iPhone Qardio app is gone. What happens when I change phones?

[msackey]

I have the Qardio app on my iPhone 12 Pro and the app is used to control a blood pressure monitor. From what I can tell through internet research and emailing the company to no avail, the company is gone (bankrupt??) and for some reason the Qardio app is also gone. I thought just because a developer leaves/disappears etc. doesn't mean an app would have to go away. But, the app is indeed gone.

I make backups of my iPhone 12 Pro where the Qardio app resides. When I upgrade my phone how will I ever get the Qardio app on the new phone? I imagine the backup does not backup apps, but only personal data because the assumption is the App Store will forever hold the latest version of apps?

Does anyone have insight?

With this app, the blood pressure monitor cannot work at all. This blood pressure monitor has no physical buttons and has not display of its own. The app on the phone is used to activate the monitor which then takes the readings and then returns the readings to the app for display and storage.

 

[artfossil]

I have the Qardio app on my iPhone 12 Pro and the app is used to control a blood pressure monitor. From what I can tell through internet research and emailing the company to no avail, the company is gone (bankrupt??) and for some reason the Qardio app is also gone. I thought just because a developer leaves/disappears etc. doesn't mean an app would have to go away. But, the app is indeed gone.

I make backups of my iPhone 12 Pro where the Qardio app resides. When I upgrade my phone how will I ever get the Qardio app on the new phone? I imagine the backup does not backup apps, but only personal data because the assumption is the App Store will forever hold the latest version of apps?

Does anyone have insight?

With this app, the blood pressure monitor cannot work at all. This blood pressure monitor has no physical buttons and has not display of its own. The app on the phone is used to activate the monitor which then takes the readings and then returns the readings to the app for display and storage.

I have the same issue, having just updated from an iPhone 12 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. And I have both the blood pressure monitor AND the scale. Any ideas what alternatives there are?

 

[msackey]

I have the same issue, having just updated from an iPhone 12 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. And I have both the blood pressure monitor AND the scale. Any ideas what alternatives there are?

Oh crap!

So let me ask the obvious: did you back up your iPhone 12 Pro Max? Did you restore from backup and did the restore NOT provide the Qardio app?

As for alternative apps to run those hardware, I know of none and I wouldn't expect there to be any except some random independent developer's homegrown solution, if that.

I'm not thinking of upgrading my iPhone 12 Pro yet, but sometimes I play around with that idea. I think if I were NOT able to push the Qardio app from my iPhone 12 Pro to whatever new iPhone I buy, then I maybe really want to wait a longer while before upgrading

 

[artfossil]

Oh crap!

So let me ask the obvious: did you back up your iPhone 12 Pro Max? Did you restore from backup and did the restore NOT provide the Qardio app?

As for alternative apps to run those hardware, I know of none and I wouldn't expect there to be any except some random independent developer's homegrown solution, if that.

I'm not thinking of upgrading my iPhone 12 Pro yet, but sometimes I play around with that idea. I think if I were NOT able to push the Qardio app from my iPhone 12 Pro to whatever new iPhone I buy, then I maybe really want to wait a longer while before upgrading

I did back up my 12 phone. But I used the QuickStart setup for my 16 and transferred data from my 12 via WiFi.

The Qardio app was there on the home screen of the new phone but wouldn’t complete downloading from iCloud because the app is no longer available. That’s when I found out Qardio was no longer.

I’m keeping my 12 phone for a while so tomorrow I’ll see if my Qardio monitor will work with my old phone and I’ll report back.

 

[msackey]

Thank for promising to report back.

I’m going to investigate and see if there’s a way to get the app on a new phone. I might visit my local Apple Store tomorrow to see the new products and ask the specialist. If I have anything new to report back, I’ll do so too

 

[User #07242024]

If you have the old app file (.ipa), you can transfer it via computer.

 

[msackey]

If you have the old app file (.ipa), you can transfer it via computer.

I do have the old app on my current phone. How do I save it to my computer, then push that to a new phone?

 

[User #07242024]

iTunes used to be able to do this but I’m not sure now. Here’s an excerpt from iMazing.
———
Download and install iMazing connect the source device and from the right pane select Manage Apps > Library (top left toggle) > select the old app > Download to Library ...
Then connect the target device select Manage Apps > Library > Install ... and you're done.
All this is free, no registration or purchase necessary.
More details here: https://imazing.com/guides/how-to-manage-apps-without-itunes
———

For Qardio, you don’t have to worry about accidentally updating it and lose functionality because it’s gone from the App Store. But others apps that still exist on the App Store but may have features removed in an update, make sure you refrain from updating those particular apps.

