Overview 📲
We’re updating the TalkingPoints mobile apps to keep them safe, fast, and reliable.
As of Thursday December 4, the Teacher App update is complete. Teachers using older app versions will need to update before continuing.
❗ The Family App update is temporarily paused while we investigate an issue with the latest app version. Families do not need to update at this time. More information will be coming soon.
Who Needs to Update? 👀
Teachers — Update Required 👩🏫
The minimum version requirement for teachers is now active.
You must update your app if you are using:
TalkingPoints for Teachers version 8.2425.1 (iOS) and below
TalkingPoints for Teachers version 8.2425.1 (Android) and below
📝 If your app version is newer than these, you won’t see the update screen and can keep using the app like normal.
Families — Update Paused 👨👩👧
The minimum version requirement for the Family App is temporarily removed.
This means:
Families are not required to update right now.
Users on older versions can continue using the app normally.
Engineering is investigating an issue that prevented some families from downloading the newest version.
📌 Families will have a new update requirement soon. Once the issue is resolved, we will announce the new minimum version and effective date.
What Teachers See After the Update 🗓️
When you open the Teacher App after December 4:
You’ll see a message that says “Time to update the app.”
You’ll be taken to the App Store or Google Play Store.
Tap Update to install the newest version.
Reopen the app — and you’re good to go!
📌 Teachers must update to keep using the TalkingPoints app. If you're not able to update your TalkingPoints for Teachers app, you're always able to access your account on our web application at [https://app.talkingpts.org/teachers]
What Families Will See When Asked to update 🗓️
If you meet the requirements TalkingPoints for Families application users above, when you open the app after the update:
You’ll see a screen that says “Time to update the app.”
You’ll be sent to the App Store or Google Play Store.
Tap Update to download the latest version.
Open the app again — and you’re good to go!
📌 You’ll need to update to keep using your TalkingPoints for Families application.
If you cannot update, don’t worry! Please see the section below about Support options.
Minimum Device Requirements 📱
TalkingPoints will only work on devices that meet these system requirements. Most users already meet them.
iOS Requirements
Minimum iOS version: 16 or higher
This is required because of newer packages and security tools we use in the app.
Supported iPhone models include:
iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd generation)
iPhone 8, 8 Plus
iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
If your iPhone cannot be updated to iOS 16, you won’t be able to use the TalkingPoints app, but you still have options — see “If You Can’t Update Your App or Device” below.
Android Requirements
Minimum Android version: Android SDK 23 (Android 6) or higher
Most Android phones from the last several years meet this requirement.
If You Can’t Update Your App or Device 🤔
Teachers 👩🏫
If you’re not able to update the app or your phone can’t update to a supported OS version, you're able to into use TalkingPoints for Teachers on the web at the following address: [https://app.talkingpts.org/teachers]
Families 👨👩👧
If you’re not able to update the app or your phone can’t update to a supported OS version:
Contact the TalkingPoints Support Team by emailing support@talkingpts.org
Ask to be reverted to text messaging (SMS).
When you’re reverted to text messaging:
You will no longer use the mobile app, but
You can still send and receive TalkingPoints messages by text (SMS), so you can stay connected.
This applies to:
Families who can’t update the TalkingPoints for Families app
Users whose devices can’t update to the minimum OS version
Why This Update Matters 💡
We know updates can feel like “one more thing,” but this one helps us take better care of you. Updating:
Keeps your information more secure
Makes the app feel faster and more stable
Reduces crashes and weird bugs
Helps us roll out new features to support communication between home and school
Our goal is to make it easier, not harder, to stay in touch about your student's educational experience!
FAQs 💬
Will I lose messages, classes, or contacts when I update?
No. Your messages, classes, and contacts are all linked to your account. Updating the app does not delete anything.
I'm a TalkingPoints for Teacher user. What if I can’t update the app or my phone’s OS?
If you’re a teacher who cannot complete this application update, you can log into the web-based TalkingPoints for Teachers application at [https://app.talkingpts.org/teachers].
Unlike family members, you're unable to be reverted to text messaging (SMS) to continue having a mobile-based experience. If you want to continue to use TalkingPoints for Teachers on your device, you'll need to make sure to complete the update.
I'm a TalkingPoints for Families user. What if I can’t update the app or my phone’s OS?
You can reach out to the TalkingPoints Support Team and ask to be reverted to text messaging (SMS) so you can keep getting TalkingPoints messages without using the app.
Do I need to delete and reinstall the app?
No. In most cases, you only need to tap Update when prompted, or tap Update when you navigate to the respective application in the App Store or Google Play.