The Nelli How-To Library
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Welcome to Nelli! Setting up Nelli for the first time is an exciting opportunity to help your child build independence, manage their time, and stay on top of tasks with a system that's fun and engaging. Nelli's star points and rewards system can transform daily routines into a game, motivating your child to complete tasks with a sense of accomplishment.
1. Customising Your Child's Profile
The first step is creating a personalised profile for your child. Nelli lets them choose their own avatar from a range of friendly monster characters and pick a profile colour. This sense of ownership is key to engaging them from the start. Don't forget to let them choose their personal jingle — one of 16 fun tunes — which will play when it's time for them to do a task. The jingle will be followed by Nelli's text-to-talk feature, which calls out the task in a fun, personalised way, like: "Hey Jackson, it's time to get dressed for school!"2. Understanding Nelli's Task Types
- Time-based tasks: These have a set start time and a countdown duration. Your child will earn star points if they finish the task before time runs out. This gamification-style feature is great for building urgency and focus.
- Notification tasks: These tasks have a start time but no duration, allowing flexibility. Your child will still get their jingle and task name read aloud, but they can take their time to complete the task. Perfect for tasks like tidying up or finishing homework.
- Checklist tasks: Perfect for older or more independent children, checklist tasks give your child the freedom to manage their own to-do list and mark tasks complete when they're done.
Nelli also has a Reminder feature, which behaves like a notification task but doesn't offer star points. This is handy for reminders like "Don't forget your library book!" or "Put the bins out!"
3. Setting Up the Star Points System
Each task can be assigned between 0 to 3 stars, depending on its importance or difficulty. Start simple — assign 1 or 2 stars for tasks like making their bed or brushing their teeth. Save 3-star rewards for more challenging tasks, like completing homework or practising a musical instrument.4. Setting Up Rewards: Finding the Right Balance
- Use small and big rewards: Smaller rewards, like a lollipop or 10 minutes of extra screen time, should be achievable in a few days. Larger rewards, like a trip to the zoo or a new game, should take longer to accumulate stars, teaching your child about saving and delayed gratification.
- Start with achievable goals: If your child can't see progress toward their reward, they might lose interest. Set rewards that can be earned within a short time, then gradually increase the difficulty.
- Recurring rewards: Consider setting up recurring rewards, such as weekly pocket money. This gives your child a consistent goal to work towards and keeps them motivated to complete tasks regularly.
5. Utilising All Task Types for Maximum Engagement
We've noticed that some parents are sticking to checklist tasks only, which limits Nelli's ability to prompt and engage your child. Mix task types — use a combination of time-based and notification tasks. Let your child help choose the order and timing of their tasks. This gives them a sense of ownership and accountability.6. Adjusting and Managing Tasks
If your child is unwell or it's school holidays, you can easily snooze tasks for a day or a longer period. You can also add or remove star points manually when needed, such as awarding bonus stars for good behaviour at school or ad-hoc chores.7. Using Nelli for Family Activities
Nelli isn't just for chores! You can set up tasks for family time too. Create blocks of time for activities like bike rides, mindfulness, or one-on-one time with Mum or Dad. You can even use notification tasks for family-wide activities, like remembering to put out the rubbish bins or bringing library books for school.Start with simple tasks and achievable rewards, then adapt the system as you go. Enjoy the journey, and have fun watching your child grow in independence with Nelli by their side!
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Here are some example schedules to help you get started with setting up your child's routines in Nelli.
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Connecting to WiFi is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
When you power on the device for the first time you will be prompted to 'Add WiFi Credentials'. It will open the WiFi Settings page in the settings menu for you so you can connect to your home internet.
Once connected, continue to tap the back arrow at the top left hand corner of the screen. This should bring you back into the setup screen in Nelli so you can continue the setup process.
If you have any trouble with this step, please reach out to support@nelli.com.au.
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If your Nelli Smart Hub shows "Unknown SSID" or the Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping out, it is usually related to how your home router manages Wi-Fi networks.
Many modern routers broadcast multiple Wi-Fi bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and sometimes 6 GHz) under a single network name. These routers automatically switch devices between bands using a feature called band steering or smart connect.
While Nelli is compatible with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, automatic band switching can occasionally cause connection issues with some smart devices.
Steps to try:
- Restart your router and your Nelli Smart Hub.
- Check that Nelli is located within a strong Wi-Fi signal range.
- Log into your router settings and check whether Smart Connect / Band Steering is enabled.
- If possible, create a separate 2.4 GHz network (SSID) and connect Nelli to that network.
Many families find that separating the 2.4 GHz network resolves the issue immediately.
If you continue experiencing connection issues, please contact our support team at support@nelli.com.au and we'll be happy to assist.
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- Check all email inboxes including promotions, social and junk/spam folders.
