Support
We're here to help! If you have questions, feedback, or need assistance with Risetide, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Contact Us
For support inquiries, feature requests, or feedback, please email us at:
Contact via EmailFrequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Why does the app need my location?
Sunrise and sunset times vary based on your geographic location. We use your location to calculate precise solar event times for where you are. Your location data is processed on your device and is never sent to our servers.
What happens if I deny location permission?
You can still use Risetide by setting a manual location. Go to Settings and enable 'Use Manual Location', then search for and select your desired city or coordinates.
What iOS version is required?
Risetide requires iOS 17.0 or later. Widgets require iOS 17.0+, and Live Activities require iOS 16.1+ (Dynamic Island requires iPhone 14 Pro or later).
What is Risetide Pro and what does it include?
Risetide Pro is our premium subscription that unlocks advanced features including Day Length Statistics (14-day trends), additional notification intervals (5, 10, 15, 20, and 45 minutes), Solstice and Equinox notifications, and future premium features. The free version includes core sunrise/sunset tracking with 30 and 60 minute notification options.
How do I upgrade to Pro?
Open Settings in the app and tap 'Upgrade to Pro' to view subscription options. You can choose monthly or annual billing, with all purchases managed through your Apple ID.
Features
How do I add widgets to my Home Screen?
Long-press on your Home Screen, tap the '+' button in the top corner, search for 'Risetide', and choose from small, medium, or large widget sizes. Lock Screen widgets can be added by long-pressing your Lock Screen and tapping 'Customize'.
How do I start a Live Activity?
Open Risetide and tap the Live Activity button. The countdown will appear in your Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro and later) or as a banner on your Lock Screen. Live Activities automatically end after the solar event occurs.
How do Live Activities work?
Live Activities show your countdown in the Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro and later) or as a banner on your Lock Screen. Start a Live Activity from within the app, and it will automatically update as the time progresses.
How do I use Analog Clock mode?
Open Settings by tapping the gear icon in the top-right corner. Under Display Mode, choose 'Analog Clock' to see a visual sun position clock instead of the digital countdown timer. This mode shows the sun's current position in the sky with a beautiful circular visualization.
How do I save multiple locations?
Risetide allows you to save favorite locations for quick access. In Settings, enable 'Use Manual Location', search for a location, and save it. Switch between saved locations to instantly see sunrise and sunset times for different places.
How do I change the app theme?
Go to Settings and select your preferred theme: Light, Dark, or Auto. The Auto theme automatically switches between light and dark modes based on the current time relative to sunrise and sunset.
What is auto dark mode?
Auto dark mode intelligently switches the app's appearance based on solar events. The app uses dark mode between sunset and sunrise, and light mode during daytime hours, perfectly synchronized with your local sun position.
How do notifications work?
Risetide can notify you before sunrise or sunset. Enable notifications in Settings and choose how many minutes before the event you'd like to be reminded. Free users can choose 30 or 60 minutes, while Pro subscribers get additional options of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 45 minutes.
What notification intervals are available?
Free users can set notifications for 30 or 60 minutes before sunrise/sunset. Risetide Pro subscribers unlock five additional intervals: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 45 minutes before solar events.
Photography Features
What is Golden Hour and why does it matter?
Golden Hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon, creating soft, warm, diffused light. Photographers prize this time for portraits, landscapes, and outdoor photography because the lighting is flattering and creates beautiful long shadows and rich colors.
What are Blue Hours?
Blue Hours occur during twilight—the period before sunrise and after sunset when the sun is below the horizon but indirect sunlight creates a deep blue sky. This magical time is perfect for cityscapes, architecture photography, and capturing the transition between day and night.
What are the different twilight types?
Risetide tracks three twilight periods: Civil Twilight (enough light for outdoor activities without artificial lighting), Nautical Twilight (horizon still visible at sea, bright stars appear), and Astronomical Twilight (sun's indirect light becomes imperceptible, ideal for stargazing). Each serves different purposes for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pro Features
What are Day Length Statistics?
Day Length Statistics is a Pro feature that shows you 14-day trends of daylight duration. Track how the length of your days is changing, see patterns throughout the seasons, and visualize the gradual shift toward longer or shorter days. Perfect for understanding seasonal patterns and planning outdoor activities.
What are Solstice and Equinox notifications?
Risetide Pro sends you notifications for the four major solar events each year: Spring Equinox (equal day/night in March), Summer Solstice (longest day in June), Autumn Equinox (equal day/night in September), and Winter Solstice (shortest day in December). Never miss these astronomical milestones.
Technical
How accurate are the solar calculations?
Risetide uses the NOAA Solar Position Algorithm combined with Apple WeatherKit data for maximum accuracy. This is the same algorithm used by government agencies and professional meteorologists worldwide. Our calculations account for atmospheric refraction and are accurate to within a minute of actual solar events.
What data does Risetide store on my device?
Risetide is privacy-focused and stores only essential data locally on your device: your location preferences, saved locations, notification settings, and theme preferences. No personal data is ever sent to external servers. All solar calculations happen entirely on your device.
Does Risetide drain my battery?
Risetide is designed to be battery-efficient. Location updates are only requested when needed, and widgets use Apple's efficient timeline system. Live Activities use minimal power.
Can I use the app offline?
Yes! Once Risetide has your location, it calculates sunrise and sunset times locally using astronomical algorithms. No internet connection is required for basic functionality.
Advanced
Can I set a custom location?
Yes! You can set any location worldwide to see sunrise and sunset times for that area. This is perfect for planning trips or checking times for distant locations.
Does the app work in polar regions?
Yes, but during polar day (midnight sun) or polar night, the app will indicate that sunrise or sunset doesn't occur on that day.
We typically respond to support requests within 24-48 hours.