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FAQ

Getting Started

What is Goneby?

Goneby is the platform for missed connections. We give people who have crossed paths in real life an opportunity to connect when circumstances didn't allow them to get to know each other in the moment.

Not just another dating app.

Goneby was designed to address the challenges and concerns users face with existing dating platforms. We've designed it so people can express themselves freely whatever the situation, by putting privacy and consent at the core of our features.

We don't just talk about Privacy. We mean it. 

We match user posts, not profiles, based on how much they have in common. With Goneby, users don't have to share their identity or profile to match and start chatting with someone until they feel comfortable. Words matter more than images.

YOU are in control.

We're empowering you to make connections independently. With Goneby, you control:

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The privacy of your posts ​​​​

  • How you want to match with other posts ​​​​

  • When and if you want to share your profile and identity

How we do it

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How old do I need to be to use Goneby?

You must be at least 18 years of age to start using Goneby.

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On which platforms is Goneby available?

Goneby is currently available as a mobile app for Android and iOS devices.

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Is Goneby free?

Goneby can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Basic features let you create one post per day, match with others, send messages and search public posts at no cost.

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Why can I only sign up with a mobile phone number?

We require users to sign up with their mobile phone number as it provides a greater level of security and safety compared to any other methods. Browse through the Safety & Privacy FAQ to learn more about how we keep your account safe.

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Where does Goneby work?

Goneby is a global online missed connections platform and can be used anywhere.

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What are the languages supported by Goneby?

Goneby is currently only available in English. Users are however free to post in the language they want.

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Is Goneby suitable for any situation?

Yes. We've got you covered wherever it happened. Browse through the Post FAQ for more details.

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Can Goneby be used to just check in?

Yes. If you want to let people know you are, or have been, somewhere and be reachable you can create a post for that. Browse through the Post FAQ to learn how.

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Posts

What can I post?

Pretty much everything. Simply select the type of post that pertains to where the missed connection happened between: 

  • Plane (I.e., on a given flight)

  • Rail (on the subway, train, tram or any other rail system)

  • Bus (on the bus)

  • Place (bar, restaurant, building or any other venue)

  • Street (I.e., outside)

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How do I post?

To create a post, follow these steps on the app:

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Tap the Post icon on the bottom navigation bar​​​​

  • Tap the Create (plus) icon on the bottom right corner

On the popup window:

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Tap the image that corresponds to the type of post you want to create​​​​​​

  • Enter where the missed connection happened (E.g., subway line, restaurant name)​​​​

  • Enter the date it happened (or the departure date for plane posts)

  • Tap the Next (right arrow) icon

On the tag selection screen: 

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Select the tags that best describe your crush and the situation by scrolling through the different tabs​​​​

  • Enter additional tags to complement your selection if needed by typing over add tag...

  • When you're done typing, press the keyboard spacebar to confirm the tag

  • You can delete a tag at any time by clicking on the Delete ​(cross) icon within each tag​​​​

  • Tap Next on the top right corner

On the post screen:​​​​

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Enter a post title

  • Review the tags you've used to describe your crush under My crush's tags and make edits if necessary

  • The Tag selection (plus) icon redirects you to the tag selection screen. Press the Back ​(left arrow) icon on the top left corner to go back to the post screen ​​​​​​​​

  • Select or enter the tags that best describe yourself and the situation under ​My tags ​​​​

  • Select the time it happened (recommended)

  • Switch on/off the Like only within same time interval toggle button depending on whether or not you want the time interval selected to be taken into account in addition to the tags when matching your post with other posts. The toggle is by default switched on except for plane posts​​​​

  • Switch on the Make post public/searchable toggle button if you want to make your post visible to and searchable by anyone​​

  • Switch on the Show my picture on search results toggle button to have your picture displayed next to your post on search results (applicable to public posts only) ​​​​​​​​

  • Tap the Create post button to save your post

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How do I check in?

