Common questions
Short, straight answers. Still wondering about something? Email help@ourdot.app.
Questions and answers
What is OurDot?
OurDot is a free, private, invite-only app where a whole family can message, share photos, send voice notes, video call, play games, take short lessons and plan meals together. There are no ads, no strangers and no endless scroll.
Is OurDot free?
Yes. There are no fees, no in-app purchases and no ads.
How does OurDot make money?
It doesn’t yet. The plan is to become a nonprofit funded by an opt-in marketplace that never shows ads to anyone under 18.
Who is OurDot for?
Whole families: kids, teens, guardians, grandparents, and trusted adults like aunts, uncles and close family friends. See who it’s for.
What ages can use OurDot?
Any age, with a guardian. Guardians choose each child’s age range (under 13, 13 to 15, or 16 to 17), and privacy and controls adjust to it.
Can strangers find or message my child?
No. There’s no search, no public profile and no friend requests. Only people a guardian invited are in your family, and adults other than guardians never message a child one-on-one.
Does OurDot have ads or sell data?
No ads, no outside tracking tools, and we never sell or rent your information. Read the privacy policy.
How do kids sign in without their own email?
Kids use their guardian’s email with a plus tag, like you+leo@gmail.com. Sign-in codes go to the guardian’s inbox, and OurDot never stores a child’s own email.
What is the guardian line?
A private chat between a child and their guardians. It stays open all the time, even during school mode and sleep mode.
What are school mode and sleep mode?
Times a guardian sets when a child’s OurDot rests, except the guardian line. They’re enforced on our servers. More on guardian controls.
Can I see my child’s journal?
No. Journals are private to the writer, including from guardians and from OurDot. Everything else a child shares with family, guardians can see.
Does OurDot work on iPhone, Android and computers?
Yes, in any web browser today at ourdot.app/app. The iPhone app is on its way to the App Store, with Android after. Get OurDot.
Are video calls recorded?
No. Calls travel live and are never recorded. A child is never on a call alone with an adult who isn’t their guardian.
How do I delete my account?
Family tab → “Delete my account.” Your posts, photos, voice messages, messages and journal are deleted. Guardians can delete a child’s account from the same tab.
Where is OurDot based?
OurDot is made by MadCap Associates LLC in Spokane, Washington, USA.
How do I give feedback?
Tap the 💬 tab on the edge of any screen in the app and choose “I love this,” “I don’t like this,” “Something’s broken” or “I have an idea.” You’ll see what we decided in “My feedback.”