Last updated: June 25, 2026
Email [email protected]. We typically respond within two (2) business days. Include your account email and a clear description of the issue. For payment disputes, also include the date of purchase and the last four digits of the card used (never send full card numbers).
Create an account in the Ranger iOS app with your email address and password. Registration uses our secure API at /auth/registration/. Email verification is optional; you may confirm via the link we send when SMTP is configured.
If Google login is enabled on our server, you may sign in with your Google account. Your Google email must be verified. Google Sign-In is optional and requires server configuration (GOOGLE_IOS_CLIENT_ID).
Your auth token is stored in the iOS Keychain (and legacy UserDefaults). If your session expires, the app will prompt you to log in again. Use Profile → Change Password to update credentials.
Premium unlocks photo library imports in addition to the live camera. Free accounts must use the live camera only — this anti-cheat rule is enforced in the app and on our servers (is_field_verified flag).
Premium is a recurring subscription billed through Stripe via external checkout in your browser. Apple does not process this transaction. After payment, return to the app via the success page or the ranger://checkout/success deep link so we can verify your session.
/verify-checkout/ with your session ID.Manage or cancel your Stripe subscription through Stripe's customer portal or the payment method you used at checkout. Deleting your Ranger account also cancels an active Stripe subscription when configured on our servers.
Refunds are handled according to Stripe policies and applicable law. Contact [email protected] for billing questions.
Species identification runs entirely on your iPhone using Apple Core ML models (BirdModel and iNaturalist Vision). Photos are not sent to third parties for AI analysis. Wikipedia may be queried from your device for educational species text.
ML results are for fun and education, not scientific certification. Try a clearer photo, better lighting, and center the subject. Trees, blurry images, and distant subjects often produce low-confidence results — the app may show Unknown Critter when confidence is below our threshold.
Sightings sync to /sightings/ when logged in. Large images are rejected above our size limit. Ensure you have network access and a valid auth token. Collection data is also cached locally via SwiftData.
The world map uses Core Location when you grant When In Use permission. Coordinates are attached to catches you save and power nearby sightings (/nearby-sightings/) within a default 15 km radius.
Each catch becomes a collectible card with rarity, XP, and level. Use the iOS share sheet to export card images. Shared content is under your control — see our Terms of Service for license terms.
The global leaderboard shows your display name, stats, and rank — not your full email. Tapping a profile shows up to 12 rarest card images for that explorer. Avatars are generated via Facehash from your display name or email.
Progress syncs via /update-stats/ when you open relevant screens. Stats include sightings count, unique species, streaks, and badges unlocked. If numbers look stale, open the Leaderboard or Quests tab to trigger a sync.
See our Privacy Policy for full details on email, photos, GPS, profile stats, Stripe identifiers, and third-party services.
Permanent deletion is available in-app:
This calls /delete-account/, removes your sightings and images from our servers, cancels Premium when applicable, and clears your auth token. This cannot be undone.
Email [email protected] from your registered address to request a copy of or correction to your personal data. We verify identity before fulfilling requests.
NSPrivacyTracking is false).Report crashes, incorrect leaderboard data, or suspected cheating (fake locations, manipulated uploads) to [email protected]. We may remove sightings or suspend accounts that violate our Terms of Service.
Ranger is provided as is. Wildlife laws vary by location — always follow local regulations when observing animals and plants. Identification results are not legal or scientific proof of species presence.
Automated system messages may originate from [email protected] when configured. Replies to that address may not be monitored — use [email protected] for support.