Guide
A couples widget that works between iPhone and Android
Plenty of couples are split between iPhone and Android, and plenty of couple apps quietly assume you aren't. Pairly works across both: you can link an iPhone with an Android phone and send notes, drawings and photos in either direction.
What works the same on both
- Linking with your partner through a private invite.
- Sending handwritten notes, drawings and photos.
- Seeing your partner's latest note on a Home Screen widget.
- Drawing together in Live Canvas inside the app.
- Scratch to Reveal and Time Capsule with Pro.
- Shared Pro: if either partner has an active Pro subscription, both linked accounts get Pro.
- End-to-end encryption for notes and photos once both phones have set up their keys.
What's different
- Lock Screen Live Canvas is iPhone-only. It uses Apple's Live Activities. Android users draw in the app instead.
- Widget refresh timing differs. iOS and Android schedule widget updates in their own way, and Android phone makers add their own battery rules.
- Adding the widget happens through each system's own widget menu. See the setup guide.
Tips for mixed-phone couples
On Android, if the widget is often slow to update, open the phone's battery settings and make sure Pairly isn't restricted or put to sleep. On iPhone, Low Power Mode can delay widget refreshes too. Either way, opening Pairly always shows the newest note.
Frequently asked questions
Can an iPhone user and an Android user link in Pairly?
Yes. Pairly links any two phones, whether both are iPhones, both are Android, or one of each.
If I buy Pro on iPhone, does my Android partner get it?
Yes. One active Pro subscription covers both linked partners, regardless of which phone each of you uses.
Why does my partner's Lock Screen show the drawing but mine doesn't?
The Lock Screen Live Activity is an iPhone feature. On Android, Live Canvas works inside the app.
A little surprise for your person
Pairly is free to download on iPhone and Android, with usage limits and optional Pro. One Pro subscription covers both partners. Pricing details
