Question 1

Why not just use Bumble BFF?

Accepted Answer

Fair question — Bumble For Friends (Bumble BFF) is the best-known friend-finding app, and if it works for you, genuinely, use it. Here's what SeaWingman does differently: Friendship isn't a mode here — it's the whole app. SeaWingman isn't run by a dating company and has no dating version. There's nothing to toggle, no blurred lines, and profiles are built around interests and activities — not swiping on faces. Groups and real events, not 1-on-1 matching. The fastest way to make real friends is doing things together. SeaWingman is built around local events and group chats — meetups, nights out, beach days — so you meet a whole table of people at once instead of grinding through one-at-a-time chats that fizzle. Built for Southeast Asia, by people who live here. Local events, city communities, and features designed for how expats, travellers, and locals actually meet in this region — not a global app where Asia is an afterthought. Friendship-only, never a dating app — that's the founding rule for everything we build.

Question 2

What is attendance tracking?

Accepted Answer

For events where the host turns it on, check-in lets them mark who actually showed up. At the door the host scans your personal QR (the same code on your invite screen) and you're marked as arrived. It's just so the host has an accurate headcount — there's nothing you need to set up.

Question 3

How do I check in at an event?

Accepted Answer

You don't check yourself in — you just show your personal QR and the host scans it. On the event, tap Check in at the door to bring up your QR code, hold it up, and the host marks you in — you'll see You're checked in. If you redeem a Promo at the event, that also checks you in (when the host has check-in on), so there's no need to scan twice.

Question 4

Do I need to tap anything or share my location to be counted?

Accepted Answer

No. There's no "I'm here" button, no GPS, and no self check-in — a host has to scan your personal QR (or tap your name) to mark you arrived. All you do is show your QR at the door.

Question 5

Does every event track attendance?

Accepted Answer

No, it's optional. Each host decides per event whether to switch check-in on. If it's off, there's no arrival scanning — you're simply signed up as usual.

Question 6

Is my attendance shown anywhere, or do I earn anything for it?

Accepted Answer

No. Check-in is just a private roster the host and team see for that one event — there's no public list, no history of events you've attended, and no points or badges for showing up. It only records that you arrived at that event.

Question 7

How do I turn on check-in and scan guests in? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

When you create or edit an event, switch on Check-in. At the door, open the event and tap the QR icon in the top bar (it opens Check in guests), then point your camera at a guest's personal QR — their photo and name come up so you can confirm it's them, then they're marked in. You can also tap a name to check someone in manually, or use Add & check in for someone who isn't on the list (a walk-in).

Question 8

Who can check people in, and what do I see? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

Hosts, Ambassadors, and Admins can check people in — plus anyone the host has added as staff for the event (a promoted guest, or a helper on the shared doorman login). A regular attendee can't. As you scan, you'll see a live N in count next to your attendee total and a roster of who's arrived, with walk-ins flagged. Checked someone in by mistake? Tap them to undo it.

Question 9

Can I get a helper to scan check-ins and promos for me? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

Yes. From an event you host, open Staff access — two options: - Promote a guest to scanner. Pick someone on your guest list — they can even still be Invited (before they've accepted) — and switch them on. They scan from their own account: check-ins and promos, for that one event only. - Doorman login (no account needed). Share one name + code with your helpers. They open SeaWingman and type it into the normal Email and Password boxes, landing straight in a scan-only screen for your event — nothing else is reachable. Tap Regenerate for a fresh code (which signs out anyone on the old one), or Revoke to switch it off. Handy for a hired doorman or security who don't use the app. Either way, staff can only scan check-ins and redeem promos for that event — they can't edit it or see anything else in your account.

Question 10

How do I join an event?

Accepted Answer

Open the Events tab, pick an event, and tap Join. Joining an event adds you to its group chat so you can coordinate with everyone going.

Question 11

How do I add an event?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the kind of event: - Private (invite-only): any Premium member can create one from the app. Tap ＋ on the Events tab, switch on Private event, and pick who to invite. Only the people you invite (or approve) can see it. - Public: these are hosted and curated by the SeaWingman team, so they aren't created by members directly. If you'd like to run or suggest one, get in touch — Contact on the web, or Settings → Contact Support in the app — with the place, date, time, and a short description, and we'll set it up with you.