If you want to check in, you can create a post for that. Consider the following:

  • Be generic when describing your crush. Since you're not looking for a specific person you can, for example, simply state man or woman based on your preferences

  • Make your post public so people can search for and message you

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Why can I only post once per day?

We want people to post with purpose and intention, so we're providing users with one free post per day.

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What makes a great post?

Consider the following whenever you create a post (doesn't apply to check-ins, see above for details):

  • Be specific. Use as many tags as possible to describe your crush and yourself. You can decide later what are the ones that matter and the ones that don't when it comes to matching with other posts

  • Be creative. Stand out from the pack by using tags that only you and your crush would know. Tags that are specific to where the connection happened or the conversation you had. The more specific you are, the more likely you will be matched with and only with the person you're looking for

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Plane posts do's and don'ts?

  • Do use this type of post if you've crossed paths with someone on the plane or close to it such as boarding or deplaning (I.e., when the flight # can be easily identified)

  • Do not use this type of post if you're anywhere else at the airport (baggage claim, coffee shop, restaurant, etc.). Use the place type instead

  • Make the most of seat #s and use them when describing your crush and/or yourself

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Rail posts do's and don'ts?

  • Do use this type if you've crossed paths with someone on a rail line

  • Do not use this type if you're at the station, including platforms (unless the rail line is the obvious choice and can be easily identified). Use the place type instead

  • Make the most of stops when describing your crush and yourself, by specifying between which stations the connection happened

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Place posts do's and don’ts?

  • Check the address of the place you've selected and make sure it includes the street name and number

  • Double check the street number of the place you've selected. After all, there are many Starbucks in New York on 6th Avenue so make sure you pick the right one

  • Be specific when selecting a place. If a place within a specific venue can be identified, go for that place and not the venue (E.g., the coffee shop or restaurant in the airport)

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Street posts do's and don'ts?

  • Do not enter a street number when selecting the street. Just the name of the street, avenue, boulevard, etc.

  • Do leverage street numbers as tags when describing your crush and/or yourself, if relevant or applicable to the situation

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Bus posts do's and don'ts?

  • Do use this type if you've crossed paths with someone on the bus

  • Do not use this type if you're at the station or stop waiting for the bus (unless the bus is the obvious choice and can be easily identified). Use the place type instead or the street type if the station/stop can't be found

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I can't make a Rail or Bus post private in my area. Any reason why?

The private post option is currently only available in the following countries for Rail and Bus posts:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • ​Canada

  • France

  • United Kingdom

  • United States​​​

We will activate the private mode in your area once we gather and standardize the list of transit lines. Until then, we're only allowing posts to be public.

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I don't see my rail or bus line/number on the list of suggestions available for selection. Can I still move forward and post?

Yes, you still can. We're monitoring daily what is being entered/selected and specifically if something falls outside the list of suggestions. We will assess and adjust accordingly if valid.

We are also displaying only 30 records at a time, so if you don't see what you are looking for try to narrow your search. We've structured our list of transit lines following this convention: line/number - agency name.

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Why can I only post within 24 hours of crossing paths with someone?

We believe in the magic of the moment and want to encourage people to connect as soon as possible. The more they wait, the less likely they will so we're only providing these 2 options.

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Can I use my own tags to describe my crush or myself?

Yes. We provide a list of common traits/patterns to get you started but you're free to add your own.

Want to see a tag added to the list? Send us your feedback at the bottom of the tag selection screen.

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How should the tags under the 'hints' tab on the tag selection screen be interpreted?

The purpose of this tab is to provide you with what you could potentially write if the situation allows it. The tags under this tab are not meant to be selected/reused.

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How many tags am I allowed to use to describe my crush and myself?

You can use up to 12 tags for each (minimum one).

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How do I edit a post?

To edit a post after it's created, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Post icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • From your list of posts, tap on the Post you want to update

  • Perform your relevant updates

  • Tap the Update button to record your changes

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What information can I edit on a post?

