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App Permissions

Understanding what permissions RailRadar needs and why they're important for your safety.

Why We Need These Permissions

RailRadar's core function is to help keep you safe at railroad crossings. To do this effectively, we need to know your location and, optionally, permission to send you alerts when you're not actively using the app.

Location (While In Use)

RequirediOS, Android

Identify nearby railroad crossings and provide relevant safety alerts

We use your current location to show crossings within a reasonable distance and alert you about train activity in your area.

Location (Background)

OptionaliOS, Android

Provide alerts even when the app is not actively open

Optional background location allows us to send safety notifications when you're near active crossings, even if you're not using the app.

Notifications

OptionaliOS, Android 13+

Send important safety alerts about railroad crossing activity

Push notifications alert you about approaching trains or crossing malfunctions. You can enable this later in your device settings.

Camera/Photos

OptionaliOS, Android

Attach photos to crossing condition reports (optional)

If you choose to report crossing conditions, you can optionally attach photos to help other users and authorities understand the situation.

Android Background Location Notice

For Android users: If you choose to enable background location access, you'll see a system prompt. This permission allows RailRadar to alert you about nearby train activity even when the app isn't open.

Read full background location disclosure

Managing Your Permissions

iOS Settings

  1. 1. Open Settings app
  2. 2. Scroll down and tap "RailRadar"
  3. 3. Tap "Location" to change location settings
  4. 4. Tap "Notifications" to manage alerts

Android Settings

  1. 1. Open Settings app
  2. 2. Tap "Apps" or "Application Manager"
  3. 3. Find and tap "RailRadar"
  4. 4. Tap "Permissions" to adjust access

Safety First

Remember: RailRadar is a tool to help enhance your awareness, but it should never replace looking both ways, listening for trains, and following all posted railroad crossing signals and gates.