Social Networking for Humans

Help Topics

Getting Started with Connect

Meet people nearby, instantly.

UTurn’s Connect feature is designed to help you meet people who are close to your current location and looking to socialize. Whether you're in the mood for a coffee, a walk, or a quick chat, Connect makes spontaneous, local connections simple and safe.

What Is Connect?

Connect is UTurn’s location-based feature that shows you other users nearby who are also open to meeting someone. It’s ideal for those moments when you feel like stepping out and having a real-world conversation—with someone who’s just around the corner.

How It Works

1. Turn On Discovery

To start using Connect, simply toggle Discovery on. You’ll then:

  • Choose an activity you’re interested in (e.g., coffee, a walk, a drink).

  • Share your current location with UTurn servers securely.

  • Get taken to the Discovery Grid—a real-time view of others nearby.

2. See Who’s Around

The grid shows users who:

  • Are within 3 km (2 mi) of your current location.

  • Have also turned on their discovery.

  • Are sorted into zones based on distance:

    • Zone 1: Up to 1 km

    • Zone 2: Up to 2 km

    • Zone 3: Up to 3 km

Each person is represented by an icon showing the activity they selected, so you instantly know what they’re in the mood for.

3. View Profiles

Tap anyone on the grid to view their Connect profile, which includes:

  • A nickname

  • Age

  • Photos

  • A short introduction

If someone catches your interest, you can send them a message right from the profile screen.

Messaging on Connect

Chats started via Connect are private and persistent:

  • They don’t disappear when either person turns off Discovery.

  • Messages are stored locally on each user’s device.

  • The chat is independent of your main UTurn messaging.

This means you can arrange meetups, continue conversations later, or stay in touch—all on your terms.

Turning Off Discovery

When you're done socializing:

  • Just turn off Discovery with one tap.

  • You’ll disappear from the grid and stop seeing other users.

  • No one can contact you through Connect while it’s off.

This gives you full control over when and how you engage.

Privacy & Safety by Design

Connect is built to protect your identity and location:

  • Other users can’t see your exact location.

  • Your Connect profile is independent of your main UTurn account.

  • Your UTurn number and identity remain private.

  • You can block users at any time if needed.

You can also unblock users later if you change your mind.

We require real photos to use Connect because meeting someone face-to-face should be based on authenticity and trust.

Activities You Can Choose

When turning on Discovery, you can select from a simple list of activities:

  • Cup of coffee ☕

  • A drink 🍹

  • A meal 🍽️

  • A walk 🚶

  • Dog walk 🐕

  • Bicycling 🚴

  • Sport partner 🏀

This helps others understand your vibe and makes spontaneous meetups smoother.

Accessing Connect

You can find Connect right from the main tab bar on the app’s home screen. It’s just a tap away whenever you feel like meeting someone nearby.

Final Thoughts

Connect is at the heart of UTurn’s mission to make real-world socializing easier, safer, and more fun. With strong privacy protections, real-time discovery, and user-first design, Connect makes meeting people locally feel effortless and natural.

💬 Turn on Discovery and see who’s around—you might just meet your next friend, walking partner, or coffee buddy today.