Help & Support

How does NearBy find places near me?

NearBy uses your device's GPS to determine your location and then searches for points of interest within your selected coverage distance. We combine data from multiple trusted sources including Apple Maps, Wikipedia, and Foursquare to provide comprehensive information.

Why does NearBy need location permission?

Location permission is essential for NearBy to work. We use your location to:

• Show nearby places on the map
• Calculate distances to points of interest
• Send proximity notifications (if enabled)

Your precise location data is processed on your device and is not stored on our servers.

How do I enable/disable notifications?

You can control proximity notifications in two ways:

• In the App: Go to Profile > Settings > Notifications
• In iOS Settings: Settings > NearBy > Notifications

Why am I not seeing any places?

If no places appear, try these steps:

• Check that location services are enabled for NearBy
• Ensure you have an internet connection
• Increase your coverage distance in Settings
• Pull down to refresh the map or list
• Make sure you have at least one interest selected

How do I sync favorites across devices?

To sync your favorites:

• Create an account or sign in with Apple/Email
• Your favorites sync automatically when you're signed in with the same account on each device
• Sync is stored securely in the cloud (Firebase)

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account at any time:

• Go to Profile > Settings > Delete Account
• Confirm your decision
• Your account data will be permanently deleted within 30 days

Alternatively, email us at [email protected] with your account deletion request.

Why does the app use battery in the background?

Background battery usage is minimal. NearBy uses "significant location changes" instead of continuous GPS tracking, which is battery-efficient. You can further reduce usage by disabling proximity notifications in settings.

Is my data safe?

Yes, we take your privacy seriously:

• Location data is processed on your device
• Passwords are stored securely in iOS Keychain
• We never sell your personal information
• You can request data deletion at any time

Read our full Privacy Policy for details.