Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about NearBy

How does location tracking work?

NearBy uses your device's location services to discover points of interest around you. You can choose between "While Using App" or "Always Allow" in iOS Settings. Background location is only used for proximity notifications when you approach interesting places. Your location data is processed in real-time and not stored permanently on our servers.

Is my location data shared with third parties?

No, we do not share your precise location data with third parties. When you search for places, we may send location coordinates to data providers like Foursquare and Google Places to fetch place information, but we never sell or share your location data for advertising or other purposes.

How do proximity notifications work?

NearBy can send you notifications when you approach saved favorite places or recommended places based on your interests. These notifications require background location permission and are completely optional. You can manage notification preferences in the app Settings at any time.

Can I use the app offline?

While NearBy requires an internet connection to discover new places and fetch detailed information, your saved favorites and previously viewed places are available offline. The app will cache recently viewed place information so you can access it without connectivity.

How do I sync my favorites across devices?

NearBy uses Apple's CloudKit to sync your favorites across all your iOS devices. Simply sign in with the same Apple ID on all devices, and your favorites will automatically sync. CloudKit data is end-to-end encrypted and stored securely on Apple's servers.

What data sources does the app use?

NearBy uses multiple data sources to provide comprehensive place information:

  • Wikipedia - For historical and cultural context
  • Foursquare - For business and venue information
  • Google Places - For ratings and detailed info
  • Apple Maps - For location services and base maps

This multi-source approach ensures you get the most accurate and complete information about every place.

How do I manage ad preferences?

You can manage ad preferences in the app Settings. NearBy is supported by relevant advertisements through Google Mobile Ads (AdMob). You can opt-in or opt-out of personalized advertising at any time. You can also adjust App Tracking Transparency settings in iOS Settings to control how apps track you across other apps and websites.

Is the app free?

Yes, NearBy is free to download and use. The app is supported by relevant advertisements. You can manage ad preferences in Settings and opt-out of personalized advertising if you prefer. All core features are available without any subscription or payment.

How do I delete my account and data?

You can delete your account and all associated data through the Profile section in the app. This will remove your favorites, profile information, and preferences. You can also uninstall the app to remove app-level data. For additional data deletion requests, please contact us using the information in our Privacy Policy.

What information is stored on my device vs. in the cloud?

Your location data is processed in real-time and not stored permanently. Favorites and profile information are stored in CloudKit (synced across devices). Search history and preferences are stored locally on your device. You have full control over what data is synced through iCloud settings.

Why aren't places showing up on the map?

Make sure location services are enabled for NearBy in iOS Settings. The app needs location permission to discover nearby places. Also ensure you have an internet connection to fetch place data. If issues persist, try refreshing the map or restarting the app.

Why am I not receiving notifications?

Notifications require both notification permission and background location permission. Check that both are enabled in iOS Settings. Also ensure notifications are enabled in the app Settings. Proximity notifications only trigger when you're within a certain distance of saved or recommended places.

Can I customize which types of places I see?

Yes! NearBy allows you to select your interests during onboarding and change them anytime in Settings. You can choose from categories like museums, restaurants, parks, historical sites, and more. The app will only show places that match your selected interests.

Is NearBy available for Android?

Currently, NearBy is only available for iOS devices (iPhone and iPad). The app is built exclusively for iOS to take full advantage of Apple's features like CloudKit, Apple Maps, and iOS-specific optimizations. We focus on providing the best possible experience for iOS users.

Still have questions? Check out our Privacy Policy or contact us for support.