How can we help?
Here are the answers to the questions people ask most. If you can't find what you are looking for, write to us.
Account
How do I create an account?
Download the app, choose an alias and a password of at least ten characters, and confirm that you are 18 or older. You get a ten digit ID. Write it down together with your password.
What if I forget my password?
Without your password, nobody can sign you in, not even us. That is the price of nobody else being able to either. Keep your ID and password somewhere safe.
Can I use Black Book on a new phone?
Yes. Sign in with your ID and password. Your conversations don't come along, because they only exist on the old phone.
Why don't you need my phone number?
Because we don't want to know who you are. Your ID is enough for others to reach you, and nobody can find you through your number.
Conversations
How do I add a contact?
Tap plus in the inbox and enter their ID, or scan the QR code of the person you want to talk to.
How do disappearing messages work?
Choose the time in the conversation. Messages are deleted for both of you when the time is up, from 30 seconds to a day.
Can I turn off read receipts?
Yes, in settings. Then nobody learns when you have read their messages.
Security
What does it mean that a contact has new keys?
That the contact has signed in on a new phone, or that someone is trying to impersonate them. The app stops sending until you accept the new keys. Compare safety numbers if in doubt.
How do I verify a contact?
Open the conversation, choose Verify, and compare the safety number or scan each other's QR codes.
Can Black Book read my messages?
No. Messages are locked with keys that only exist on your phones.
Nearby
Who sees my posts?
People within the reach you chose when you posted, who have also chosen a radius that reaches you.
Can anyone see where I am?
No. Others only see rough distance, such as "Under 5 km". Your location is rounded on the phone before it is sent.
How do I block someone?
Open their profile, tap the three dots and choose Block. You no longer see each other.
Delete your account
- Open Black Book and unlock the app.
- Tap Kill Switch at the top of the inbox.
- Choose Delete all data now, and confirm.
Your account, keys, waiting messages, profile and posts in Nearby are deleted immediately and cannot be recovered. You can also choose to have your account deleted automatically if you haven't used the app for a while. If you have lost your phone and turned on automatic deletion, the account disappears by itself after the period you chose.
Kill SwitchReport abuse
Report people, posts and comments directly in the app. Reports are handled by people, and the person reported never learns who sent the report.
If you see content involving children, or anything illegal, contact the police as well. In Norway you can tip off Kripos at politiet.no.
Contact
Write to us at hjelp@blackbook.no