Getting started

Welcome! Here’s everything you need to make your first check-in and start levelling up.

Home — this week’s top picks

Explore — spots near you

Checked in — XP earned

1. Sign in and set up your profile.

   When you first open Locatour, sign in with Google to create your account, then set up a quick profile — a name, an avatar, and your interests (hiking, camping, fishing, photography, and more). Your interests help the app surface the kinds of places you’ll enjoy most.

2. Find a place near you.

   Open the map. You’ll see locations around you, each marked with a pin. Tap one to see its details — what it is, what you’ll find there, and what you’ll earn for visiting. At the start you’ll see the everyday, easy-to-reach places; the more remote and hidden spots stay locked until you’ve levelled up. See Finding & unlocking locations.

3. Go there.

   This is the part that matters: you have to actually be at the place. Locatour is played outdoors, on foot. Pick somewhere you can get to, and head out.

4. Check in with a photo.

   When you arrive, open the location and tap check in. Your phone confirms you’re really there, and you’ll take a quick photo to mark the moment. That’s it — you’ve checked in. Curious how it works (and why)? See Photo check-ins.

5. Earn experience and level up.

   Every check-in rewards you with experience. As your experience grows, you climb levels — and each milestone unlocks new places to discover. Keep a daily habit going and you’ll build a streak, too.

Tips for your first week

• Start close. Knock out a few easy, nearby places to get a feel for the loop.
• Turn on location and camera permissions. Locatour needs both to verify a check-in — here’s exactly what we do with them.
• Follow your interests. Places that match your interests are a great place to begin.
• Come back tomorrow. Daily check-ins build streaks and add up fast.

Next: Finding & unlocking locations →