LYOS Travel Application – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Getting started
Yes. The LYOS app is free to use. We may introduce optional premium features in the future, but these will be clearly marked. We will not charge for functionality you are already using today.
LYOS is currently available as a mobile app. We aim to support as many modern devices as possible. If you experience issues on your device, please contact us at hello@lyos.com.
At present, LYOS is designed for mobile use only. Some features may become viewable in a web
browser in the future, but this is still to be confirmed.
2. Storyline & photos
Your storyline is private to you. Storyline images are not uploaded or shared with other users. LYOS uses the timestamp and location metadata from your photos to identify places you have visited and to build your storyline.
The places you visit and any reviews you leave may be visible to your connections when they search for destinations or plan future travel.
Your initial storyline is limited to give you a clear sense of how LYOS works going forward. As you take new photos, these are added automatically to create new chapters in your storyline. We may introduce longer historical storylines in the future based on user feedback.
No. LYOS does not upload or store your photos. Your photos remain on your device at all times. We only use the photo’s timestamp and location metadata to organise your storyline.
No. LYOS only uses your main camera folder. Photos that have been moved to other folders or
marked as private are ignored by the app.
In the photo gallery view (when photos are maximised), tap the trash icon in the top corner. This
removes the photo from LYOS only. The photo will remain on your phone.
Please check the following:
- Photo access permission is enabled for LYOS
- Location is enabled for your photos (you can check this in your phone’s photo details)
If location data is not attached to your photos, LYOS cannot identify where they were taken. If permissions are enabled and your storyline is still empty, please contact us.
3. Places, location & how LYOS works
LYOS uses a combination of signals that confirm you were physically present in a place. This includes location data from your photos and, where available, recognised Wi-Fi networks associated with venues. This helps ensure that places shown in LYOS reflect real visits.
No. LYOS only collects location data where you have granted permission. Location collection is controlled by your device’s operating system and can be changed or disabled at any time. Some features may not work correctly if location access is turned off.
There are two layers of trust:
- You can see where your own connections have been and what they rated.
- Users can only rate places LYOS has recognised they actually visited.
This helps ensure ratings are based on real experiences.
Please check that:
- You have location enabled
- You are connecting to the venue’s Wi-Fi where available
- Background location permission is enabled if you want places captured without actively using
the app
If the place still doesn’t appear, it may not yet be recognised by our maps provider. Contact us and
we’ll investigate.
4. Ratings, points & rewards
Go to the Ratings tab, where you’ll see cards for cities and places LYOS has identified you’ve visited. Rate each from 1–5 stars (5 being the best). Once completed, you’ll move on to the next card. Each rating earns LYOS points.
Yes. In your profile, go to the Reviews section, select the entry you want to update, and change the rating.
You earn points by being active on the app, such as leaving ratings and inviting friends. Points help recognise active community members. Travel rewards may be offered from time to time; availability
and criteria may change.
5. Wishlist, planning & bookings
Use the search bar at the top of the map. This switches the view from visited (past) to wishlist (future), allowing you to search for cities and destinations.
Search for a destination, select it from the list, and open the destination page. Tap Add, then optionally add dates or skip this step. Wishlist destinations appear on your map, and dated trips may be linked by dotted route lines.
From a destination page, choose accommodation or tours to book with our partners. LYOS connects you to partner services; bookings are completed on the partner’s platform.
At present, confirmed bookings do not automatically appear in LYOS. We are working on an itinerary feature that will allow you to manually add booked activities and dates.
6. Profile, connections & social features
A profile is created automatically when you sign up. You can edit it from the Profile tab. Your profile
shows your visited places, points, and travel stats
Profiles are visible to other LYOS users. Your storyline remains private to you.
From your profile, tap Share LYOS to send an invite link. You can also invite friends from the People tab using the plus button. When friends join via your link, you’ll automatically connect and earn points.
In the People tab, search for users, view their profiles, and send a connection request. Once accepted, you’ll be connected.
Go to the People tab, select the connection, and choose Disconnect. This removes the connection. Blocking functionality may be added in the future.
Disconnect from the user if applicable, then contact us at hello@lyos.com with details
7. Privacy, safety & data control
No. LYOS does not sell your personal data. Data is used only to operate and improve the app, in line with our Privacy Policy
Some features, such as storyline creation and place recognition, may stop working or become limited. You can re-enable permissions at any time in your device settings.
From your profile, you can choose to delete your data and start again, or permanently delete your LYOS account. Deleting your account removes your profile, connections, ratings, and points.
In the People tab, search for users, view their profiles, and send a connection request. Once accepted, you’ll be connected.
8. Errors, feedback & support
Please email hello@lyos.com. We’re adding in-app reporting features soon.
LYOS is designed with privacy and user control in mind. Your photos stay on your device, permissions are optional, and you control what you share. Always use common sense when travelling and sharing information.
If you have questions not covered here, contact us at hello@lyos.com
