Questions

How do contacts update themselves?

Once you are connected with someone, you are not keeping a copy of their details — you are reading theirs. When they change a number or move, your phone has the new version. It works the same way in the other direction, so changing yours once reaches everyone you are connected to.

What can other people see about me?

Only what you have granted the circle they are in. Everyone you connect with sees a floor — your name, photo, handle, and mobile — and you build up from there per circle. Open anyone and tap How they see you to see your own card exactly as they see it, plus a count of what is hidden.

Do I need everyone I know to join?

No. Tether works on day one as your own address book, and events work for people who are not on Tether at all — they RSVP from a link with no account.

Does Tether sell or share my contacts?

No. Only the contacts you pick are saved to your account; the rest of your address book is never stored. We use the phone numbers you save to suggest connections, and we do not sell personal data, run ads, or use ad-tech trackers. Nothing is sent to your contacts on your behalf unless you choose to — an event invitation, a circle invite, or your contact card.

Why do you need a real mobile number?

To text you a sign-in code, and because connection suggestions work by matching phone numbers — a verified number keeps those suggestions trustworthy. There is no public feed and no open people search: to find you, someone needs your @handle, or your name together with your phone number or email address.

How do I delete my account and my data?

Settings, then Danger zone, then Delete account. You can export everything first as CSV, JSON, or vCard. You then have 30 days to sign back in and keep your account; after that, your account and data are permanently deleted. You can also ask us to delete it by email.

How account deletion works →