Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start tracking my hike?
To start tracking your hike:
- Open RideRunHike and navigate to the GPS Tracking section
- Select the trail you want to track or create a new route
- Tap the "Start Tracking" button
- Allow location permissions when prompted
- Your hike will begin tracking automatically
Note: Make sure you have a good GPS signal and your device's location services are enabled.
How does the emergency alert system work?
The emergency alert system is designed for your safety:
- Set up emergency contacts in your profile settings
- When you activate the emergency alert, your exact location is sent to your contacts
- The app will attempt to contact emergency services if available
- Your location continues to be tracked and shared until you deactivate the alert
Important: This feature should only be used in genuine emergency situations.
Can I use the app offline?
Yes! RideRunHike offers offline capabilities:
- Download maps and trail data before your trip
- GPS tracking works without internet connection
- View downloaded trails and routes offline
- Emergency alerts will attempt to send when connection is restored
Tip: Download maps for your planned hiking area when you have a good internet connection.
How accurate is the GPS tracking?
GPS accuracy depends on several factors:
- Clear view of the sky (avoid dense forests, canyons)
- Device GPS hardware quality
- Weather conditions
- Urban environments may have reduced accuracy
Under optimal conditions, accuracy is typically within 3-5 meters. The app uses multiple positioning methods to improve accuracy.
How do I save my favorite trails?
To save trails to your favorites:
- Browse trails in the Explore section
- Tap the heart icon on any trail you want to save
- Access your saved trails in the Saved section
- You can organize favorites into collections
Note: You need to be signed in to save favorites and sync them across devices.
Is my data private and secure?
Yes, we take your privacy seriously:
- All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
- Location data is only used for app functionality
- We don't sell or share your personal information
- You can delete your account and data at any time
- Emergency data is only shared when you activate alerts
Read our Privacy Policy for complete details.
Common Issues & Solutions
GPS Not Working
If GPS tracking isn't working properly:
- Check that Location Services are enabled in device settings
- Ensure you have a clear view of the sky
- Restart the app and try again
- Check if you're in an area with poor GPS signal
Can't Download Maps
If you're having trouble downloading maps:
- Check your internet connection
- Ensure you have enough storage space
- Try downloading smaller areas at a time
- Restart the app and try again
High Battery Usage
To reduce battery consumption:
- Close other apps while tracking
- Reduce screen brightness
- Use airplane mode with GPS enabled
- Consider using a portable charger
Sync Issues
If data isn't syncing properly:
- Check your internet connection
- Sign out and sign back in
- Force close and restart the app
- Check if the app is up to date
App Crashes
If the app keeps crashing:
- Update to the latest version
- Restart your device
- Clear app cache and data
- Reinstall the app if problems persist
Connection Problems
If you're having connection issues:
- Check your internet connection
- Try switching between WiFi and cellular
- Restart your router/modem
- Contact your service provider if issues persist