Want to explore solo, without the check-in texts?

Faro is a simple timer that automatically alerts your circle, but only if you're late. Finally, a way to let them know you're okay, without the worry.

Be the first to know when Faro launches!

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Your peace of mind in three simple steps

1

Set a timer

Before you head out, set a timer for your activity and add a quick note about your plan. It’s that simple. Your contacts are not notified so they don't spend their time worrying.

2

Live your moment

Go on your hike, your date, or your run. Live in the moment without the pressure of constant check-in texts. We trust you.

3

Check in safe

When you're done, a single tap lets the app know you're safe. If you don't check in, we'll automatically notify your circle for you.

For every journey, big or small

For the solo hike

Go off-grid and embrace the solitude, knowing a friend will be alerted with your plans if you don't return on time.

For the first date

Meet someone new with an extra layer of comfort, without having to share your plans widely or make a fuss.

For the late-night run

Enjoy your evening workout with the quiet reassurance that a trusted contact is silently looking out for you.

Born from a real experience

Faro was born from a feeling we all know—that flicker of uncertainty when you're on your own, balanced with the fierce desire for independence.

It started on a solo hike in La Palma. After a bus didn't show up, I found myself hitchhiking for the first time, walking up a quiet mountain road. And a thought crossed my mind: “Nobody really knows where I am. If anything happens, it could be days before anyone notices.”

I messaged my sister to let her know my plans. That made me feel better, but then she was worried all day. I wanted my freedom, but I didn't want it to be a source of anxiety for the people I love.

A few days later, planning a night hike on Teide with a new acquaintance, that same feeling returned. I wanted to tell my sister, but I didn't want her to be worried all night.

That’s why Faro exists. It’s the solution I wished I had in those moments. A silent companion that trusts your independence but ensures you're never truly alone. It’s for us—the adventurers, the explorers, the independent spirits who want to live freely, knowing someone always has our back.

Why the name "Faro"?

"Faro" means lighthouse in Spanish and Italian. A lighthouse is a beacon of hope and a symbol of guidance, standing strong against the elements to help travelers find their way safely to shore. We wanted a name that captured that feeling: a quiet, steady presence that provides light and reassurance on your journey, whatever it may be.

Features at a glance

Simple safety timer

Set it in seconds and go.

Your trusted circle

Choose the few people you trust.

Privacy first

Location data is deleted on check-in.

Peace of mind

For you, and for them.

An important note on safety

Faro is a communication tool designed to inform your trusted contacts. It is not a replacement for emergency services.

Faro does not contact 911, 112, or any other emergency responders. In a critical situation, your first action should always be to contact local authorities directly. Please use Faro as one part of a thoughtful safety plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Faro. If you can't find your answer here, please send us a message.

The Basics

What is Faro?
Faro is a personal safety companion designed for independent people. It's a simple check-in timer that automatically notifies your pre-selected contacts, but only if you don't check in as "OK" before your timer expires. It’s designed to give you freedom and your loved ones peace of mind.
Who is Faro for?
Faro is for anyone who wants an extra layer of reassurance when they're out on their own. This includes solo travelers exploring a new city, people meeting someone new for a date, hikers, runners, or anyone who wants a silent guardian without the need for constant back-and-forth texting.
How do I use Faro?
You set a duration (in hours) for your activity and add a required note about your plans. This note is crucial as it provides context to your contacts if an alert is sent. Once you start the timer, Faro runs silently in the background. Before the timer ends, you'll receive a notification reminding you to check in. If you don't check in by tapping the "I'm OK" button, the app will automatically send an alert to your trusted contacts.

How It Works

What information is sent to my contacts in an alert?
If an alert is triggered, your trusted contacts will receive an email (and SMS, for paid subscribers) containing your name, the note you wrote about your plan, and the location path that was recorded while your timer was active.
Will my contacts be notified when I start a timer?
No. This is the core principle of Faro. Your contacts are not bothered when you start an activity. They will only be notified if your timer expires and you have not checked in as OK. This way, you have the freedom to go about your plans without causing unnecessary worry.
What happens if I forget to check in but I'm actually fine?
The app will send you reminder notifications before your timer expires. If you miss these and an alert is sent, the best thing to do is to contact your trusted circle directly to let them know you are safe.
Does the app need to be open for the timer to work?
No. Faro is designed to run in the background. Once you start a timer, you can close the app and use your phone as you normally would.
Does the location tracking work when the app is closed?
Yes, your location is still synced with our servers. But both Android and iOS have certain limitations on location services and network usage when the app is closed, so it depends on your settings and phone how often your location is tracked.
What if I don't have a phone signal?
The alert system is managed on our servers, so an alert will be sent even if your phone loses connection after a timer is set. However, you do need an internet connection to send location updates during your activity and to check in as "OK" at the end to stop the alert from being sent. We also recommend to check on the app if you've been out of reach for a bit so your location can be synced with our servers.
What happens if I add a contact who doesn't have the app?
That's perfectly fine! Your trusted contacts do not need to have Faro installed. They will receive the alerts via standard email and/or SMS. We recommend letting them know you've added them so they recognize the alert if it ever arrives.

Safety & Privacy

IMPORTANT: Does Faro contact emergency services like 911 or 112?
NO. This is critical. Faro is a communication tool to alert your personal contacts. It DOES NOT and CANNOT contact official emergency services. In any situation where you feel you are in immediate danger, your first action should always be to contact your local authorities directly.
How is my location data handled?
Your privacy is our top priority. The app only records your location path while a timer is active. The moment you check in as "OK," that entire location history is permanently and immediately deleted from our servers. We do not store or sell your location data.
Do I have to have my location tracked?
No absolutely not. You can choose to accept or deny the app's permission to use location services. Just know that we won't be able to send your location to your circle if we need to send an alert.

Account & Subscription

What are the different subscription plans?
Faro offers three tiers:
• Free: 1 contact, 2 timers per month, email alerts only.
• Standard: 1 contact, 10 timers per month, SMS & email alerts.
• Premium: 5 contacts, 30 timers per month, SMS & email alerts.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can manage or cancel your subscription at any time through your phone's native App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) subscription settings.

Ready to embrace your next adventure?

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