- Try resending the code.
- Go back and ensure you entered the correct email address.
- If you still haven't received a code, then email us at support@nelli.com.au.
We'll endeavour to respond as quickly as possible to get you up and running.
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To change the time zone enter your parental pin at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Settings'. Next to 'Timezone' click the 'Change' button and select your preferred timezone, then click 'Done'.
Note: All tasks will sync to the selected time zone.
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To adjust the volume enter your parental pin at the lock icon (top right) and a volume icon will appear on the bottom right corner of the screen. Tap the icon to adjust the volume.
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To access the Wi-fi Settings enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Settings'.. On the right hand side next to Wi-fi tap on 'connected'. This will open the wi-fi settings menu.
To exit the Wifi settings, tap on the back arrow twice at the top left of the screen.
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To change a missed task to completed: open the child's dashboard and tap on the sad face next to the task at the bottom of their AM/PM routine schedule and enter your PIN code.
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Unlock with your Parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and tap on the Star icon at the top left of the screen to access the Add or Remove Stars screen.
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You can choose what you would like to receive emails notifications about in the Settings menu.
To select what emails to receive enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Settings'. Under 'Email Reminders' you can toggle on/off your email preferences.
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To set up your child's profile enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Tasks'.
On the top right click 'New task'. This will allow you to set up a new task. You can choose which child it is for (no need to repeat) and select all the parameters for the task.
For a task with a specific date just toggle on 'once off task' and select the date.
Click 'Save' top right once completed. -
If you have multiple Nelli devices you can customise which child profiles are active on each device. Go to the Profiles page to edit the setting.
Enter your Parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and select 'Settings', then 'Profile'. You can then toggle ON/OFF 'Active on this device' for each individual profile.
You can make it active at any time. This will not affect the linked devices.
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This feature will play the child's jingle a second time when there is 40% of the time remaining and they haven't yet completed it (Time-based tasks only).
This is great for kids who tend to get distracted easily. You can turn this feature ON/OFF for each child on the Profiles page.
To turn this feature ON/OFF enter your Parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and select 'Settings', then 'Profile'. You can then toggle ON/OFF this setting for each individual profile.
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Our Text to Talk feature will read out loud the task to the child when it's time for them to do it.
You can turn this ON/OFF for each child on the Profiles page.
To turn this feature ON/OFF enter your Parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and select 'Settings', then 'Profile'. You can then toggle ON/OFF this setting for each individual profile.
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The Snooze feature is perfect for times like when your child is unwell or it's school holidays. You can choose to snooze all or some of their tasks indefinitely, or for a selected period of time.
To access the Snooze settings enter your Parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and tap on the 'Zzz' icon at the top left of the screen to choose your snooze preferences.
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To create a task enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Tasks'.
On the top right click 'New task'. This will allow you to set up a new task. You can choose which child it is for (no need to repeat) and select all the parameters for the task.
For a task with a specific date just toggle on 'once off task' and select the date.
Click 'Save' top right once completed.Understanding Nelli's Task Types:
- Time-based tasks: These have a start time and a duration. Your child will be prompted when it's time for them to do the task. Your child earns stars for finishing the task before the time runs out, making it fun and encouraging focus.
- Notification tasks: These have a start time but no set duration, giving flexibility. Your child will be prompted when it's time for them to do the task, but they can take their time to finish.
- Checklist tasks: Ideal for more independent children. They manage their own to-do list and mark tasks complete. These tasks have no prompting sounds or reminders.
Nelli also has a Reminder feature, which behaves like a notification task but doesn't offer star points. This is handy for reminders like "Don't forget your library book!" or "Put the bins out!"
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To edit or delete a task enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Tasks'.
Edit a task: Select which task you want to update by clicking the pen icon. This will open up the task where you can update any of the task settings.
Click 'Save' top right once completed.Delete a task: Select which task you want to update by clicking the pen icon. This will open up the task. Click 'Remove' at the top right to delete and follow the prompt to confirm.
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To search for a specific task enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Tasks'.
At the top right of the task screen you can click the down arrow icon to search by certain parameters like child's name, task type, star value or day of the week.Alternatively you can search by entering the task name via the magnifying glass icon.
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To create, edit or delete a reward enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Rewards'.
Create a reward: On the top right click 'New reward'. This will allow you to set up a new reward. You can choose which child it is for (no need to repeat for each child) and select all the parameters for the reward - enter the reward name, reward star value to reach the reward and toggle ON/OFF 'Reward recurring' if you would like the reward to automatically replenish once redeemed.
Click 'Save' top right once completed.
Edit/Delete a reward:
To edit a reward locate the reward and click the pen icon. Edit your reward and click 'Save' top right once completed.To delete a reward click the red bin icon and follow the prompt.