Question 12

What's a private event?

Accepted Answer

A private event is invite-only. It doesn't show up in the Events tab or on the website — only the host, the people they invite, and anyone who's joined can see it. Otherwise it works like any other event: it has its own group chat, and the host can turn on Promos or check-in if they like.

Question 13

How do I get into a private event?

Accepted Answer

One of two ways. Either the host invites you — you'll get a notification (and an email), and you open the event and tap Join — or someone shares the event's link or QR with you and you tap Request to join, which the host approves. Either way you'll need the SeaWingman app to see the details and join.

Question 14

I opened a private event link but can't see the details — why?

Accepted Answer

That's on purpose. A private event keeps its name, place and time behind the app's invite wall, so a shared link opened on the web just says you've been invited. Open it in the SeaWingman app: if you were invited it'll be there to join, and if you only have the link you can tap Request to join and the host gets your request.

Question 15

Who can see who's going to a private event?

Accepted Answer

Only the people connected to it — the host, the guests they invite, and anyone who's joined or asked to join. The guest list of a private event is never public, and someone who only has the link (without asking to join) can't see who else is going.

Question 16

How do invites work, and can I add more guests? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

When you make an event private you pick your guests from your friends and group chats, and SeaWingman sends each one an invite by app notification and email. You can add more guests any time from the event screen. You can only invite people already in your circle — it isn't a way to message strangers.

Question 17

How do I host a private event? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

If you're a Premium member or have a Host badge, create an event and switch on Private event, then choose who to invite from your circle. Only your invitees — plus anyone you Approve who asks to join — can see and join it. Want to run a public event, or have us set something up? Get in touch: Contact on the web, or Settings → Contact Support in the app.

Question 18

What is the Wingman tab?

Accepted Answer

The Wingman tab lists friend requests waiting for your response. When you and another person both send a request, you're connected and a chat opens up.

Question 19

How does the sorting on Discover work, and who do I see?

Accepted Answer

Use the Sort by menu on Discover to change the order of the people you see: - Like-Minded (default) — people who share the most of your interests come first, then Ready before Active, then whoever's closest to you. - Interests — most shared interests first. - Distance — closest to you first. - Status — Ready and Active people first. Your match % with someone is the share of your interests they also list — so if you have one interest and they share it, that's a 100% match, even if they have other interests too. You'll only see relevant profiles, so we automatically hide: yourself, anyone you've blocked (or who blocked you), suspended accounts, people you've already liked or passed in the last 24 hours, and anyone outside your distance or age range (both people have to fit each other's age preferences). Offline profiles are hidden too, including when you search a specific city. You can set your distance, age range, and search location in your Discovery preferences in Settings.

Question 20

Can I keep private notes about people I meet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Open someone's profile and scroll down to My Private Note — jot down anything you'd like to remember about them, up to 1,000 characters. It saves automatically as you type. Notes are completely private: only you can see them, and the other person is never notified. Anyone you've written a note about gets a small note badge on their card in Discover and on their profile, so it's easy to spot the people you've made notes on. To remove a note, tap the ✕ in the note box — it's deleted right away.

Question 21

How do I create an account?

Accepted Answer

Download SeaWingman, open the app, and choose Continue with Google or Sign in with Apple. Your account is created instantly — there's no separate password to remember.

Question 22

How do I set up my profile?

Accepted Answer

Open your profile from the header icon, then add photos, a short bio, your interests, and your birthday. A complete profile with a few photos helps you connect with more people.

Question 23

How many photos can I add, and why did one disappear?

Accepted Answer

There's no fixed number — instead, your photos share a storage allowance (measured in MB), and Premium members get a much larger one. That allowance covers your profile photo plus any photos you've sent in chats. If you go over the limit, the app automatically frees up space by removing your oldest chat photos first, so an older photo you shared in a conversation can disappear. Your profile photo is never auto-removed.

Question 24

Where are my conversations?

Accepted Answer

The Chat tab holds everything — your direct messages, group chats, and event chats. Tap any row to open the conversation.

