Qantas Wellbeing app - region locked (workaround)

[AussieJasmine]

I decided to download the Qantas "Wellbeing" app to get a few passive points, and (being stuck in England atm) I noticed it's region blocked. I tried putting my Optus SIM in the phone, and also with a VPN but no joy. However, I discovered it's *trivially* easy to sideload the app on Android, and it works absolutely fine (no idea how it works on iPhones, sorry!). Synced it it my FF account and Google Fit, and 3 days later the points started filtering in to my account.

You can get the sideload APK app file here: Qantas Wellbeing for Android - APK Download

NOTE: The site asks you to download their own app manager, you don't need that. Just get the APK file, enable install from external sources on your phone and allow your file manager to install them in app preferences. Open your file manager, select the APK, and off you go. Dead simple and you get a few free points

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Couldn't you just sign in with your Australian Google Play/iTunes account? What am I missing here?

-RooFlyer88

 

[AussieJasmine]

yeah I was using that account but no joy. Not sure how region detection works in Playstore from the technical view. I'm guessing it reads the CID from the GSM signal on mobile devices, rather than IP (as a VPN didn't trick it). But yeah, sideloading was easy, but it is a bit annoying that Qantas use region blocks, given they're an international airline, and heaven forbid people might be overseas!

Couldn't you just sign in with your Australian Google Play/iTunes account? What am I missing here?

-RooFlyer88

 

[kangarooflyer88]

yeah I was using that account but no joy. Not sure how region detection works in Playstore from the technical view. I'm guessing it reads the CID from the GSM signal on mobile devices, rather than IP (as a VPN didn't trick it). But yeah, sideloading was easy, but it is a bit annoying that Qantas use region blocks, given they're an international airline, and heaven forbid people might be overseas!

For iOS what matters is the billing address set to your iTunes account. I should know since I've got a US and Australian iTunes account that I alternate between depending on the apps I want to load/update. You can sign up for iTunes accounts without a credit card so it's just a matter of plugging in an address in the country you want to have App Store access to.

In terms of Android things are a bit more tricky. IIRC it's either that you have an Australian Play Store account and are in Australia or your phone's firmware is regionalized to the specific area you want an app for (e.g., a Vodafone UK Android phone should give you access to the UK Play Store).

-RooFlyer88

 

[justinbrett]

I’m new to the app (and QF health insurance) and going to the US next week. Does it still work fine there assuming you have It setup before you leave?

How does it manage time zones? Does it work off the phone setting and you effectively get 48 hours for the day you fly over - or does it work off AEST? I’m guessing comps would have to be AEST as there is only a 12 hour calculation period at the end of the week, which would be insufficient for US TZs.

 

[Lat34]

I’m new to the app (and QF health insurance) and going to the US next week. Does it still work fine there assuming you have It setup before you leave?

How does it manage time zones? Does it work off the phone setting and you effectively get 48 hours for the day you fly over - or does it work off AEST? I’m guessing comps would have to be AEST as there is only a 12 hour calculation period at the end of the week, which would be insufficient for US TZs.

Basically yes & yes.

Trouble with time zones of course is felt more on the way back home if you skip a full day.

But also depends on the health app you are syncing with eg you could manually set time zone in Fitbit for example rather than auto-sync with phone/ network time zone. Just means your "wristwatch" date/time is wrong until adjusted back to auto

 

[drron]

Well mine worked perfectly even on sea days in the Mediterranean. Mine is just linked to my apple health. The only problems I have is that the Wellbeing App stops working every few months. Contacted the Wellbeing team the first time and they said uninstall the App and reload. now done it 3 times and nothing is missed. Last time downloaded was at FCO. It catches up with all the data virtually instantly.
So that is my IOS experience. I don't have an iTunes account and the times were the same as where I physically was. So basically did miss a day flying back from LHR.

 

[SYD]

I’m new to the app (and QF health insurance) and going to the US next week. Does it still work fine there assuming you have It setup before you leave?

How does it manage time zones? Does it work off the phone setting and you effectively get 48 hours for the day you fly over - or does it work off AEST? I’m guessing comps would have to be AEST as there is only a 12 hour calculation period at the end of the week, which would be insufficient for US TZs.

The app uses the phone timezone and I discovered a hack using that to your advantage. If you realise your short a few steps and its already past midnight (can be the next morning). Don't open the Wellbeing app but quickly teleport yourself back in time eg HNL using the phone timezone. Then open the Wellbeing app and reduce the daily (or Weekly challenge to suit). Revert back to your local timezone and continue on your merry way!

 

[Lat34]

The app uses the phone timezone and I discovered a hack using that to your advantage. If you realise your short a few steps and its already past midnight (can be the next morning). Don't open the Wellbeing app but quickly teleport yourself back in time eg HNL using the phone timezone. Then open the Wellbeing app and reduce the daily (or Weekly challenge to suit). Revert back to your local timezone and continue on your merry way!

That's it my friend! Sync schedule + timezone management can be quite advantageous

 

[SYD]

Oh, and do all the "Health check" things. There's actually a reasonable number of points there and they come up again from time to time.

 

[justinbrett]

Oh, and do all the "Health check" things. There's actually a reasonable number of points there and they come up again from time to time.

First thing I did when I downloaded it.

I've only had it two months and already earnt 7.5K points.

Monday's going to be a long day then... better set it to 20K.