Tips for Setting Rewards:
- Use small and big rewards: Smaller rewards, like a lollipop or 10 minutes of extra screen time, should be achievable in a few days. Larger rewards, like a trip to the zoo or a new game, should take longer to accumulate stars, teaching your child about saving and delayed gratification.
- Start with achievable goals: If your child can't see progress toward their reward, they might lose interest. Set rewards that can be earned within a short time, then gradually increase the difficulty.
- Recurring rewards: Consider setting up recurring rewards, such as weekly pocket money. This gives your child a consistent goal to work towards and keeps them motivated to complete tasks regularly.
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Nelli's built in Timer feature is a great all-rounder. Whether it's managing screen time, encouraging healthy habits, or fostering independence, timers can be a game-changer.
To access the Timer feature enter your Parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and tap on the 'clock' icon at the top left of the screen. Select the duration and click start.
Click the lock icon to exit the screen. The active timer will display at the top of the screen.
To cancel the timer repeat above and click 'cancel'.
If you want some tips and information about how to use the timer feature, you can read our short blog: Time Well Spent: Harnessing the Power of Timers for Effective Parenting with Kids (Ages 4-12).
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Countdowns are a classic parental tool, great to let your kids know when you mean business!
To access the Countdown feature enter your Parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and tap on the 'running man' icon at the top left of the screen. Select the duration and click start. Nelli will verbally countdown.
Click the lock icon to exit the screen. The active countdown will display at the top of the screen.
To cancel the countdown repeat above and click 'cancel'.
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To change the child's jingle click on their profile character to open their dashboard.
Click on the down arrow next to the current jingle name and select a new jingle and click 'Done'.
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To change the child's avatar click on their profile avatar to open their dashboard.
Click on the pen edit icon located at the avatar, select a new avatar and click 'Save'.
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It's important to find the sweet spot so that rewards are motivating but not too easily reached.
- Use small and big rewards: Smaller rewards, like a lollipop or 10 minutes of extra screen time, should be achievable in a few days. Larger rewards, like a trip to the zoo or a new game, should take longer to accumulate stars, teaching your child about saving and delayed gratification.
- Start with achievable goals: If your child can't see progress toward their reward, they might lose interest. Set rewards that can be earned within a short time, then gradually increase the difficulty.
- Recurring rewards: Consider setting up recurring rewards, such as weekly pocket money. This gives your child a consistent goal to work towards and keeps them motivated to complete tasks regularly.
For more tips and information read our short blog: Getting Started with Nelli: A Parent's Guide to Setting Up Star Points and Rewards.
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Forgot your Pin code? Or has a cheeky child changed it on you?! Not to worry, it's easy to reset.
Simply tap on the lock icon and select 'I forgot my pin'. This will email you a 4 digit verification code you can use to reset your pin.
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To adjust the Screensaver or Sleep Mode simply enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Settings'.
Scroll down to 'Screensaver' and 'Sleep Mode' where you can toggle them ON/OFF and adjust their length of time.
Click 'Save' at the top right of the screen.
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If you child/teen would like to redeem a reward they can open their own dashboard and choose a reward.
If they have earned enough stars to redeem a reward the star will be highlighted yellow.
They simply click on the reward name and click 'Redeem' in the pop-up.
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To perform an account factory reset enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right) and go to 'Menu' and into 'Settings' and scroll down until you see 'Factory Reset'.
Warning: This will permanently erase all account settings: All Profiles, Tasks and Rewards will be erased.
Click 'Enable' and confirm 'Yes' at the prompt.
Note: This will not delete your Account. If you wish to have your Account deleted, please email support@nelli.com.au.
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If you've forgotten your Account password, once you Log Out you will have the option to tap on 'Forgot Password' and reset it by receiving a verification code to your email.
To change your Account password (NOT the 4 digit Pin) you will need to log out of your Account. You can do this by entering your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right), head to 'Menu' and into 'Settings' and scroll down to the very bottom and click the button 'Log out', then 'Yes' when prompted.
This will take you to the log in page where you can enter your email address and then tap 'Forgot password'. You will then be sent a verification code to enter on screen.
Finally create your new password.
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You can provide the Nelli team feedback directly through the smart hub.
Simply enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right), head to 'Menu' and then 'Feedback', write us your message and click 'Submit'.
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If you want to re-gift or re-sell your Nelli, all you need to do is ensure you log out of your account beforehand.
Enter your parental PIN at the lock icon (top right), head to 'Menu' and into 'Settings'. At the bottom right click the button 'Log out', then 'Yes' when prompted.
The new Nelli recipient will be able to sign up for a new account on the hub.
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If you want to delete your Nelli account please email support@nelli.com.au.
The email has to come from the same email address for the Nelli account.
