Your First Message
Choose a contact or group, compose a message, and check delivery status.
If your organisation is running a pilot programme — for example as part of a safety region (VRU) or municipality trial — your administrator may have sent you a dedicated pilot invite link. Use that link instead of searching for an Allo account sign-up page.