Getting Started
Your first FinderHelper session
Most new users see this order: sign in, finish username setup if needed, review the Allow Permissions screen, and then land on Create Item. Returning users who already allowed the required permissions usually skip straight into the app.
Step 1: Sign in or create an account
- Open FinderHelper.
- Choose your sign-in method.
- If you are new, complete account creation.
- If you use social sign-in and still need a username, FinderHelper will take you to the username screen before opening the app.
Step 2: Choose a username
Your username is how other users recognize you in messages, groups, and item history.
- Use something easy to remember.
- Keep it appropriate for school, community, or family use.
- You may be asked to type it again for sensitive actions like account deletion.
Step 3: Complete the Allow Permissions screen
FinderHelper explains why each permission matters before you begin posting and searching.
Needed for core use
- Location: used for item maps, nearby results, and exact location matching.
- Camera: used when you take photos for lost or found items.
- Photos: used when you choose an image from your library or update avatars and group images.
Recommended, but not required
- Notifications: used for new messages, potential matches, and other alerts.
- You can skip notifications and still use the rest of the app.
- You can come back later through device settings if you change your mind.
Step 4: Learn the main tabs
Create Item
Start new lost or found posts, add photos, and set location preference.
Items
Review lost, found, and recovered items, open potential matches, and manage item status.
Items Nearby
Browse the main map, filters, clusters, groups, and item details.
Messages
Open item-linked conversations and track unread threads.
Profile
Manage avatar, activity, settings, groups, QR sharing, and account actions.
What happens next
Go to Posting Items.
Go to Searching and Matching.
Go to Messaging.