Record on your iPhone and send a watch link to someone you trust. They can follow in a browser without installing TrailsPals. Agree your route, return time and what they should do if they cannot reach you before you leave.
How do I share a hike with someone at home?
Install TrailsPals, sign in with Apple or Google, and start a journey. Set up your Guardian plan and send the watch link. Ask your recipient to open it and check that the journey and last-update time are visible before you leave coverage.
- The iPhone records. Allow the location permissions requested by the app and check battery before leaving.
- The browser watches. The recipient uses the link; they do not need an iPhone or a TrailsPals installation.
- The return plan matters. Tell your Guardian when to expect you and how to act if you are late.
What can a watcher see?
The watch page shows journey and position information, the time of the last update, and available safety-plan status. Check the last-update time: a marker can represent the last received position rather than where someone is now. Available battery and check-in information depends on updates received from the phone.
Does it work without mobile coverage?
TrailsPals live syncing needs a working data connection. GPS recording can continue during a coverage gap; unsent points can sync when connectivity returns. A watcher cannot receive new positions while the phone cannot upload them. Battery, permissions and device state also affect recording and delivery.
Some supported iPhones can send occasional Find My location updates by satellite, subject to device, region and environmental restrictions. That is a separate Apple feature, not TrailsPals live syncing. See Apple's satellite location guidance. For remote trips, choose communications equipment appropriate to the conditions; no phone app guarantees rescue or delivery.
Is a watch link private?
Treat the link as an invitation: anyone it is forwarded to may be able to open it. Check your journey's privacy and sharing controls in the app. Ending a recording stops new tracking; it does not necessarily revoke an existing link or remove previously shared information. Read the privacy policy and share only with people you intend to receive it.
What is free and what needs Pro?
TrailsPals is free to download, with basic recording and sharing features and optional Pro upgrades. Audio voice memos are listed as a Pro feature. Check the current in-app offer for limits and additional Guardian options before purchasing. The person opening a watch link does not need to buy the app.
What should my Guardian do if updates stop?
Follow the plan you agreed before departure. A connection gap alone does not establish an emergency or confirm safety. TrailsPals does not contact emergency services on your behalf. The safety feature guide explains the limits, and the day-hike checklist helps you prepare.
See the recording tutorial for app screenshots, or browse routes before your next journey. For why a shared position can be less precise than it looks under canopy or in a canyon, see how accurate phone GPS is on trails.