Once a post is created, updates are limited to:

  • Tags you require to match with other posts

  • Time interval

  • Like only within same time interval indicator 

  • Public settings (Make post public/searchable and Show my picture on search results indicators)

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Why can't I add or remove tags once a post is created?

A post is used for a single reason or purpose and allowing people to update tags would go against that principle, as users might be tempted to use the same post for another missed connection. We're preventing tags from being modified once a post is created, and are recommending users to enter as many tags as possible when creating a post. They can decide later on what are the ones that matter and the ones that don't when it comes to matching with other posts.

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What is the purpose of selecting/unselecting tags in my post?

We're using the tags you've selected to match your post with other posts. In other words, the tags you've selected are the tags you want your crush to have guessed about you in their own post.

 

If the selected tags are found on another post and vice versa, the respective posts will be matched together.

When creating a post, all tags are by default selected. You can unselect them at any time by editing your post.

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How do I select the tags my crush may have guessed about me?

To select the tags your crush may have guessed about you follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Post icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • From your list of posts, tap on the post you want to update

  • Tap on the respective tags under My crush's tags and My tags​​​​. They will be selected/deselected accordingly

  • Tap the Update button to save your changes​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Who can see my posts?

A post is by default private and not visible to anyone unless you make it public. When you match with someone through your respective posts, they will be able to see the tags they had in common with your post and the ones they missed.

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What happens when I make a post public?

When made public, your post becomes searchable by and visible to anyone. People can also reach out to you through direct message by replying to your post. Your profile remains private.

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How is my profile information shared?

Your profile is by default private and not shared with anyone unless you choose to.

 

You can choose to share your profile with the people you've matched with after chatting with them and feel confident you're talking to the right person.

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What information from my profile is being shared with my matches?

When you share your profile with the people you've matched with, all the information from your profile becomes visible - namely your picture, bio, education and work.

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What information from my profile is being shared when my post is made public?

You can choose to have your profile picture displayed next to your post on the search results. No other information from your profile is shared when you make your post public.

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How do I display public posts?

To display public posts, simply tap on the Search icon on the bottom navigation bar and enter your search criteria.

 

To display the public posts that are related to your post, tap the corresponding number next to Public Post(s) on your post list.

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How do I manage the public settings of my post?

To manage the public settings of your post follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Post icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • From your list of posts, tap on the post you want to update

  • Switch on/off the​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Make post public/searchable toggle button depending on whether or not you want to have your post visible to and searchable by anyone

  • Switch on/off the Show my picture on search results toggle button depending on whether or not you want to have your picture displayed next to your post on search results

  • Tap the Update button to record your changes

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How long is a post valid?

A post is valid 7 days from the time you crossed paths with someone.

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Can I delete a post before it expires?

Yes. To delete a post manually follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Post icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • From your list of posts, swipe left on the post you want to delete

  • Tap the Trash icon. Your post will be deleted upon confirmation

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What happens when a post is deleted or expires?

When a post is deleted or expires, it is removed from your post list along with any matches and chats associated with it.

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What do the numbers next to 'total post(s)', 'public post(s)' and 'match(es)' represent on my post list

Total Post(s) displays the total number of active posts created by users for the same situation (E.g., within the same flight, on the same subway line). Public Post(s) represents the portion of these posts that have been made public.

Posts that have been matched with your post are shown under Match(es).

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Matching & Messaging

How do I match with someone?

If you post about someone and that person expresses a similar interest in you, your respective posts will be matched to one another.

We look at the traits and attributes from your post and specifically the one that you've selected as required. If we find them in another post and vice versa, it's a match!

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How are posts selected for matching?

All posts that are related to the same situation (E.g., flight DL1234 from NY to LA on June 2nd) are eligible for matching with one another.

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How do I display my matches?

To display your matches, go to your post list and tap the number next to Match(es) on any given post.

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What information is shared when I match with someone?

When you match with someone the only information that gets shared is what's in the Story, so indirectly what you posted.

Your profile is kept private. You can decide later if you want to share it with your match or not.

