LanCall

Support & FAQ

Need help? Email [email protected].

Contact us

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Reports of abuse: answered within 24 hours.
  • Other questions: answered as soon as we can.
  • Security issues: put “Security” in the subject (see Security).

Getting started

  1. Install LanCall on both iPhones (iOS 17 or later).
  2. Open LanCall, accept the community rules and choose a display name. It doesn’t have to be your real name.
  3. Allow Local Network access when iOS asks. LanCall can’t find other phones without it.
  4. Make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on. You don’t need to join a network.
  5. Add the other person (see below), then start chatting.

Want to try LanCall before your friend has it? Open the LanCall Demo contact. It’s a pretend phone inside the app that answers messages, picks up calls and repeats what you say. Send it “call me” and it calls you. Delete it by swiping it away in Contacts; you can add it back from My card.

Ways to add someone

Common questions

I can’t see the other phone
  1. Open LanCall on both phones. Phones only appear under Nearby while the app is open.
  2. Check Local Network permission on both phones: Settings › LanCall › Local Network should be on. You can also check Settings › Privacy & Security › Local Network.
  3. Make sure Wi‑Fi is on on both phones.
  4. Check that “Visible to nearby phones” is on in My card on the other phone.
  5. Many plane, ship, hotel and public networks use client isolation, which stops phones on the network from reaching each other. LanCall then uses the direct phone-to-phone link instead. Bring the phones closer together, roughly within AirDrop range.
  6. If a VPN is on, try turning it off. Some VPNs block local network traffic.
  7. Try adding each other by QR code, NFC tag or IP address instead.
  8. Close LanCall on both phones and open it again.

We can’t promise LanCall works on every network, but the direct link doesn’t need one.

Why didn’t my call ring?

Calls only ring while LanCall is open on both phones. Without internet, iOS can’t wake an app that’s closed. If you’re expecting a call, keep LanCall open. Calls also need Microphone permission on both phones.

My message says it’s waiting

If the other phone can’t be reached, your message waits on your phone. It is delivered automatically when both apps are open and the phones can reach each other again. You don’t need to send it again.

Does LanCall use a lot of battery?

The direct phone-to-phone link keeps the Wi‑Fi radio busy, so it can use more battery than usual, especially during calls. Close LanCall when you don’t need it, and keep a charger or battery pack handy on long trips.

Does LanCall need internet or mobile data?

No. LanCall works without internet. It uses a Wi‑Fi network if the phones can reach each other on it, and otherwise connects directly phone to phone.

Which permissions does LanCall need?
  • Local Network: to find and connect to other phones. Required.
  • Microphone: for calls only.
  • Camera: to scan QR codes only.
  • NFC: to read and write contact tags only.

Microphone, camera and NFC are optional. Chat works without them.

How do I block or report someone?

Open the chat and use the chat menu. Block stops their messages, requests and calls instantly on your phone. Report opens an email to [email protected]; you choose what to include and nothing is sent until you send it. See Safety for more.

How do I stop strangers from seeing me?

Turn off “Visible to nearby phones” in My card. You will no longer appear under Nearby. People you haven’t added can only ever send you a message request.

How do I delete my data?

Everything is stored only on your iPhone. Delete a chat or a person in the app to remove that data, or delete the app to remove all of it. We don’t hold any copy. See our Privacy Policy.

Can I call emergency services?

No. LanCall can’t call emergency services or regular phone numbers. In an emergency, use your phone’s dialer or contact crew or staff.

Can I use LanCall on a plane or ship?

Yes, when Wi‑Fi use is permitted. Always follow crew instructions, the airline’s or ship’s rules and the network’s terms.

How do I get a refund?

Apple handles all purchases and refunds. Request a refund at reportaproblem.apple.com.

Where is LanCall available?

LanCall is coming soon to the App Store for US$4.99, a one-time purchase. At launch it won’t be available in the European Union or mainland China. It runs on iPhone with iOS 17 or later.