Frequently asked questions

Is spareachair a dating app?

No. spareachair is for conversation, not romance. Tables are mixed for different perspectives, never for looks or attraction. There are no photo uploads, and flirting or sexual content is against our Community Guidelines.

What is an Event?

A scheduled online get-together that we host. Events come in different formats, such as an Evening, a Lunch break, a Morning coffee or a Weekend afternoon. Each has a theme and a start time. An Evening lasts about 90 minutes, a Lunch break 45, a Morning coffee 30 and a Weekend afternoon 120. You spend it at small tables of 3–6 people, and the tables change every round, which lasts 15 to 30 minutes depending on the format.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. spareachair is free to join and free to use. In the future we may show ads to keep it free; if we do, we’ll update our Privacy Policy and ask for your consent where the law requires it.

Who can join?

Adults aged 18 or over with a valid identity or residence document issued by an EU/EEA authority. Everyone verifies their ID before joining an Event.

Which countries is it available in?

The EU and the EEA: the 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. We’d like to open more countries later, but we don’t have dates yet.

Which languages can I use?

The app is available in English, Bulgarian, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Portuguese and Romanian, like this website. It follows your phone’s language, and you can change it in the settings.

Why do I have to verify my ID?

So that everyone at the table is a real adult and banned people can’t come back. It’s the price of talking to strangers safely.

What happens to my ID and selfie?

A specialist verification provider checks them. We receive the result, not the documents: we don’t keep copies of your ID or your selfie.

Do I have to use my camera or microphone?

No. Text is always there, and your mic and camera are off by default. You decide if and when to turn them on, and whether you want to see other people’s video.

Is anything recorded?

We don’t record audio or video. Text messages are deleted after 30 days, unless they are part of a report.

How are tables put together?

You answer a few short perspective prompts. We use them, with your line of work and age band, to seat people who see things differently at the same table. You’re never seated with someone you’ve blocked.

Can I talk to someone again after an Event?

Yes, if you both want to. Tick “keep in touch” at the end of the Event. If they tick you too, you can message each other and, if you both accept, have a call.

Which phones does it work on?

iPhone and Android. Get spareachair on the App Store or on Google Play.

Where can I get the app?

spareachair is a free mobile app. Download it with the store links on this page, verify your ID and RSVP to an Event.

What do you do with my waitlist email address?

We only use it to tell you about the launch. You confirm it first by clicking a link we send you, and unconfirmed sign-ups are deleted after 14 days. You can unsubscribe at any time. Details are in our Privacy Policy.

Can’t find your question?Get in touch