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What is the Story?

The Story tells you how you matched with someone else. Specifically, it details the traits and attributes from your post you had in common with your match and the ones you missed.

The Story gives you that extra level of comfort and confidence to decide whether or not you want to further engage with your match and start chatting.

If you feel good about the Story and your match and want to move forward tap on the Like (heart) icon. If you don't feel it tap on the Cross icon.

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How do I start chatting with a match?

When you match with someone you don't get to chat with the person right away.

 

Instead, the chat is automatically enabled if both you and your match explicitly express interest in each other by tapping on the Like button within the Story.

Once the chat is enabled, go to your match list and tap on the Chat icon on any given match.

Alternatively, tap on the Chat icon on the bottom navigation bar to display all active chats.

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How do I share my profile with a match?

You can share your profile with a match by doing one of the following:

1) On your match list:

  • Tap on the 3-dots menu on any given match

  • Tap Share my profile

2) On your Match chat window:

  • Tap on the 3-lines menu

  • Tap Share my profile

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Does my match need to share their profile to see mine?

Yes. Your consent alone is not enough. Profiles remain private until both of you agree to share profiles.

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What information from my profile is shared with my match?

We share you entire profile - namely your bio, work, education and picture.

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How do I display my match's profile?

To display your match's profile do one of the following:
1) On your match list:

  • Tap the Profile icon on any given match

2) On your match chat window:

  • Tap on your match's picture/name

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What information from my profile is shared when I reply to a public post

When you reply to a public post, your entire profile including picture is shared with the author of the post.

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Can anyone message me if I make a post public?

Yes, anyone can message you unless you have previously reported them.
People you've matched with can also send you a direct message through your public post.

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How do I remove a match manually?

You can remove a match by doing one of the following:
1) On your match list:

  • Tap on the 3-dots menu on any given match

  • Tap Remove

2) On your match chat window:

  • Tap on the 3-lines menu

  • Tap Remove

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I accidently removed a match. Can I get it back?

If you remove a match, you won't be able to restore it. We can't restore it for you either.

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Can I delete a message or a conversation?

You can't delete a specific message or conversation. However, once a match is removed from your match list you lose access to the corresponding chat history.

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Are conversations archived or deleted when a match is removed?

We do not keep the history of your past conversations. If you end up reconnecting with the same person in a different situation, we won't bring back your prior exchanges.

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Why am I not getting any matches?

Here are few things to look into or consider if you're not getting any matches:

  • For place posts only: check the address of the place you selected, and specifically the street name and number. There are many Starbucks on 6th Avenue in New York so it might be worth double checking

  • For street posts only: make sure you don't enter a street number, as it can be interpreted differently by people

  • Check the date, and make sure it corresponds to the day you crossed paths with someone (or departure date for plane posts)

  • Is the number of self-descriptors you selected too high and are you confident your crush would guess them all? Might be worth taking another pass at your matching criteria, and specifically the self-descriptors selected and time interval

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Profile & Account Settings

How are my traits and preferences on my profile being used?

Your personal traits and preferences are defaulted on the posts you create. If you have key traits and/or a specific type, enter the corresponding tags on your profile so you won't have to every time you create a post.

 

We don't share this information with any users.

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How do I edit my traits and preferences?

To edit your personal traits or preferences on your profile, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Tag selection (plus) icon next to My traits or My preferences

  • On the Tag selection screen, select the relevant tags by scrolling through the different tabs

  • Press the Back (left arrow) icon on the top left corner when you're done with your selection

  • If needed, enter additional tags by typing over add tag.... When you're done typing, press the keyboard spacebar to confirm the tag

You can delete a tag at any time by clicking on the Delete (cross) icon.

You can select/enter up to 12 tags for your traits and 5 tags for your preferences.

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Do I have to provide my bio, job or school information?

You don't have to. It is however recommended as it provides your connections with more information about who you are.

 

This information is visible to your connections only when you share your profile with them or reply to a public post.

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How many photos can I upload to my profile?

