Getting started with the Kernel mobile app
The first release of the Kernel mobile app is now available for download on iOS via the Apple App Store and on Android via Google Play.
Please note that the app is currently in active development. While some features available on the Kernel web experience are not yet accessible on the mobile app, we are actively working to bring the full web experience to the app in upcoming updates.
What stage is the Kernel mobile app in?
For our first release of the Kernel mobile app, we’ve focused on the essentials - everything you need to view your portfolio, make investments and keep tabs on performance.
Our team is working behind the scenes to improve your app experience even more, and you can expect our next release before the end of 2026.
What can I currently do in the Kernel mobile app?
What you can do in the Kernel mobile app today:
View your portfolio including your balances and returns
Top up your wallet and make investments
View your order history and manage pending orders
Set up and manage recurring orders
Keep building your Kernel portfolio - explore and invest in our full range of US Shares & US ETFs, index funds, and savings products
Enjoy full KiwiSaver functionality - rebalance (existing or new contributions), and make voluntary contributions into your account. Not a KiwiSaver member? You can even join the Kernel KiwiSaver plan through the app.
What popular features are not on the Kernel mobile app yet?
Popular features still to come on the Kernel mobile app are the ability to:
Set up and manage groups within the app (you’ll need to jump back onto the web version for now)
Ability to view or set up goals
Switch between your linked (kids or joint) accounts in the app
Creating a kids account in the app
Do trust, companies, joint and kids accounts work in the Kernel mobile app?
Yes, you can log in to companies and joint accounts as you would on the web experience. To access kids accounts on the mobile app, you will need to log in to your kids account directly as you can't yet switch from your own account into your kids. This feature is coming in a future release.
Am I able to view and download investor reports, tax certificates, and statements directly inside the Kernel mobile app?
There is a link to reports inside the mobile app which will redirect you to your web browser to view and download investor reports, tax certificates, and statements. Native support for reports inside the app will be coming in a future release.
Why have you released a mobile app that is missing some features?
This is our first release of the Kernel mobile app and it is missing some of the features you might be used to from the web experience. Rather than making you wait longer for all the bells and whistles on the app, we’ve started with the essentials so that keen customers could have Kernel in their pocket sooner. More app features will be landing before the end of 2026!
How do I download the Kernel mobile app?
To download the Kernel mobile app, head to the app store on your mobile device and search ‘Kernel’. We’re on both Google Play (Android) and the Apple App Store (iOS). You’ll know you’ve found us when you see the little green K logo.
How do I login to the Kernel mobile app?
To login to the Kernel mobile app, you will be required to log in with your unique username and password. This is the same username and password you use to log in to the Kernel dashboard on the web. From there, you will be asked to set a 4 digit PIN and optionally set up biometrics (Face or Touch ID).
What if I forgot my password?
If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it here.
Type in your email address and click on the button Send recovery link to kick off the process.
Once your new password is set, you can use this to login to both the web and app experiences.
When are more features coming to the Kernel mobile app?
New features on the Kernel mobile app can be expected in our next release before the end of 2026 (a well-timed Christmas present!). We’ve done our best to make sure our most commonly used day-to-day features are live, but the web experience is always there to fill any gaps while we continue app development. We really appreciate your patience!
How do I update my details such as phone number?
Step 1: Login to your Kernel mobile app.
Step 2: Navigate to your 'Profile and settings' by clicking on the hamburger menu in the top left corner of the app.
Step 3: Click on ‘profile’ and ‘settings’. Note: this will redirect you to the web experience to update your details.
Step 4: Update your relevant details.
If you have any trouble updating your details, please email our team at support@kernelwealth.co.nz for us to update your information in our system.
Why does the Kernel mobile app redirect me to the web browser in a number of situations?
You may be redirected to your web browser from the Kernel mobile app for some features. We wanted to get a usable app into your hands sooner, rather than waiting until every native app feature is perfect. It’s just as secure as the web experience, but not quite as seamless.
Building all of our features natively into the app, so you never have to step outside it, is high on our list of what’s coming next.
When will the Kernel mobile app have all the same features as the web experience?
We will be releasing new features on the Kernel mobile app soon. This first release of the app is just the beginning! Over the coming months, you will see the app start to include all of the same features and functionalities you love on the web experience.
While we can’t give you a set date, rest assured that we are working towards this as quickly as we can. We really appreciate your patience in the meantime!
What should I do if my Kernel mobile app isn't working?
Check you're on the latest version of the Kernel mobile app. We recommend enabling auto-updates.
If updating doesn't help, you can try deleting the app from your device and reinstall it.
If you're still stuck, our Help Centre or chat may help. You can also reach out to our Customer Success team at support@kernelwealth.co.nz.
Will I receive notifications on my phone when I top up my wallet or place an order?
This initial release of the Kernel mobile app does not include notifications when you top up your wallet or place an order. However, one of the main benefits of having a mobile app is being able to send you notifications when activity takes place on your account and we are working on this for future app releases.
If there are specific things you would like to be notified about, please let us know so we can make sure they are considered when we add the notification feature to the app.
What iOS & Android versions do you support?
The Kernel mobile app can be used on iOS version 16.0 and above. This means it will work on iPhone 8 / X / 2nd Generation SE. The Kernel mobile app also works with Android version 13 and above.
Is there a version for iPad or tablet?
No, we don’t have an app version for iPad or tablet, the Kernel mobile app is currently built for mobile devices specifically. We have no plans to build an iPad or tablet compatible app at this stage, but you can continue to use the web experience on these devices.