Can you use someone else’s app? Maybe.

 

[msackey]

Thanks for pointing to iMazing. I’ll look into that!

I’m a little doubtful that there exists on the App Store other apps that can work with the Qardio blood pressure monitor. It’s a device that has zero controls on the device and requires software to activate the blood pressure monitor and maybe even to calculate the readings.

 

[Argelius]

I landed here for the same issue. I use Qardio with my scale...

 

[artfossil]

Qardio Arm (original version, not the Qardio Arm 2)

Well . . . no real success. I have a free copy (trial) of iMazing and I was able to find the Qardio app in the Library and download it and install it on my 16 Max Pro.

But I couldn't use the Qardio Arm on the 16 phone. Wouldn't turn on and wouldn't pair.

I went back to my 12 Pro Max and had problems so I decided to change the batteries on my Qardio Arm. I was then able to get a BP reading using the 12 phone app. After the stress, my BP was high.

But, after that one reading, my Qardio Arm will no longer turn on or pair with my 12 phone. Ditto on the 16 phone.

Qardio Base (the round one, not the BaseX)
The scale still works--for now. Who knows what will happen when I have to reset or repair it, which happens frequently. This scale was only working half the time.

I think I'm just going to look for a new BP monitor and a new scale.

 

[msackey]

Thanks for trying. This is disappointing

 

[msackey]

There is another way but it has not been successful for me possibly because I am using an older computer. There's a tool called Apple Configurator. Instructions for how to use this tool to download the Qardio app (an IPA) is here (you'll need to sign up to Medium, but it's free):

Download the IPA File for Any iOS App on Your iPhone

This is how you can discover the URL scheme for each app

medium.com

I wasn't able to get very far though but here's some possible reasons why:
1. I am using an older Mac and am not able to download the latest version of Apple Configurator. It allows me to download the latest version that is compatible with macOS Ventura.
2. When I got to the point of using the "Add" button to download apps, all I got was something about error, unauthorized. It may be related to using an older version of Apple Configurator.

If someone uses this method and is successful, please do report back. Thanks!

 

[msackey]

Qardio Arm (original version, not the Qardio Arm 2)

Well . . . no real success. I have a free copy (trial) of iMazing and I was able to find the Qardio app in the Library and download it and install it on my 16 Max Pro.

But I couldn't use the Qardio Arm on the 16 phone. Wouldn't turn on and wouldn't pair.

I have the Qardio Arm2 which I know operates a bit differently than Qardio Arm. As I understand for the original Arm, the unfolding and refolding of the cuff wrap is what triggers whether the Arm is on or off. Do you think there might be some operational error there?

The Arm2 is "always on", according to the literature.

I went back to my 12 Pro Max and had problems so I decided to change the batteries on my Qardio Arm. I was then able to get a BP reading using the 12 phone app. After the stress, my BP was high.

But, after that one reading, my Qardio Arm will no longer turn on or pair with my 12 phone. Ditto on the 16 phone.

I'm sure you have already tried removing the Arm as a recognized Bluetooth device and then trying to re-pair?

Qardio Base (the round one, not the BaseX)
The scale still works--for now. Who knows what will happen when I have to reset or repair it, which happens frequently. This scale was only working half the time.

I think I'm just going to look for a new BP monitor and a new scale.

It sucks that you have other Qardio devices that rely on the app. I was reading elsewhere that a user has 4 Qardio devices (I think that adds up to several hundreds of dollars!) and now most are useless because his/her new phone doesn't have the app.

I don't really understand why Qardio has to remove its app from the App store. If it has gone bankrupt, can't the app just remain in the store? Or, is it a removal by Apple due to lack of payment from Qardio (if there is such a thing).

If the app were not removed, I think the Qardio Arm/Arm2 could work for quite a number more years before its app is no longer compatible with the latest iOS.

 

[mwalexander]

Same issue with me.... still have the app on my iPad - but it looks like it can't connect to their servers anymore too. Scales and BP monitor useless.

 

[artfossil]

I have the Qardio Arm2 which I know operates a bit differently than Qardio Arm. As I understand for the original Arm, the unfolding and refolding of the cuff wrap is what triggers whether the Arm is on or off. Do you think there might be some operational error there?