You can upload only one picture to your profile. We're assuming that the people you've crossed paths with know how you look, so there is really no need for more than one picture.

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How do I manage my notifications?

Notifications are sent when:

  • You match with someone

  • The chat is enabled with a given match

  • You receive a new message

  • Your match's profile is shared

To enable/disable notifications, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Switch on/off the​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ All notifications toggle button​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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How are you using my email address?

We're using your email address when provided to send relevant communication and updates on our products and services.

 

Your email address is kept private. We don't share it with any users nor use or default it in any of your activities.

 

We do require a valid email to be provided when you contact us through the app or website.

To edit your email address, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Tap Email

  • Enter your email address​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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How are you using my primary location?

We're using your primary location when provided to send targeted communication and updates on our products and services.

 

Your primary location is kept private. We don't share it with any users nor use or default it in any of your activities.

 

To edit your primary location, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Tap Location

  • Enter your primary location​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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How do I change the date and time formats?

By default, date and time are displayed in the MM-DD-YYYY/12-hour format for users with a +1 phone number/account and in the DD-MM-YYYY/24-hour format for all other users.

To change the way the date and time are displayed, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Tap Date/time format

  • Select the format of your choice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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How do I log out of Goneby?

To log out of Goneby, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Scroll down to the bottom and tap Log Out​​​​​​​​​​​​

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How do I delete my account?

To delete your Goneby account, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Scroll down to the bottom and tap Delete Account​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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What happens when I delete my account?

When you delete your account, your profile is removed along with all active posts, matches and conversations.

Your presence and visibility on the the app is driven by your activity and nothing else, so if you want to take a break simply delete any active posts, matches and conversations. We don't recommend deleting your account unless you want to step back for a while.

 

Browse through the Safety & Privacy FAQ to learn more about how we're managing your account.

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How do I request a copy of my personal data or past activities?

To request a copy of your personal data and/or past activities, follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Tap Contact us

  • Tap My data

  • Send us a message requesting your personal data and/or past activities

 

Alternatively use our Contact form (select My data).

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How do I submit a new idea for a feature?

There's nothing better than hearing from our community. To tell us about your idea, follow these steps on the app:​

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the ​Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Tap ​Contact us ​​​​​​

  • Tap ​​​​​General question and send us a message

Alternatively use our Contact form (select General question).

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Safety & Privacy

My account got blocked. How can I appeal?

If your account has been blocked for violating our Terms of Service, you won't be able to log in and access the app anymore.

If you want to appeal or believe your account has been blocked by mistake, send us a message through our Contact form (select Security concern).

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How do I report someone?

You can report a match by doing one of the following:

1) On your match list:

  • Tap on the 3-dots menu on any given match

  • Tap Report

  • Ent​​e​r ​​​the ​​​​​​​re​​p​or​t ​​​​r​​e​​a​​s​on​​ ​an​d ​​​​ta​​​p ​​​​​​S​​u​​b​​​mi​​t​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

2) On your match chat window:

  • Tap on the 3-lines menu

  • Tap Report

  • Ent​​e​r ​​​the ​​​​​​​re​​p​or​t ​​​​r​​e​​a​​s​on​​ ​an​d ​​​​ta​​​p ​​​​​​S​​u​​b​​​mi​​t​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​

Alternatively use our Contact form (select Security concern) or follow these steps on the app:

  • Tap the Profile icon on the bottom navigation bar

  • Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the top right corner

  • Tap Contact us

  • Tap Security concern​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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What happens when I report someone?

When you report someone, the person you reported won't be able to contact you anymore nor be eligible for matching with you on any posts created afterwards.

Report is anonymous and the person you reported does not get notified.

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How do you keep my account safe?

Your safety and privacy is important to us, so we're giving you full control on how you want to operate on the app, from matching with others to what you want to share. We also keep your account safe by signing you out periodically and monitoring the devices used to log in, among others.

If you have further questions, send us a message through our Contact form (select Security concern).

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