Quick answers
Getting started
Download ALINE from the App Store and sign in with your phone number — we'll send a one-time code. Once you're in, complete your profile (name, role, headline) and save at least one intent card describing what you're looking for, like "raising a seed round" or "hiring an iOS engineer." Then open the app at your next event or meetup.
How matching works
ALINE finds people near you in two ways. Bluetooth Low Energy detects other ALINE users in immediate range — usually 3 to 30 meters. Location is the fallback when Bluetooth isn't practical, and it's also how we pick which local channels to surface.
Once two users are close enough, an AI ranks the match based on what each person wants. When both sides are exactly what the other is looking for, the match is flagged as a strong fit and pinned to the top of your feed.
You don't need to do anything during a match — ALINE works in the background while the app is open. Tap any match to view the profile, see why you matched, and start a chat.
Permissions & privacy
ALINE asks for several permissions, all required for the app to work. Here's what each does:
- Bluetooth. Core feature. Detects other ALINE users in physical proximity. Used in foreground and background.
- Location (Always). Fallback proximity detection and local channel selection. Your exact coordinates are never shown to other users.
- Contacts. Optional. Only used if you tap "Invite Contacts." We never auto-upload your address book.
- Camera. Scanning Aline QR codes and recording meeting recap videos.
- Microphone. Voice-based intent card capture and meeting recap audio.
- Speech Recognition. On-device transcription of your voice intents and recaps.
- Motion. Verifying real in-person interactions to improve match quality.
- Photo Library. Saving your own Aline QR code as an image.
- Calendar. Optional. Only used when you accept a meeting proposal in chat.
Full details in our privacy policy.
Why am I not seeing matches?
Three common reasons:
- No one else is running ALINE nearby. Both phones need the app installed and Bluetooth on. ALINE works best at events with density — conferences, meetups, coworking spaces.
- Permissions denied. Open Settings → ALINE and confirm Bluetooth and Location (Always) are granted.
- Discovery mode is set to Silent. Open Profile → Discovery Settings → set to Visible.
If you've checked all three and still see nothing after 5 minutes at a populated event, email us — there may be a server-side issue.
Block, report, and safety
To block or report a user, open their profile and tap the menu icon in the top right. Reports include 7 categories (harassment, impersonation, spam, inappropriate content, threats, scam, other). All reports are reviewed within 24 hours.
Blocking is immediate. Blocked users cannot see your profile, match with you, or send you messages. They are not notified.
If you experience anything urgent or safety-critical, contact us directly at support@aline.network with "URGENT" in the subject.
Delete my account
In the app: Profile tab → Settings → Delete Account. Your profile, matches, messages, and discovery history are removed within 24 hours. Your phone number is scrubbed immediately so it can be reused.
If you can't access the app, email support@aline.network from the phone number associated with your account and we'll process the deletion manually.
Troubleshooting
App crashes on launch
Force-quit and reopen. If it still crashes, delete and reinstall — your account and matches are stored on our servers and will reload when you sign back in.
OTP code never arrives
Check that you entered the right country code. SMS delivery can take up to 60 seconds in some regions. If the code still doesn't arrive, tap "Resend" once. If that fails, email support@aline.network with the phone number you're trying to use.
Bluetooth permission keeps re-asking
iOS resets Bluetooth permission when the app is updated. Tap "Allow" and the prompt will stop.
QR code won't scan
Make sure your camera has good light and the QR code fills most of the frame. If it still doesn't scan, ask the other person to send their aline.network/connect/... link directly.
Talk to a human
For anything not covered here — bugs, suggestions, partnerships, press — email support@aline.network. A real person reads every email and we typically reply within 24 hours.