Question 25

Can I create a group chat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From the Chat tab, start a new group and add friends. The group owner can manage members and hand off ownership at any time.

Question 26

What can I send in a chat?

Accepted Answer

Text, photos, and your location. Tap the icons in the message bar to attach a photo, take one with your camera, or share where you are.

Question 27

What does Premium include?

Accepted Answer

Premium removes the friend-list limit, removes ads, and lets you create your own private events — invite-only get-togethers for the people you choose. It's available as a monthly or yearly subscription.

Question 28

How do I manage or cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Subscriptions are managed in your device's settings — the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android. Open your subscription there to change your plan or cancel. Apple and Google don't allow cancelling from inside the app.

Question 29

I bought Premium but it isn't showing.

Accepted Answer

Open the Premium screen and tap Restore Purchases. If it still doesn't appear, contact support and we'll sort it out.

Question 30

What is an Event Promo?

Accepted Answer

A Promo is a limited perk a host attaches to an event — a free drink, a discount, first-in entry, whatever they choose. There are only so many. Hosts hand them out one of two ways: first-come (you tap Collect on the event screen while they last) or by a raffle (you enter and a random draw picks the winners). Either way it lands in the app as your own QR code and arrives by email — you show it at the event and it's scanned to redeem.

Question 31

How do I get a Promo?

Accepted Answer

It depends how the host is running them, and the event screen shows you which: - First-come — tap Collect your promo while they last. Signing up alone doesn't reserve one; collecting is a deliberate tap, so a Promo only goes to someone who actually wants it (and there are more to go around). - Raffle — you enter and a random draw picks the winners (see the next question for how that works). Some hosts also use fairness to spread Promos to new faces: if you've used a Promo recently, this one may be kept open for others so more people get a turn. Only Promos you actually redeemed count — collecting one or not showing up doesn't count against you.

Question 32

How does a Promo raffle work?

Accepted Answer

Instead of a first-come scramble, some hosts hand out Promos by a random draw. Tap Enter (or, if the host set it that way, everyone signed up is entered automatically), and when the draw runs the app picks the winners at random and drops each one's Promo into My Promos (and email) automatically — you don't have to be fast, or even online when it's drawn. The host sets the timing: a draw before the event (enter early for a chance) or a short entry window after the Promo is posted. Winners get the usual notification; if you entered and weren't picked, you'll get a gentle "not selected this time" note. If the host has fairness on, people who've used a Promo recently either get lower odds or are left out of the draw entirely (the host's choice) — so newcomers get a look-in. Only Promos you actually redeemed count.

Question 33

What does "Promo 4/10" mean?

Accepted Answer

On a first-come Promo it's your number in line — you got the 4th of 10 for that event. It's just for reference; every Promo is worth the same thing. (Raffle Promos aren't numbered — you either win one or you don't.) You can see all your active Promos any time under My Promos.

Question 34

Where's my QR code, and how do I redeem it?

Accepted Answer

Open My Promos (from your event or the settings menu) and tap your Promo to bring up its QR code. At the event, show that screen to whoever's scanning at the door — they scan it with the app and it's redeemed on the spot. It also lands in your email, so you can pull it up from there if you like.

Question 35

Is there a deadline to use my Promo?

Accepted Answer

Yes — whether you collected it or won it in a draw, be there and have it scanned within a short window after the event starts (the host sets this, 30 minutes by default). If you don't make it in time, your Promo is released so someone else can grab it. You'll see the exact "use by" time on the Promo itself.

Question 36

Why is my photo shown when my Promo is scanned?

Accepted Answer

Anti-fraud. When your Promo is scanned — by the host or their event staff — your profile photo comes up so they can confirm it's really you. That's what stops a Promo from being screenshotted and passed around: the photo has to match the person standing there.

Question 37

Can I give my Promo to a friend?

Accepted Answer

No. A Promo is tied to your account, it's single-use, and your photo shows when it's scanned — so it only works for you. If you can't make the event, just give it up and it's freed for the next person.

Question 38

I signed up but didn't get a Promo — why?

