Help Center

While FRIENDS encourages real-world social interaction, safety is your responsibility. Always meet in public spaces for the first few encounters, tell a friend where you're going, and trust your instincts.

No. FRIENDS does not perform criminal background checks, identity verification, or screening of users. Always exercise caution when interacting with others.

FRIENDS uses proximity-based detection, optional check-in features, and the ability to block or report users. However, we do not monitor or intervene in user interactions.

We do not recommend meeting in private residences unless you've already built trust. Always begin interactions in safe, visible, and social places.

We recommend using FRIENDS in public, well-lit, populated environments. Use caution during late hours or in isolated locations, especially when meeting new users.

Use non-invasive, friendly messages. Reference shared check-ins, nearby events, or mutual trail history. Avoid over-sharing or aggressive behavior.

Only attend events from verified or trusted organizers. Bring a friend if possible, share your plans with someone you trust, and report anything suspicious.

The app uses Bluetooth and GPS to detect users within a 15-foot radius. You'll be notified if a potential connection is nearby, but you must choose to engage.

Oasis is a live map showing users in your area in real time. Always treat the map as a general discovery tool, not a guarantee of someone's intent or trustworthiness. Only connect when you feel comfortable.

Ripple logs your past encounters and interactions with other users. You can view shared proximity history. If desired, you can disable or clear your Ripple trail in your settings.

Use the Oasis glow intensity or radar pulsing to gauge proximity. Stronger pulses indicate closer matches within your interaction range (typically 15 feet).

No. FRIENDS does not monitor chat content. Use the block and report features for inappropriate behavior. Event hosts may moderate their own Room events.

Location updates every few seconds while the app is active. If background tracking is enabled, updates continue passively based on movement to preserve battery and accuracy.

Yes! FRIENDS allows tags like 'Artist,' 'Influencer,' 'Musician,' 'Entrepreneur' and more. Keep things respectful and transparent if networking is your goal.

Do not share sensitive information (e.g. home address, financial info, full birthdate) with new contacts. Use the in-app messaging feature until you feel comfortable.

Yes. FRIENDS gives you privacy controls to go invisible, limit location sharing to specific users, or pause proximity tracking entirely.

Yes, you can manage your data visibility through your profile settings, including clearing trails, turning off visibility, or limiting what others can see.

Yes. FRIENDS offers a ghost mode where you can appear invisible to selected individuals or groups, while still exploring others.

No. FRIENDS does not sell or share your personal or location data with third-party advertisers. All analytics are anonymized and used only to improve app performance.

No. FRIENDS stores limited location history to power the Ripple and Oasis experiences. You may delete your trails or disable tracking in settings at any time.

Currently, FRIENDS does not notify users of screenshots. We encourage respectful behavior and do not tolerate privacy violations.

FRIENDS is only available to users aged 13 and older. Users aged 13-16 can only match with others up to age 16, and 17+ users are considered adults under NYC law.

No. Users aged 13-16 can only see and connect with peers within that age range. Anyone 17+ is considered an adult. These restrictions help prevent inappropriate age mixing.

Yes. You can deactivate your account via settings. This will remove your visibility on maps and delete most data after a short retention period.

FRIENDS is optimized for major cities, starting in the U.S. Features may work internationally, but local usage may vary depending on laws and data permissions.

Be authentic but cautious. Use FRIENDS in active public settings like campus areas, conferences, or events. Start conversations based on shared check-ins or trail overlaps.

Immediately block and report the user through the app. You can also contact local authorities if necessary. FRIENDS takes safety reports seriously but does not provide emergency services.

You can report users directly in-app. If the behavior seems threatening or illegal, contact local law enforcement. FRIENDS does not handle emergencies.

Immediately block the user and report the incident using in-app tools. If the behavior escalates or persists offline, contact law enforcement. FRIENDS takes safety seriously but is not a police service.

Report impersonation immediately. FRIENDS investigates reports and may suspend or permanently ban verified offenders.

If another user engages in behavior that causes you emotional, psychological, or physical discomfort—such as inappropriate messages, offensive language, or any form of harassment—you should immediately block and report them using the in-app tools. FRIENDS does not tolerate abusive, discriminatory, or threatening behavior of any kind. Your well-being is a priority, and we encourage you to disengage from harmful interactions and take steps to protect your mental and emotional safety. If necessary, seek help from trusted individuals or authorities.

If you have questions not covered here, please contact us at support@myfriendsapp.com.