What is PortaDash?

PortaDash is a free, crowd-sourced map that helps you find the nearest restroom or porta-potty — whether you're on a run, at an event, or working outdoors. No ads, no paywalls.               

Is PortaDash free?

Yes, completely free. No ads, no subscriptions. The app is funded by optional "Buy Me a Coffee" donations from users who want to support it.        

What areas does PortaDash cover?

PortaDash combines OpenStreetMap data (worldwide permanent restrooms) with community-added pins. Coverage is best in areas where the community is active. If your area is sparse, you can help by adding pins. 

What do the different pin colors mean?

🔵 Blue — permanent restrooms (parks, businesses, public buildings)   

🟠 Orange — porta-potties and portable units

🔴 Red — community-added spots (restrooms or porta-potties added by users)

How accurate are the pins?                    

Blue and orange pins come from OpenStreetMap, which is maintained by a global community. Red pins are user-submitted. You can verify a pin using the "Looks Good" button in the detail  sheet to help keep data fresh.    

Why do some pins disappear?               

Community porta-potty pins expire automatically — event pins after 3 days, beach/park pins after 60–180 days — since portable units move around. Permanent restroom pins don't expire.

Can I see which restrooms are accessible or have baby changing tables?

Yes. Tap any pin to open the detail sheet, which shows accessibility, wheelchair access, baby changing, paper supply, and more.

How do I add a pin?

Tap the + tab at the bottom, then position the crosshair on the map over the location. You can add a restroom or a porta-potty and fill in details like access, wheelchair availability, and more.                                                                

What happens after I add a pin?

Your pin appears on the map immediately and is visible to all users. You earn 10 points for every pin you add.

Can I edit or delete a pin I added?         

You can tap any community pin and use the edit options in the detail sheet. Deleting is available for pins you submitted.

What does "Go Now!" do?

It instantly opens Apple Maps with turn-by-turn directions to the nearest restroom from your current location. It's designed for emergencies — one tap and you're navigating.

Why did "Go Now!" open a pin that was far away? 

Go Now! finds the nearest pin based on straight-line distance from your current location. If there are no pins nearby, it will route to the closest one available. Adding more pins in your area improves this.

What is Watch Mode?

Watch Mode sends nearby pins to your Apple Watch so you can see distance and direction without taking your phone out of your pocket. It also displays the nearest restroom on your iPhone Lock Screen as a Live Activity.  

Do I need an Apple Watch to use Watch Mode? 

No. Without a Watch, Watch Mode still shows the nearest pin as a Live Activity on your Lock Screen, which is useful during runs and commutes.

Does Watch Mode drain my battery?

Watch Mode uses your existing location updates — it doesn't run a separate GPS process. Battery impact is minimal.                                                      

Will Watch Mode turn off automatically? 

Yes. If your phone hasn't detected nearby pins for 4 hours, Watch Mode ends automatically. You can also end it manually by tapping End Scout on the map screen.  

How do I earn points?

- Adding a pin: 10 points

- Rating a restroom: points awarded

- Verifying a pin: points awarded 

- Other contributions earn points too   

What are the ranks?

Rookie → Scout → Guardian → Legend. Your rank is shown on your Profile and on pins you've added so other users can see your credibility.

Do my points reset? 

No. Points accumulate permanently and are tied to your account. 

Do I need to create an account?

No. PortaDash works fully anonymously out of the box — no sign-up required. Your contributions are saved automatically.

What is Apple Sign-In for?

Signing in with Apple links your anonymous account to your Apple ID, so your points and history are preserved if you switch phones or reinstall the app. It's optional and prompted after you've earned some points.

What data does PortaDash collect?

PortaDash collects your location (only while using the app) and the pins you add. No personal data is required. Apple Sign-In only accesses your email if you choose to share it.

What is the Activity tab?

The Activity feed shows notifications when someone uses a pin you added ("A runner made a pit stop! 🏃"), when you receive a High Five, and when you hit milestones.

What is a High Five?

A High Five is a way to thank the person who added a pin that helped you. Tap the High Five button on any community pin's detail sheet. 

What is the Impact Card?

When you reach a milestone (10, 25, 50, 100... people helped), PortaDash generates a shareable card showing your contribution. You can add a personal photo and caption before sharing to Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms.

I missed my Impact Card — can I share it later? 

Yes. Go to Profile → Share Your Impact to bring it up anytime.

How can I support PortaDash?

Buy the developer a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/portadash. Every coffee helps cover server costs and keeps the app free for everyone.

I found a bug or have a suggestion.

Go to Profile → Send Feedback — it goes directly to the developer.