Question 1

What do I need to play?

Accepted Answer

A modern iPhone or Android phone that supports AR, and a free account. That's it — no special equipment.

Question 2

Is it free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Virtual Geocache is free to play, and finding caches will stay free. We may add ads or optional extras down the road to help keep it running.

Question 3

Where is it available?

Accepted Answer

Caches are placed in select areas to start and the map grows as the community expands. Open the map to see what's near you.

Question 4

How do I find and start a hunt?

Accepted Answer

Browse the map for a cache near you and head to its area to begin the hunt — from there your phone guides you in with warmer and colder buzzes.

Question 5

Do I have to physically go to the location?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's an on-site experience. The cache only reveals in AR once you've actually walked to the spot.

Question 6

Are the exact cache coordinates shown?

Accepted Answer

No. You get a fuzzed search area rather than a precise pin — homing in with the warmer/colder clues is the whole game.

Question 7

How precise is a cache's location?

Accepted Answer

GPS guides you to the right area, then the find reveals in AR right in front of you, posed the way the hider arranged it. Because phone GPS and AR both drift a few metres, a cache isn't pinned to one exact object — think “by this bench / under this tree,” not “behind this specific rock.” Pinpoint, object-anchored placement is on our roadmap.

Question 8

What are story trails?

Accepted Answer

Trails are linked sequences of caches that unfold a story as you find them in order, one stop unlocking the next.

Question 9

The AR reveal or haptics aren't working — what should I check?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you've granted camera and location permissions, you're outdoors with a good GPS signal, and your device supports AR (ARKit on iOS, ARCore on Android). Restarting the hunt usually clears transient issues.

Question 10

How do I sign in?

Accepted Answer

With your Google or Apple account — no separate password to manage.

Question 11

Are my find photos public?

Accepted Answer

No — the photos you capture of your finds are private to your account.

Question 12

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

You can delete your account and its data from the account settings in the app.

Question 13

Can I submit my own 3D models?

Accepted Answer

Community model submissions are planned for a future release, with a review step before they go live.

Question 14

How do I stay safe while hunting?

Accepted Answer

Keep your head up and stay aware of your surroundings — never hunt while crossing streets or driving. Stick to public land, mind the terrain and weather, and leave no trace.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Playing

Account & privacy

Contributing & safety