How it works: install and set up

1Installing

At launch, VivPilot is installed on Android from a file downloaded from vivpilot.com, not from the Play Store (a Play Store version comes later). That's why Android asks you once to allow installs from that source.

1. Download the app file only from vivpilot.com, once it's available. Don't install copies from other sources.
2. Open the downloaded file (from the download notification or your files app).
3. If Android says installs from this source aren't allowed, tap Settings and turn on Allow from this source for the app you downloaded the file with (for example Chrome). On Android 8 or newer you'll also find it under Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps.
4. Go back and tap Install.
5. After installing you can turn the permission off again in the same menu.

Menu names differ slightly between manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola etc.). The app itself is in Romanian.

2Permissions and why they're needed

Android accessibility service

This is the core permission. With it, VivPilot reads the offer shown on screen in Uber, Bolt or Blue (price, distances, time) to calculate the verdict. Offers read and calculations stay on your phone. VivPilot does not tap buttons for you and does not accept or decline rides.

You can turn it off at any time in Android Settings → Accessibility. Without it, the app can't show the verdict.

We'll describe the app's other permissions here at launch. What goes over the internet and what stays on your phone is in the Privacy policy.

3Before your shift: “Ready to work” and START

On the Home screen (Acasă), VivPilot shows what still needs fixing before you start, in the “Ready to work” list (Gata de lucru). When everything is fine, tap the big START button (Pornește analiza). Then open your ride apps as usual.

4Set up the app for your goals

The verdict is only as good as the numbers you give it. It's worth 10 minutes at the start.

Your car's real cost per km

Start with fuel and, for a complete picture, add the other costs that grow with kilometres.

The closer your cost per km is to reality, the more accurate the profit on the card.

Thresholds: lei/km, lei/hour, minimum profit

Thresholds tell the app what a GOOD, FAIR or POOR ride means to you. There are no right values for everyone: they depend on your city, your car and how much you want to earn per shift.

• Start with values you consider reasonable from experience.
• After a few shifts, check the shift report and adjust gradually.
• lei/hour helps you avoid long, poorly paid rides; lei/km, rides that wear out the car; minimum profit, rides that aren't worth it at all.

Day, night and weekend profiles

At night or on weekends you usually expect something different. Set thresholds once for each situation and VivPilot switches them by time and day.

Cost of the empty drive back

If you turn it on, VivPilot subtracts the kilometres you drive back without a passenger. That gives a more realistic view of rides to the edge of town.

Destinations to avoid

Search for and save streets or areas you don't want to end up in. When an offer's destination is near one of them, the card shows a warning such as “⛔ Strada…” (street). The verdict doesn't change; you're just warned. “View on map” opens the place in the map app you use.

The card and the voice

The verdict card appears over the offer. The voice announcement reads the verdict out loud so you don't stare at your phone. Both are optional: turn on only what helps you.

5Keep in mind

• The verdict is an estimate based on what's on screen and your settings. We do not guarantee any level of earnings.
• The decision to accept or decline a ride is yours.
• Don't handle your phone while driving; follow traffic rules.

Want to know when the app launches? Leave us your phone number.