Bluetooth
Required for scanning. Without it there is no way to detect nearby devices at all. Used only to listen to broadcast advertisements, the app does not pair with or connect to other people’s devices.
Location
Used to stamp a position onto each sighting of a device you have saved, which is what builds the last-seen map. Decline it and scanning still works, but the map stays empty.
iOS also requires location permission for Bluetooth scanning in some configurations, an Apple platform requirement rather than an app choice.
Microphone
Used by clap detection to listen for a two-clap pattern. Audio is processed on the device in the moment. Nothing is recorded, stored or transmitted.
Changing your mind
Settings, then Privacy and Security, then the permission you want to change. Or find the app in the main Settings list to see all of its permissions in one place.
More help
The rest of the setup and troubleshooting material.
- Subscriptions, billing and cancelling
- Troubleshooting
- Contact support
- Last-seen map for your devices, Map tab
- How to find a device without creating an account, Privacy
- Support home, the complete list
Common questions
Why does a Bluetooth app need location access?
On iOS, location permission is tied to some Bluetooth scanning modes at the platform level, and it is also what allows a last-seen position to be recorded when a saved device is detected. Scanning still works without it; the map does not.
Is my microphone always listening?
Only while clap detection is armed, and only to detect a short clap pattern on the device itself. No audio is recorded or sent anywhere. The App Store privacy label for the app is Data Not Collected.