Support

How do I add friends?

There are two ways to add friends on TrailMates:

• From Contacts: TrailMates can check which of your phone contacts are already using the app. Your contacts are hashed for privacy - we never see the actual phone numbers.
• Username Search: Search for friends by their TrailMates username and send a friend request.

How does location sharing work?

Your location is only shared when you are physically on the Ann and Roy Butler Trail in Austin, TX. The app uses a defined geographic boundary (polygon) to detect when you're on the trail.

• Location is shared in real-time only - we don't store your location history.
• You control who sees your location: friends, event hosts, event groups.
• When you leave the trail, your location is no longer visible to others.

How do I create or join events?

To create an event: Tap the "+" button, select "Event," choose the activity type (walking, running, biking), set a time and meeting point, and invite friends.

To join an event: Accept an invitation from a friend, or browse public events in your area and tap "Join."

How do I manage my privacy settings?

Go to your profile and tap "Privacy Settings." From there you can:

• Toggle location sharing with friends, event hosts, or event groups.
• Enable Do Not Disturb mode to completely hide your visibility.
• Manage who can send you friend requests.

How do I delete my account?

To delete your account:

1. Open the app and go to your profile.
2. Tap "Settings" (gear icon).
3. Scroll down and tap "Delete Account."
4. Confirm your decision.

This will permanently delete all your data, including your profile, friends, and event history.

My location isn't updating

• Make sure Location Services are enabled for TrailMates in your iPhone Settings.
• Set location permission to "While Using the App" or "Always" for best results.
• Ensure you have a clear view of the sky for GPS accuracy.
• Try closing and reopening the app.
• Check that you're actually on the Butler Trail - location only shares within the trail boundary.

Friends aren't appearing on the map

• Your friends must also be on the Butler Trail for their location to appear.
• Check if your friend has enabled Do Not Disturb mode.
• Verify that you're connected as friends (check your friends list).
• Make sure your friend has location sharing enabled for friends.
• Try refreshing the map by pulling down.

I'm not receiving notifications

• Check that notifications are enabled for TrailMates in your iPhone Settings.
• Verify that Do Not Disturb isn't enabled system-wide on your phone.
• Open TrailMates settings and check your notification preferences.
• Make sure you have a stable internet connection.

Problems logging in or verifying my phone number

• Make sure you're entering your phone number with the correct country code.
• Check that you have cellular service or WiFi to receive the verification code.
• The verification code expires after a few minutes - request a new one if needed.
• If SMS isn't arriving, check your phone's spam/blocked messages filter.
• Wait at least 60 seconds before requesting another code.