# Sentinel > Network Rail Sentinel smartcard reader and checker for authorized personnel. (iPhone/iPad app by Reference Point Limited.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sentinel/id662867082 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Reference Point Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/662867085) - Category: Business - Price: Free - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 13.0 · 6 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2013-08-04 - Data updated: 2026-06-08 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sentinel/id662867082/reviews.md ## What is Sentinel? This app is designed specifically to read Sentinel smartcards for Network Rail’s Sentinel system. It allows anyone to check their own Sentinel card and allows authorised card checkers to authenticate their team as well as undertake spot checks and check TVPs. When online, the app shows the most up to date information for each cardholder either by scanning the card’s QR code or by reading the details stored in the smartcard using NFC. Even without mobile internet access, the information stored on the card can still be accessed, any recently scanned card details can also be reviewed, and all checks will be stored and uploaded to the database when back online. ## Key features - Read Sentinel smartcards via NFC - Scan QR codes for card data - Verify cardholder information - Authenticate team members - Perform spot checks - Check TVPs (Track Vacancy Permits) - Offline access to card data ## Recent user reviews (10 of 41) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sentinel/id662867082/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Disappointed with railway heads *2024-09-19, version 3.4.3* How this was ever a better idea than having the correct details on the cards? Works-ish. Seems to be more an idea of trying to incorporate technology for technologies sake, I’m sure it was a good sound bite in a meeting but it makes no improvement to safety on the railway. ### 1/5 — Awful app *2024-05-08, version 3.4.2* This is up there with the worst. It’s not user friendly, hard to navigate, but most of all, never works. There’s never any instruction that it’s been updated - just delete, reinstall and hope it works. Well today, it just doesn’t want to know. I can log in, but it displays no competences at all - just my name, card number and a blank screen. I’ve tried reinstalling, I’ve tried on two different phones. I’ve downloaded the Vircarda app for the virtual card and guess what? - That doesn’t work either. I’m fed up of having to put up with apps that no one seems to care about when they don’t work properly - but preach constantly that staff need to sign in and check cards. How? Sort this terrible system out PLEASE. ### 1/5 — Needs updating *2023-02-22, version 3.2.0* I cannot locate stations access gates nothing just comes up either trackside or none trackside or location not found ### 1/5 — Sentinel App *2022-10-28, version 3.0.91* The app is basically a great idea, it works great when connected to Wi-Fi. However when using mobile data, the app is either painfully slow or will not open. If the use of this app is to be mandated by Network Rail, then it should work. ### 1/5 — Record competence *2021-10-24, version 3.0.90* Crashes every time you go to record competency ### 2/5 — Great Idea, badly executed *2021-10-11, version 3.0.90* The app itself is a great idea for checking and recording competence use. Biggest issue is the lack of up to date locations. There are only a handful of project sites, NR DU’s and stations meaning you often have to swipe in at a location miles fro. Where you are. Simple fix either use GPS and link to the track locator app for accurate locations or upload all the access information from the Hazard Directory. ### 1/5 — Rubbish *2021-03-16, version 3.0.85* For a so-called essential system this is useless. After taking 5 attempts to install it (3 of which didn’t actually work) the app freezes on the heartbeat screen. ### 4/5 — Latest change for the worse *2021-02-27, version 3.0.85* Latest update removed the auto camera flash lighting up when scanning Sentinel card, which is a step back. ### 1/5 — sentinel *2020-12-25, version 3.0.84* the app doesn’t work, to swipe the last person swiped in out comes up deny or allow keeps happening, deleting the app doesn’t work, now can’t get the app back, open in downloading the app keeps coming up deny or allow, after doing a full shift, lets fix this asap, going on for over a year, now can’t get the app ### 1/5 — App not working on IPhone se 20/20 *2020-10-12, version 3.0.84* Download new update to new iPhone SE can not choose locations to start work as nothing listed, I can tick location but it is completely blank so have no way of nowing what I have clicked. ## Frequently asked questions about Sentinel ### What does the Sentinel app do? This app allows users to read and verify Network Rail Sentinel smartcards. It enables individuals to check their own card details and authorized personnel to authenticate team members, conduct spot checks, and verify Track Vacancy Permits (TVPs). ### How does the app check Sentinel cards? The app can read card details stored in the smartcard using NFC technology or by scanning the card's QR code. When online, it displays the most up-to-date information for each cardholder. ### Can I use the app without an internet connection? Yes, the app can still access the information stored directly on the smartcard even without mobile internet access. Recently scanned card details can also be reviewed offline. ### What happens to my checks when I'm offline? All checks performed while offline are stored locally. The app will automatically upload these stored check details to the database once you are back online. ### Is this app free to use? Based on the provided information, the app is free to use and does not appear to have in-app purchases or advertisements. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.4.3 — 2024-09-16 App optimisations. ### 3.4.2 — 2024-03-18 Some usability improvements ### 3.4.1 — 2024-01-16 Resolves issue with the scanning of some cards via NFC. ### 3.4.0 — 2023-09-21 Security update. ### 3.3.0 — 2023-05-17 Introducing virtual Sentinel cards! Virtual cards are stored in a secure wallet app on your device and can then be used in conjunction with the updated Sentinel app, removing the need to scan your own card at the start of every shift whilst also allowing you to scan the virtual cards of your team via their own mobile devices. To request a virtual card, just log in to mySentinel and go to Account Settings. We've also introduced the ability to scan physical cards via NFC, allowing you to scan a card even when offline. ## Apps similar to Sentinel | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [IDentiSurge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/identisurge/id6743840653) | — | Free | Business | | [Board Intel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/board-intel/id708971629) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Business | | [TrustID Chip Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trustid-chip-reader/id1591455859) | 1.4 (264) | Free | Business | | [Tensor FRC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tensor-frc/id1474937487) | — | Free | Business | | [SureStore](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surestore/id1673189879) | — | Free | Business | ## More apps by Reference Point Limited - [Vircarda](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vircarda/id1191759554) - [Go Smart](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/go-smart/id1192187695) - [RIW](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/riw/id1439908644) - [SkillGuard 5](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skillguard-5/id1498037852) - [Validate 5](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/validate-5/id1521274277) All apps by Reference Point Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/662867085 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-08.*