The Arm2 is "always on", according to the literature.



I'm sure you have already tried removing the Arm as a recognized Bluetooth device and then trying to re-pair?



It sucks that you have other Qardio devices that rely on the app. I was reading elsewhere that a user has 4 Qardio devices (I think that adds up to several hundreds of dollars!) and now most are useless because his/her new phone doesn't have the app.

I don't really understand why Qardio has to remove its app from the App store. If it has gone bankrupt, can't the app just remain in the store? Or, is it a removal by Apple due to lack of payment from Qardio (if there is such a thing).

If the app were not removed, I think the Qardio Arm/Arm2 could work for quite a number more years before its app is no longer compatible with the latest iOS.

My Qardio Arm is at least 7 years old. So it’s possible that it just no longer functions and that has nothing to do with the app. I can no longer get it to turn on (small green light) in spite of new batteries, multiple folding/unfolding efforts etc. Even tried to “reset” (paperclip).

And yes, I removed and repaired with Bluetooth (was having connection issues before it stopped turning on.)

But now that the Arm won’t turn on I’m out of options.

If you have the Arm2 there’s certainly a chance that it will keep working if you install the Qardio app on a new phone using iMazing.

But/and my understanding is Apple removes apps from the App Store if they haven’t been updated for a certain period of time. (Years). I imagine these apps could cause conflicts. Could they also be security threats? I don’t know.

Anyway I’m shocked Qardio just went dark like it has and very sorry for all of us who bought these expensive products.

 

[msackey]

I "found" another way, using iMazing and wonder if it's the way you use. I was able to download the .ipa file. I almost want to post it here for others to download but I actually don't know if there are personal details associated with that .ipa so I don't want to post it.

Anyhow, from iMazing, go to Configurator (on the window) > Apps , then sign in with the account used to download apps. A bunch of apps will appear on the screen and you can download Qardio from there. Is that what @artfossil did? Did this method not work for you?

The previous way I found with iMazing was from a different part of the program and something about "extracting" app. When I did that, the program informed me it first needed to do a full backup and this is what it's currently doing. I suppose there are a number of ways to download or extract an app? I have no idea.

Anyhow, the first method above that I mentioned resulted in a neatly packaged .ipa file. However, I can't really test it out because I don't have either a new or older phone to try this on. I'm not really willing to delete Qardio from my current phone just to test if this .ipa file works. Too risky.

 

[msackey]

But/and my understanding is Apple removes apps from the App Store if they haven’t been updated for a certain period of time. (Years). I imagine these apps could cause conflicts. Could they also be security threats? I don’t know.

I suppose very old apps may have security issues. I bought my Qardio Arm2 just about 6 months ago and if I recall, the Qardio app wasn't that old then. It wasn't years.

Anyway I’m shocked Qardio just went dark like it has and very sorry for all of us who bought these expensive products.

Me too! I am totally taken aback, and especially that their website is still active with no public notice about what's going on.

Furthermore, just yesterday I received an automated email from Qardio reminding me to not forget that if I refer their products to friends and family, I will get x discount on my next purchase with them. I immediately wrote back and said, aren't you guys out of business? Of course, I didn't expect a reply. I wanted to see if I got a bounceback email. I didn't!

I also did a WhoIs search to see who owns the domain and see if I could get any contact information. I found the contact (a 415 area code phone number) and went ahead to call it. The number was no longer in service.

I will take it that Qardio is now gone. What I don't think is reasonable is that their main website isn't even updated with a simple note to say "Out of Business". Why not?

 

[artfossil]

Anyhow, from iMazing, go to Configurator (on the window) > Apps , then sign in with the account used to download apps. A bunch of apps will appear on the screen and you can download Qardio from there. Is that what @artfossil did? Did this method not work for you?

Yes, the Qardio app was in the Library at iMazing and available for download. When downloaded I could install it on my 16 phone (still in iMazing).

I suppose very old apps may have security issues. I bought my Qardio Arm2 just about 6 months ago and if I recall, the Qardio app wasn't that old then. It wasn't years.

Oh jeez. Somehow that's even worse. I'm sorry. At least I got years out of mine.

But I am going to delete the Qardio app from my new phone just in case it's a vulnerability.

I will take it that Qardio is now gone. What I don't think is reasonable is that their main website isn't even updated with a simple note to say "Out of Business". Why not?