Accepted Answer

A few reasons, depending on how the host is running them: - First-come — they'd already run out. Promos are limited and go fast, so if the event filled its Promos before you collected, there's none left to grab. - Raffle — you entered but weren't drawn this time. - Fairness — if you've used a Promo recently, the host's fairness setting may be keeping this one open for people who haven't (only Promos you actually redeemed count). You're still signed up for the event either way — and if a Promo is later freed up, it's offered around again, so keep an eye out.

Question 39

What happens to a Promo someone doesn't claim or use?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't go to waste. If a holder cancels, or doesn't show up and get scanned within the window, their Promo is released and offered to everyone signed up who doesn't already have one. It's an open race — you'll get a notification, and the first person to tap Claim gets it. (Raffles are drawn before or during the event; any Promo freed up afterwards is offered around this same way.)

Question 40

Can I decline or give up a Promo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On a first-come Promo, not collecting one is how you decline — nothing is reserved for you until you tap Collect. In an opt-in raffle, you can tap Leave any time before the draw (if the host auto-enters everyone, just leave the event to opt out). And if you already have a Promo and change your mind, open it in My Promos and tap Give up this promo — it goes back to the pool for someone else, and you stay signed up for the event.

Question 41

Who scans Promos, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Ambassadors and Admins can scan and redeem at any event; a Host can scan at events they run; and a host can add staff to a specific event (a guest promoted to scanner, or a helper signed in with the event's shared doorman login). Regular attendees can't — scanning is a trusted action. To scan: open the event (or tap the Scan button) and point the camera at the attendee's QR. Their photo and name come up so you can confirm it's them, then tap to redeem. If a Promo has already been used, the app tells you when and by whom, so it can't be redeemed twice.

Question 42

How do I turn Promos on for my event? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

When you create or edit an event, switch on Promos and set how many there are, the perk (e.g. "Free drink"), and the redeem window. Then choose how they're handed out: first-come (attendees tap Collect) or a raffle (a random draw picks the winners — either ahead of the event or in a short entry window). New promo events also start with fairness on — it favors people who haven't used a Promo recently (only redeemed Promos count). You can retune it, switch it off, or choose whether recent users are skipped entirely or just get lower odds in a draw. The app handles delivering each one.

Question 43

Do I use up one of my own Promos as the host? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

No. Hosting an event doesn't consume a Promo — all of them are available for your attendees.

Question 44

Someone got skipped or has a problem — can I fix it? (hosts)

Accepted Answer

Yes. A host, Ambassador, or Admin can hand an extra Promo to a specific signed-up attendee — the "make it up to someone" option — even if the regular count is used up, and the fairness limits don't block it. It's logged, so there's always a record.

Question 45

Can I see who redeemed a Promo at an event? (admins)

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the admin Events area, each event with Promos shows how many were issued, how many were redeemed, and who's holding one but hasn't used it yet — so you can see who actually showed up versus who signed up and didn't.

Question 46

How do I block or report someone?

Accepted Answer

Open the person's profile, tap the menu in the top-right, and choose Block user or Report user. Blocking hides you from each other; reports go straight to our moderation team.

Question 47

Who can see my full name?

Accepted Answer

Other members see your first name and last initial — never your full last name. This is the default naming but you can also set a nickname

Question 48

Can I use a nickname?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In your profile you can set a display name that others see instead of the default "First L." (your first name and last initial). Leave it blank to keep the default. A display name has to follow our name rules — real-looking, no impersonating SeaWingman staff or support, and nothing offensive — and it can be changed once every 30 days.

Question 49

How do I change notification settings?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings → Notifications and toggle the types of notifications you want to receive.

Question 50

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Open Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap Remove Account, then confirm by typing DELETE. The moment you confirm you're signed out and your account is hidden from everyone — nobody can find you, message you, or register again with your email. Your data is then kept for 30 days and permanently erased after that: profile, photos, matches, messages, and notes, all gone for good. That 30-day window is a safety net — if you deleted by mistake or change your mind, email support@seawingman.com from your account's email address within 30 days and we can bring it back exactly as it was. After 30 days it can't be recovered. Full details of what's deleted and when: seawingman.com/delete-account.

