RYLAY
Say it like relay
Talk and text with nearby friends, even without cell service.
RYLAY is an iPhone app that connects nearby iPhones directly over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Coming soon to the App Store
For iPhone
How RYLAY works.
- Phone to phoneNearby iPhones connect directly over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, without cell service, a data plan or an account.
- Talk, call and messageJoin a passcode-protected group channel, call a friend or send a message.
- Know the limitsRYLAY only works between nearby iPhones that have RYLAY, often within about 30–100 meters depending on conditions. It is not a safety device and does not contact 911.
Support
Questions, feedback or ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
How do you pronounce RYLAY?
REE-lay, just like relay. Messages relay from phone to phone to reach your group.
How do I start talking to my group?
One person taps Broadcast, names the channel and shares the passcode. Everyone else taps Join, enters the passcode and waits for the host to let them in.
Why can't I find a channel?
Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and allow Local Network access (Settings → RYLAY). The host must be broadcasting. Range depends on terrain and conditions, and is often about 30–100 meters between phones.
How do I block or report someone?
Press and hold their message, then choose Block or Report. Blocking hides everything from them right away. Report also sends us the message details by email.
Does SOS reach 911?
No. SOS only reaches other nearby phones running RYLAY. Always contact emergency services directly when you need them.
How do I delete my data?
Everything RYLAY stores is on your phone. Go to Settings and tap Delete My Data to erase it all, like a fresh install. Deleting the app does the same. We have no account or server data to delete.
Privacy Policy
We don't collect your data. RYLAY has no server, no accounts, no analytics and no ads. The app works between your phone and nearby phones, and it doesn't send your messages, calls, location or contacts to us or to any third party.
What the app uses on your phone
- Nickname and profile photo. A name and optional photo you choose, shown to people you connect with. Stored only on your phone.
- Microphone. Used only during a voice channel or a call. Audio goes, encrypted, to the phones you're talking with. RYLAY never records or stores it.
- Bluetooth and local network. Used to find and connect to nearby phones running RYLAY, including in the background so calls and messages can reach you while your phone is locked.
- Location, only when you choose to share it. An SOS can include your current location. You can also share your location with a group or a friend for a set time (1 hour, 4 hours or until midnight). While sharing is on, your location updates about every 25 seconds, encrypted and designed so only that group or friend can see it. It stops when the time ends, when you stop it or when you leave. RYLAY doesn't save shared locations on any phone.
- Nearby Interaction. Locate shows the distance and direction to a friend using the phones' Ultra Wideband chips, only while the Locate screen is open. RYLAY doesn't store it.
- Photos. Photos you choose to send go, encrypted, to that friend only. A received photo is saved to your library only when you tap Save.
- Notifications. Optional alerts, such as an incoming call, a dropped channel or a friend coming back into range. They're created on your phone.
What nearby phones can see
Voice, calls, direct messages and shared locations are encrypted and designed so only the intended people can read them. Anyone you communicate with can still save or share what you send them, for example with a screenshot. Messages in the open Group room, including SOS alerts and any location attached to an SOS, can be read by nearby phones that relay them, similar to how a radio relay hears what it repeats.
What's stored, and how to delete it
Your nickname, profile photo, friends list, blocked list, encryption key (in the iPhone Keychain) and, if Message History is on, your direct messages and photos stay on your phone. Turn off Message History to delete saved conversations. Tap Delete My Data in Settings, or delete the app, to remove everything. We keep no copies.
Information that can reach us
- Emails. If you email us or report a message, we receive what you choose to send, including your email address. We use it only to respond and to act on reports.
- Apple diagnostics. If you choose to share analytics with app developers in your iPhone settings, Apple may send us anonymous crash reports and usage statistics. You can turn this off anytime in Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements.
Children
RYLAY is not directed at children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes and contact
If this policy changes, we'll update this page and the date above. Questions: [email protected]. RYLAY is published by Point Rider LLC, Washington State, USA.
Terms of Use
By using RYLAY you agree to these terms and to Apple's Standard License Agreement.
Not a safety device
RYLAY does not replace 911, marine VHF radio, avalanche beacons or other safety equipment. Do not rely on it in an emergency. SOS reaches only nearby RYLAY phones and does not contact emergency services.
No guaranteed range or delivery
Connections, calls and delivery of messages, locations and SOS alerts depend on distance, terrain, battery, settings and device conditions, and may fail or be delayed.
Outdoor activities are risky
Riding, skiing, boating and similar activities carry risk of injury or death. You are responsible for your own safety and choices.
Zero tolerance for abuse
Don't post harassment, threats, hate speech, sexual content, illegal content or spam, or impersonate anyone. Use Block and Report in the app. We review reports we receive and may take steps to limit abuse. You are responsible for what you send, and we don't monitor or control messages between people.
Follow the law
You must use RYLAY in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
Stay focused
Don't let the app distract you while riding, driving or operating equipment, and follow the laws where you are.
No warranties
RYLAY is provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent the law allows, Point Rider LLC and its members, employees and partners are not liable for any injury, death, loss or damage, or any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, arising from using or being unable to use RYLAY, including failed, delayed or undelivered messages, calls, locations or SOS alerts. Our total liability for any claim is limited to the amount you paid for the app, if any.
Changes
We may update these terms. Continuing to use RYLAY after an update means you accept the new terms.
Governing law and contact
These terms are governed by the laws of Washington State. Questions: [email protected].