It's just terrible behavior. Makes me realize how naive I am to trust a product that "must" have an app to work with no alternative method.

Same issue with me.... still have the app on my iPad - but it looks like it can't connect to their servers anymore too. Scales and BP monitor useless.

I hadn't even thought about requiring Qardio servers . . . .

 

[User #07242024]

There is another way but it has not been successful for me possibly because I am using an older computer. There's a tool called Apple Configurator. Instructions for how to use this tool to download the Qardio app (an IPA) is here (you'll need to sign up to Medium, but it's free):

Download the IPA File for Any iOS App on Your iPhone

This is how you can discover the URL scheme for each app

medium.com

I wasn't able to get very far though but here's some possible reasons why:
1. I am using an older Mac and am not able to download the latest version of Apple Configurator. It allows me to download the latest version that is compatible with macOS Ventura.
2. When I got to the point of using the "Add" button to download apps, all I got was something about error, unauthorized. It may be related to using an older version of Apple Configurator.

If someone uses this method and is successful, please do report back. Thanks!

For non-members, click here to read the Medium article http://archive.today/VRMnr

 

[msackey]

It's just terrible behavior. Makes me realize how naive I am to trust a product that "must" have an app to work with no alternative method.

I bought the Qardio Arm 2 knowing that I was already hesitant that the monitor requires an app to be used. But, I was ok with that gamble given my context. I actually own 3 blood pressure monitors (LOL!) which I do use one after the other twice a day. In the morning, I use 3 monitors to check my pressure, in the evening the same thing.

So, when I started monitoring my blood pressure I bought the Withings BPM Connect and a wrist monitor (this was several years ago). My pressure was borderline to pretty good, but it did hover. So for about a year or so I just kinda ignored and stopped taking my BP. A year later when I was diagnosed with something totally different, I was a bit alarmed and started taking my BP again and I was kinda shocked to see some high numbers. I thought maybe the two monitors I have are not working properly (and you know how wrist monitors can be fussy), so I decided let me see if I can purchase the most compact but upper arm monitor. You'll know that upper arm monitors are larger than wrist ones but provide a more stable reading.

Qardio seems to be the only well-reputed upper arm blood pressure monitor that was also very compact in size. In fact, it's even more compact than my Withings BPM Connect and probably because it has no display and no buttons. I thought, ok, I'll live with this because I do have other monitors if I needed but this third one can validate if my other BP numbers from the other machines are wrong. Turns out all my monitors give about the same readings so there's nothing wrong. It was me. I have been able to find ways to manage my pressure (so far, fingers crossed) without medication and hope to keep it that way.

Anyhow, long story just to say I was already hesitant about the app-based or rather app-required solution but I knew it.

Also, tell me if I'm crazy to have three blood pressure monitors that I use everyday -- all of them. My husband thinks so. LOL LOL.

 

[mwalexander]

There is another way but it has not been successful for me possibly because I am using an older computer. There's a tool called Apple Configurator. Instructions for how to use this tool to download the Qardio app (an IPA) is here (you'll need to sign up to Medium, but it's free):

Download the IPA File for Any iOS App on Your iPhone

This is how you can discover the URL scheme for each app

medium.com

I wasn't able to get very far though but here's some possible reasons why:
1. I am using an older Mac and am not able to download the latest version of Apple Configurator. It allows me to download the latest version that is compatible with macOS Ventura.
2. When I got to the point of using the "Add" button to download apps, all I got was something about error, unauthorized. It may be related to using an older version of Apple Configurator.

If someone uses this method and is successful, please do report back. Thanks!

This doesn't work - because you can no longer login to the app if you are signed out.

 

[msackey]

Yes, the Qardio app was in the Library at iMazing and available for download. When downloaded I could install it on my 16 phone (still in iMazing).

I see. So sounds like what I "discovered" was already the method you used. I really hope when I need to install that .ipa file to a new iPhone that it works for me!

 

[msackey]

This doesn't work - because you can no longer login to the app if you are signed out.

I don't think I understand. Signed out from what?

I'm not signed out from the Apple ID that I used to download/purchase apps.

In the version of Apple Configurator that I'm able to use, I see that it says I'm logged in to my Apple ID (or so it seems to think).

 

[artfossil]

This doesn't work - because you can no longer login to the app if you are signed out.

Are you talking about the Qardio app? If so, I was signed out of the Qardio app after I installed it on my new phone but was able to log back in. Even got an automated password reset from some Qardio server.