Frequently asked questions

What is Spored?

Spored is a neighborhood exploration and connection app. Check in at local spots, earn points and badges, and see what's happening around you — a fun, lighthearted mycelial network that grows as your neighborhood does.

Is Spored free?

Yes. Creating an account and using the core app — check-ins, badges, challenges, and browsing neighborhoods and events — is completely free.

What neighborhoods does Spored cover?

Spored is growing one neighborhood at a time. Browse all neighborhoods to see what's live near you, or reach out if you'd like to start one for your own block.

How do I report a bug or request a feature?

Open your account menu (tap your avatar) and choose “Send feedback.” Pick Bug report or Feature idea and describe it in a few sentences — we read every submission. Submitting one earns a Feedback Giver badge, and if it's implemented you'll earn a Contributor badge too.

Can I install Spored on my phone?

Yes. On Android/Chrome, an “Install” banner appears — tap it to add Spored to your home screen. On iPhone, tap the Share button in Safari, then “Add to Home Screen” (iOS doesn't offer an automatic install prompt). Either way, Spored opens full-screen like a regular app. You can also turn on push notifications from Account settings; on iPhone, notifications only work once Spored is installed to your home screen.

How do check-ins work?

Walk into a participating business or spot, open Spored, and tap to check in — no scanning or extra steps required.

What do points, badges, and the leaderboard do?

Every check-in earns you points. Points unlock badges as you explore, and your running total puts you on your neighborhood's leaderboard (lifetime points, resets each season) — a different ranking from Top Caps below, which tracks recent visit frequency rather than points.

What are the mushrooms on a business, POI, or neighborhood page, and what are Top Caps?

Each place and neighborhood grows its own little mushroom patch — one mushroom per distinct visitor over the last 60 days, sized by how often they've checked in. Every business, POI, and neighborhood page also shows “Top Caps”: badges naming its 3 most frequent recent visitors and how many times each checked in. A business or POI page's Leaderboard tab extends that same ranking further down the list. Only public profiles are named.

What is the Collection tab?

Every venue you check into, every neighborhood you join, and every neighbor you connect with has its own unique mushroom “species,” discovered the first time you check in, join, or connect. Your account's Collection tab shows every species you've found so far — revisiting a place, rejoining a neighborhood, or reconnecting with someone bumps that entry's count instead of adding a duplicate.

Does Spored show local events?

Yes. Neighborhoods and businesses publish events — block parties, farmers markets, specials — either entered directly or synced from an external calendar feed. Your neighborhood page shows what's happening today and what's coming up.

Can I save an event to find it later?

Yes. Tap “Follow” on any event to save it to your account's Favorites tab. Events you're following that are happening today are also highlighted at the top of your Spore Feed.

How do I claim my business listing?

Find your business on Spored, tap “Own this business?” on its page, and submit a claim with your name. Once verified, you can manage your listing and see who's checking in.

Is claiming a listing free?

Yes, claiming and managing your basic listing on Spored is free.

Can businesses post coupons?

Yes. A claimed business can post a limited-quantity coupon with a start and end date. Followers unlock a copy by checking in at the venue, then redeem it in person by showing staff their phone and sliding to confirm — no scanning required. Once redeemed, a coupon can't be reused.

Can other users see my check-ins or activity?

Only if your profile is public. New accounts default to public (badges, check-in count, neighbor count, and — if you're among the most frequent recent visitors somewhere — a “Top Caps” badge are visible to others), but you can switch to private at any time from Account settings. See our Privacy Policy for details.

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account at any time from Account settings. See our Privacy Policy for what happens to your data.

I have another question — how do I reach you?

Email us at hello@tryspored.com.