Question 51

Can I lock the app with Face ID or a fingerprint?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Settings → Account login → App Lock, turn on App Lock to require Face ID / fingerprint (or your device passcode) to open SeaWingman. It kicks in after the app has been in the background for about a minute, so quick app-switches don't nag you. It's a privacy guard, not a second login — if someone borrows or grabs your phone, they can't peek at your messages, matches, notes, or location. If biometrics ever fail, your device passcode still lets you in, so you can't lock yourself out. It's off by default and set per device, so turning it on here doesn't change it on your other phones. You'll need a passcode (and Face ID / fingerprint if you want it) set up in your phone's own settings first.

Question 52

What do the Privacy & Safety settings do?

Accepted Answer

In the app under Settings → Privacy & Safety you control two age ranges: - Discovery Preferences — the age range of people you see in Discovery. - Privacy Control — the age range of people who can see your profile. Prefer to disappear entirely? Set your status to Offline — you're hidden from Discovery while you keep browsing and chatting.

Question 53

What do the Ready / Active / Inactive / Offline statuses mean?

Accepted Answer

Your status shows how available you are. It updates automatically, but you can also set it yourself from your profile (Profile → Status → Change status): - Ready — you've turned on a short "ready to meet up" timer. It stays until the timer runs out, then returns to automatic. - Active — you're online. This is the automatic default whenever you're using the app. - Inactive — set automatically after about 4 hours of no activity, or choose it yourself. - Offline — set automatically after 7 days of no activity. If you set Offline yourself, you go incognito: you won't appear in Discovery, but you can still browse and chat. (Anyone who's Offline is hidden from Discovery everywhere — whether they set it themselves or the app set it automatically after 7 days of no activity.) When you pick a status yourself, it stays until you change it — using the app won't flip it back. Choose Active to hand control back to automatic. You can also set a short status message (like "Looking for a coffee buddy") that your friends see — that's separate from the coloured status.

Question 54

What's a status message?

Accepted Answer

Your status message is a short line on your profile that tells people what you're currently up for or interested in — like "Looking for a coffee buddy" or "Free this weekend to explore." It shows on your profile and on your card in Discovery, so others can see what you're into right now. You can also broadcast it to your friends: turn on status-message broadcasts, and whenever you change your status message your friends get a quick heads-up — so the people you're already connected with know what you're up to. It's separate from the coloured Ready / Active status.

Question 55

How do I create a poll in a chat?

Accepted Answer

You can run a quick poll inside any group chat or event chat (not 1-on-1 chats). Open the chat, tap the ＋ next to the message box, and choose Poll. Type your question, add 2 to 10 options, and optionally set it to close after 1 hour, 3 hours, or 1 day (or leave it open until you close it). Anyone in the chat can create a poll and anyone can vote. Votes are anonymous — everyone sees the running tallies, but not who voted for what. Results update live as people vote, and each person gets one vote (you can change your pick while the poll is open). Whoever started the poll — or the group owner or an admin — can close it at any time, and a short “Poll closed — the winner” note appears in the chat.

Question 56

How do raffles and giveaways work at events?

Accepted Answer

If you're hosting an event (or you're an ambassador/admin), you can run a raffle right inside the event's chat. Tap the ＋ next to the message box and choose Raffle, then set it up: - Prize — a text reward you hand over, or one of the event's promos (the winner gets a real promo they redeem at the door like any other). - How many winners, and whether people tap Enter or everyone's automatically entered. You can also require guests to be checked in to enter ("be here to win"). - When to draw — draw it yourself whenever you're ready, or set it to draw automatically at a time. - Give more people a chance — optionally skip anyone who already won a raffle or already got a promo (at this event, or ever). The winner is chosen at random on our server, everyone sees a "🎉 winner" message in the chat, and the winner's phone shows a bright celebration screen. If a winner doesn't show, the host can re-roll for a replacement. Promo prizes appear in the winner's My Promos to redeem in person — winning never uses up a promo automatically.

FAQ

About SeaWingman

Finding friends

Messaging & group chats

Promos

Safety & privacy

Getting started

Status & availability

Event & Private Events

Attendance tracking

Premium

Using the app

Referrals & leaderboard

What do the badges mean?

Still need help?