Frequently Asked Questions About KaroPal
About KaroPal
What is KaroPal and how does it work?
KaroPal is a screen-free, long distance connection device for families, couples, and friends. Each device has a base and an interchangeable, animal-themed Charm on top. After a one-time setup in the KaroPal phone app, you tap, press, or hold your device to send a chirp, vibration, or glow to someone in your Circle. You can create your own Handshakes, private sequences with meanings only your Circle understands.
Why did you create KaroPal instead of another relationship app?
A phone app alone can't recreate the physical sense of presence that a dedicated device can. Instead of keeping your connection on a screen, KaroPal moves it into your shared spaces, so you can feel it in the room and not just in a notification bar.
What comes in a Starter Kit versus an Add-On Unit?
The Starter Kit includes two KaroPal devices, each with an American Green Tree Frog Charm, so you can start your first Circle. An Add-On Unit is a single device that adds one more person to an existing Circle. Factory Handshakes and a sound pack are included.
Setup, Phone, and Connection
Do I need a phone to use KaroPal?
Yes, for setup. Each device needs a one-time setup in the KaroPal phone app, which works with Android and Apple phones. The app is also where you create and manage Handshakes and Circles. After setup, everyday use needs no screen: just tap, press, or hold.
How do KaroPal devices connect to each other?
KaroPal sends signals to your Circle over Wi-Fi or mobile data, either through your paired phone or through a network connection.
Do I need to keep the app open?
No. KaroPal is designed to get you off your screen, not keep you glued to it. You don't need to keep the app open or look at your phone to send and receive signals
Does KaroPal work without a Circle?
Yes. On its own, KaroPal works as an interactive fidget device: tap, press, or hold it and it responds. Join a Circle to send those signals to someone else.
How secure is the connection between KaroPal devices?
KaroPal uses industry-standard encryption to protect your taps, presses, and holds as they travel to your Circle. Signals are routed only within your private Circle, so your interactions stay between the people you've chosen.
Handshakes, Circles, and Charms
What is a Handshake?
A Handshake pairs a sequence of taps, presses, and holds with a response on the other device: a chirp, vibration, or glow. Factory Handshakes are included, and you can create your own in the app and give them meanings only your Circle understands.
What is a Circle, and how many devices can join?
A Circle is a group of connected KaroPal devices. Circles support more than two devices, and you can send a signal to one person or to everyone in the Circle
Can I add more devices later?
Yes. You can add or remove KaroPal devices from your Circle at any time, so you can expand from a couple to a family or a group of friends.
Will my KaroPal work with future Charms?
The top of each KaroPal is an interchangeable Charm, and each Charm can come with its own sound pack. We plan to release more Charms over time, and the interchangeable top is designed so you can swap them onto your device. Firmware updates can also improve your device over time.
Battery and Portability
Is KaroPal portable, and how do I charge it?
Yes. KaroPal is battery-powered and portable, so it can sit on a desk or travel in a bag. It recharges over USB-C.
Pre-Orders, Refunds, and Warranty
How do pre-orders work?
You pay in full when you pre-order, and pre-orders help fund our first production run. We expect to ship in Q1 2027.
Can I get a refund on my pre-order?
Yes. You can request a 100% refund, no questions asked, any time before your KaroPal ships.
Can I return KaroPal after it arrives?
Yes. Returns are accepted after an inspection once it arrives.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within the US only.
What does the hardware warranty cover?
KaroPal devices include a one-year hardware warranty starting from the shipment date. If you have a device-related hardware issue during that period, we'll repair, replace, or refund your unit.