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Getting Started

Get from a fresh install to your first game in a few minutes. This covers downloading PlayMate, every way to sign in (including Sign in with Apple), agreeing to the terms, enabling location, and setting up your profile.

PlayMate is free on both stores. Install it on your phone, then open it to reach the welcome screen.

PlayMate login screen with email/password, Forgot Password, and Apple/Google/X sign-in
The login screen on launch — sign in with email, or one tap with Apple, Google, or X.

On the login screen you can sign in with an existing account or create a new one. Tap Sign Up to switch into account-creation mode.

  1. 1

    Enter your email and a password.

  2. 2

    Add your name and phone number (sign-up only).

    These help other players recognize you and are shown on your profile.
  3. 3

    Agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

    A checkbox is required before you can create an account — see “Terms & Privacy” below.
  4. 4

    Tap Sign Up (or Log In) to continue into the app.

Forgot your password? Tap Forgot password? on the login screen, enter your email, and follow the reset link we send you.

Prefer one tap? PlayMate supports Sign in with Apple, Google, and X. Tap the matching button on the login screen and confirm with your provider. If it's your first time, you'll be asked to accept the terms (below) before entering the app.

Sign Up tab with name, email, password, social sign-in and Terms agreement
The Sign Up tab — register with email, or one tap with Apple, Google, or X, after agreeing to the Terms.

Your account works the same either way

However you sign in, you get the same full account — including the ability to delete your account and all data at any time from Settings. Sign in with Apple does not limit any feature.

Before you can use PlayMate, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. New email sign-ups and brand-new Apple/Google/X users see a checkbox that must be ticked to continue. This keeps the community safe and sets the ground rules for posts, messages, and other user content.

PlayMate is built around what's happening near you, so the first time you open the Radar tab the app asks for location permission. Allowing it lets you see nearby players, games, and venues on the map in real time.

Prefer not to share GPS? You can still use everything — just set your location manually: long-press anywhere on the map, or tap the pin button to drop your spot. You decide how precisely your location is shared (exact, approximate, or hidden) in Location sharing.

Why we ask for location

Location powers the core experience — finding nearby pickup games and players. It is never required to create an account, and you can change or revoke it any time in your phone's Settings or in PlayMate's privacy controls.

A complete profile gets you better matches. Open the Profile screen and:

  1. 1

    Add a photo and a short bio.

  2. 2

    Pick your sports and skill levels.

    Tap Sports to choose the sports you play and set Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced for each.
  3. 3

    Set your availability.

    Mark the days and times you usually play so others know when to invite you.
Profile screen with photo, sports, skill levels and a complete-your-profile prompt
Your profile — add a photo and bio, pick your sports and skill levels, and set availability.

That's it — head to the Radar to find a game, or turn on Quick Game to be matched automatically.