Using a Tablet or iPad Display for Tempest Follow

Most of our customers told us the same thing: they don’t want another single-purpose gadget cluttering their home. That’s why Tempest is built to work with the devices you already own: your phone, tablet, or computer. Unlike fixed displays from other brands, our app and website get better over time with regular updates, all while keeping our environmental footprint small.

If you want a dedicated display for your home, we’ve got you covered! Just switch an old iPad or Android tablet to Always-On Mode in the Tempest app and give it a new life. This guide walks you through setting it up and provides troubleshooting tips if you run into issues.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Device is Compatible with the Tempest App 

iPads:

• Check your version: Go to Settings > General > About > Version.
• Your iPad must currently run iOS 13 or later.  An iPad Air 2 released in 2014 is one example of a capable device.
• Some iPads running iOS 12 or older, like the iPad 5th generation (2017), can be updated to iOS 16 and will work once updated. 
  Learn more about updating your iPad from Apple >>>

Android Tablets:

• Check your version: Go to Settings > About Tablet > Version.
• Your tablet must run Android 8.0 (Oreo) or newer. Many tablets made in 2017 or later will work.
• Some tablets running Android 7.0 or older can be updated. If your tablet can’t update past Android 7.0, it will not run the Tempest app. 
  Learn more about upgrading your Android tablet from Google >>>

Step 2: Download the Tempest Weather App

1. Open the App Store (iPad) or Google Play Store (Android tablet).
2. Search for Tempest Weather.
3. Tap Download or Install.
4. Once installed, open the app and sign in to your Tempest account.

Step 3: Enable Display Modes

1. From the app’s home screen, go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to Display Options.
3. Toggle Always On Mode On.
4. Select Full Screen Mode and choose a display setting.

Additional Display Settings

Theme

• Light Mode, Dark Mode and System-based themes are available.

Forecast

• You can control the mini-map display to show “Always”, “Never” or set it to “Auto” and choose a precipitation chance threshold as a condition on when to show the mini map.

Troubleshooting

The screen keeps turning off

• Make sure Low Power Mode (iPad) or Battery Saver (Android) is turned OFF.

• Double-check that Auto-Lock/Sleep is set to Never. Configure your device so the screen doesn’t turn off automatically.
  • On iPad (iOS):
    1. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
    2. Set Auto-Lock to Never.
  • On Android tablet:
    1. Open Settings > Display > Sleep.
    2. Select the longest available option or Never (if available).

My tablet overheats or drains battery quickly

• Reduce the screen brightness to a comfortable level.
• Keep the device plugged into a power source for continuous display.
• Place the tablet on a stand in a ventilated area.

The display doesn’t update with live data

• Check your device’s internet connection (Wi-Fi).
• Confirm that your Tempest station is online and transmitting data.
• Restart the app. If needed, restart your tablet.

The app won’t download

• Make sure your iOS or Android OS version is up to date.
• Make sure there is enough storage on your device. 

My app is installed and running but slow to respond

• Close or delete any other apps you aren’t using. Too many open apps can make the tablet run slowly.
• If your tablet is still connected to cell data this may slow performance and it also may cost you an unnecessary device on your bill.
   

Alternate Display Options

Our open platform means there is an ever-increasing number of useful devices that integrate with Tempest, both displaying your weather data and helping power your smart home. If you don’t have a tablet but still want a dedicated display, there are a number of options available!

Setting up with an Amazon Echo Show is one of our favorite ways to see and gain utility from your weather data. For the more technically inclined, the Home Assistant integration is even more powerful. For feature-rich, display-oriented devices, we like the beautiful DAKboard and the versatile TRMNL. For a truly unique and fun way to view the weather, we recommend the LightMap.