Overview
Waypoint Unknown is developed and operated by Jason Merkel under the Merk31 Labs brand.
You don't need an account to play. Your game progress is stored on your device. We do not operate a server that collects your location or gameplay history, and the app contains no advertising or third-party analytics SDKs.
Apple services, including Maps and TestFlight, process information as described below.
Location and compass information
With your permission, Waypoint Unknown uses your current location and compass heading to calculate the direction to a destination and score your answer.
The app requests location access while in use, not background location access. It uses location and heading updates while preparing and playing expeditions. Your coordinates and compass bearings are not written to your saved game history or sent to a developer-operated server.
You can change location permission at any time in your device's Settings. Live gameplay requires location access and a usable compass reading. Practice mode uses a simulated location and heading instead.
Saved progress and preferences
The app stores information locally, including:
- Scores, directional accuracy, attempt dates, and Daily Expedition results.
- Favorites, exploration order, badges, and streak history.
- Practice mode, haptic preferences, and reminder settings.
Waypoint Unknown does not currently synchronize this progress between devices through an app-operated cloud service. Your device's backup and restore features may include app data, depending on your Apple settings.
Saved game history stays on your device until you use Reset Progress or delete the app. Preferences remain until you change them or delete the app. Copies in device backups are controlled separately by your backup settings.
Daily reminders
Reminders are optional. If enabled, they are scheduled locally on your device using your chosen reminder time and completed Daily Expeditions.
You can turn reminders off in the app's Settings or manage notification permission in your device's Settings.
Maps, links, and sharing
The results map uses Apple Maps. When connected, Apple may process the displayed map area and related technical information to provide the map. That area may reveal information about your starting location. Merk31 Labs does not collect your coordinates on its own server. See Apple Maps & Privacy for Apple's practices.
Opening a destination's source link or coordinates may take you to another website or app, whose privacy practices apply there.
Sharing a score is optional. The prepared share contains score details and expedition context, such as the Daily edition date and practice or replay labeling. It does not include your coordinates, guessed compass bearing, or journey map. Information you send is handled by the sharing service and recipients you choose.
TestFlight beta testing
When you use a TestFlight version, Apple automatically collects crash logs and usage information and shares information with the developer. Feedback you submit, including comments and screenshots, is also shared. Depending on how you joined the beta and what you submit, this may include your name or email address.
We use this information to troubleshoot problems and improve Waypoint Unknown. These diagnostics are provided through TestFlight, not an analytics SDK built into the app. See Apple's TestFlight privacy notice for details.
Please check screenshots before submitting feedback: results maps may reveal your location.
Support requests
If you contact [email protected], we receive your email address and the information you provide. We use it to respond, troubleshoot problems, and improve the app. Our email service providers process messages for delivery and storage. Please avoid sending unnecessary sensitive information.
We keep support correspondence and diagnostic information only as long as reasonably needed to resolve issues, verify fixes, or meet applicable obligations. Apple controls retention in its own services. Resetting game progress does not delete support correspondence or Apple's records.
Website hosting
We use Cloudflare to host and protect the website and route support emails. To provide these services, Cloudflare may process website request information, such as IP addresses and browser details, and messages sent through its email-routing service. See Cloudflare's Privacy Policy.
Your choices and deletion
To clear game history, use Settings → Your Progress → Reset Progress. This removes scores, Daily results, favorites, badges, streaks, and exploration progress on that device. Your preferences and reminder settings remain.
Deleting the app—not merely offloading it—removes its local app data from the device. These actions do not automatically delete device backups, previously shared messages, support correspondence, or information retained by Apple.
For questions or requests concerning information we hold about you, contact [email protected]. For information held by Apple, use Apple's privacy controls.
Changes and contact
We may update this policy as the app changes. The date above identifies the latest revision.
For privacy questions or requests to access or delete information we hold about you, email [email protected].
Operator: Jason Merkel, under the Merk31 Labs brand.