NZ Covid Tracer app unavailable on

Some smartphone users have experienced issues downloading the Government’s new coronavirus contact tracing app.

NZ Covid Tracer was officially launched yesterday. It was submitted to Google and Apple’s app stores for processing on Tuesday, and was live on both that evening.

However, early yesterday, error messages appeared on Google Play’s website and a search on the store’s app did not provide any results for NZ Covid Tracer – instead displaying two apps for the World Health Organisation.

Some people with older iphones have also experienced problems.

Kineta Booker, from Kaiapoi, told Stuff she was using her ‘‘backup iphone’’ as her newer model was being repaired, and was unable to download the app.

‘‘Everyone should still have access to the app, no matter what smartphone they have,’’ the marriage celebrant said.

‘‘I think the idea of the app is great, and I’ll be downloading it as soon as they fix this little glitch.’’

Wellington man Thomas Morgan tried to download the app but was told his ‘‘very common inexpensive Huawei phone’’ was incompatible.

‘‘Getting a technical response on why it’s not working would be great.’’

Mobile users took to Twitter yesterday to ask if others were experiencing the same problem.

The Ministry of Health said it was normal for any new app to have some bugs or issues when first released, but said it was ‘‘quickly made aware’’ some Kiwis were having trouble finding it in the Google Play store.

‘‘Since then, we have been working with Google to ensure the app can be found more easily.’’

Anyone having trouble locating the Android version of the app can access it via a link on the ministry’s website. People can send app feedback to a dedicated email address and the ministry said it was reviewing all feedback

‘‘Getting a technical response on why it’s not working would be great.’’

Thomas Morgan Would-be app user