Support & Contact

Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I delete my account?

Go to Settings → Account Management → Delete Account in the app. This will permanently delete all your data from your device.

How do I export my data?

You can export your data directly from the app:

• Go to Settings → Export My Data
• Choose destination via Android share sheet
• Data is exported as JSON format (run statistics only, GPS coordinates excluded for privacy)

For assistance with data portability requests, email support@areyoufaster.com with subject "DATA EXPORT REQUEST".

Why isn't GPS working?

Ensure the following:

• Location Permissions: Granted in Android Settings → Apps → Are You Faster → Permissions → Location → "Allow all the time" or "Allow only while using the app"
• GPS Enabled: Location services turned on in Android Settings → Location
• Outdoor Environment: You're outdoors with clear sky view (GPS doesn't work well indoors)
• High Accuracy Mode: Android Settings → Location → Location Services → Google Location Accuracy (enabled)
• Wait for Signal: GPS can take 30-60 seconds to acquire initial signal

Why do I see a persistent notification during runs?

The "Tracking Run" notification is required by Android for foreground location services. This is a privacy feature to ensure you're aware when the app is tracking your location.

• The notification cannot be dismissed while a run is active (Android requirement)
• You can stop tracking by tapping "Stop Run" in the notification or ending the run in-app
• The notification disappears immediately when you end your run

Where is my data stored?

All your data is stored locally on your device only. We do not operate backend servers for fitness data.

• Run data & GPS: Room database (encrypted if device encrypted)
• OAuth tokens: EncryptedSharedPreferences (AES256-GCM)
• Preferences: DataStore (local only)

See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Does the app work offline?

Yes! Core functionality works completely offline:

• ✅ GPS tracking during runs
• ✅ All game mechanics
• ✅ Run history and statistics
• ❌ Map tiles require internet (cached after first load)
• ❌ Google Sign-In requires internet

How accurate is the GPS tracking?

GPS accuracy depends on several factors:

• Typical Accuracy: 3-10 meters in open areas
• Degraded Accuracy: Buildings, trees, clouds can reduce accuracy to 20-50 meters
• Best Results: Run in open areas with clear sky view

Can I use the app without signing in?

Yes! Anonymous mode is the default:

• No account required
• No personal information collected
• All features available
• Data stored locally with random UUID

Google Sign-In is optional and only needed if you want to link your progress to an account for device migration.

Why does the app request "Allow all the time" location permission?

This permission allows GPS tracking to continue when your screen is locked during runs (so you can pocket your phone safely).

• We ONLY track location during active runs (when you press "Start Run")
• We do NOT track location when the app is closed
• A persistent notification shows when tracking is active
• You can revoke this permission anytime in Android Settings

Report Issues

When reporting bugs or issues, please include:

• Device Model: e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 8
• Android Version: e.g., Android 14
• App Version: Found in Settings → About → Version
• Steps to Reproduce: What you were doing when the issue occurred
• Screenshots: If applicable (helps us understand the issue)
• Error Messages: Any error messages displayed

Email: support@areyoufaster.com

Subject: "BUG REPORT - [Brief Description]"

Feature Requests

We'd love to hear your ideas for improving the app!

Email: support@areyoufaster.com

Subject: "FEATURE REQUEST - [Your Idea]"

Please describe:

• What feature you'd like to see
• How it would improve your experience
• Any examples from other apps (if applicable)

Legal & Privacy Requests

For data protection requests under UK GDPR (access, deletion, portability, rectification, etc.):

Email: support@areyoufaster.com

Subject: "PRIVACY REQUEST - [Type of Request]"

Response Time: We respond within 30 days as required by UK GDPR (extendable to 90 days for complex requests).

Common Privacy Requests:

• Data Access: Request a copy of your data
• Data Deletion: Request account and data deletion (can also be done in-app)
• Data Portability: Export your data in machine-readable format
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
• Restriction: Limit processing of your data
• Objection: Object to data processing

Identity Verification:

To protect your privacy, we verify your identity via your sign-in email. Please send requests from the email associated with your Google Sign-In account (if applicable).

Google Play Support

For issues related to the Google Play Store (download problems, refunds, etc.):

• Google Play Help: support.google.com/googleplay
• App-Specific Issues: Contact us at support@areyoufaster.com

Device Compatibility Issues

Minimum requirements:

• Android Version: Android 8.0 (API 26) or higher
• GPS: Device with GPS capabilities
• Storage: ~50MB free space
• RAM: 2GB+ recommended

If your device meets these requirements but the app doesn't work, contact us with your device details.

Related Pages

• Privacy Policy (Android)
• Terms of Service (Android)
• Data Policy (Android)
• Android Policy Hub

Complaint Escalation

If you're not satisfied with our response to a privacy complaint, you can lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority: