Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 2026-03-26

This FAQ explains how Islamate works in plain language. It does not replace our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, or Member acknowledgment.

Getting started

What is Islamate?

A verified-members chat and community platform. You can message people you connect with, join groups and channels where available, and use other features offered in the app or website.

Why do I need to upload ID and address?

We verify members to reduce fake accounts, scams, and impersonation. You provide government ID (front and back), address details, and other information as shown on the registration form. Admin review may be required before your account is fully approved.

How long does verification take?

It depends on volume and completeness of your documents. Check your email and in-app status. If something is missing or unclear, we may ask you to resubmit.

Minors and guardians

Can someone under 18 register?

If you are under 18, you must provide a parent or guardian who already has a verified adult account on the platform, proof of relationship (for example a birth certificate or legal guardianship document), and their approval in the flow we describe at registration.

Contacts, chat, and calls

How do I add someone?

You can search by name or email, match phone contacts where the app supports it, or use an invite link. Sending a “contact request” notifies the other person; you can usually chat and call only after both sides have accepted the connection (mutual acceptance).

Can I block someone?

Yes. Blocking limits interaction according to our current rules — for example, blocked users should not be able to request, message, or call you in ways the platform enforces.

Who can see my “last seen” or status?

Privacy settings and contact relationships control what others see. See the Privacy Policy for categories of data and choices where available.

How does chat history work for free vs subscribed members?

On the free tier, older messages may be removed from the server after about twenty-four hours in chats where no participant is subscribed. With an active member subscription, eligible conversations can keep full message history for as long as your subscription stays active and subject to our policies.

Do long chats load all messages at once?

To keep things fast, the app typically loads your most recent messages first. When you scroll up in a thread, older messages can load in batches.

Can I use voice or video calls?

Where the product supports it, you may start calls with mutual contacts. Your browser or device will ask for microphone (and camera for video) permission. Quality depends on your connection and device.

Subscriber profile and public page

What is the chat thumbnail?

If you have an active member subscription, you can upload an optional profile photo in your account profile. It may appear in your chat list and next to your messages for people you chat with.

What is the “public page” for subscribers?

Subscribers can turn on an optional public member page with its own link. You choose whether the whole page is visible to anyone, signed-in members only, or mutual contacts only. You can add text, links, posts, background color or image, and embed blocks (for example a music player iframe from a provider such as Spotify). Each link, post, or embed can have its own visibility setting. Custom HTML runs only inside isolated frames on that page, not inside the main Islamate interface.

Subscriptions and shop (if enabled)

Do I have to pay?

Core signup and verification are free. Member subscription is optional and unlocks longer chat history on the server, appearance options (theme, chat wallpaper), the optional chat thumbnail and public page, starting voice and video calls, and anything else labelled as subscriber-only in the app. Optional app lock and per-chat lock are available without a subscription; passwords are stored hashed on your account so the same lock works in the website and in the app. The marketplace and business tools may have separate fees where enabled.

How do shop orders and disputes work?

Follow checkout and seller tools in the app. For problems, use support or reporting channels described on the site. We may take action on accounts that abuse buyers or sellers.

Safety, scams, and abuse

How should I protect myself?

Never share passwords or one-time codes. Be cautious with links, investment pitches, and requests for money from strangers. Prefer verified contacts and official support channels.

What happens if someone scams or breaks the law?

We do not tolerate scams, fraud, or criminal use of the platform. We may suspend or terminate accounts, preserve evidence, and cooperate with law enforcement, payment partners, or others as described in our Member acknowledgment and Terms.

Will you give my data to the police?

We may disclose information when required by law or when we reasonably believe it necessary to protect people, investigate serious wrongdoing, or comply with valid legal process. See the Member acknowledgment and Privacy Policy for more detail.

Data, security, and liability

Is my data 100% safe?

No service can promise perfect security. We work to protect data, but breaches, leaks, or loss can still happen. By registering, you accept the risk limitations described in the Member acknowledgment.

How do I delete my account?

See the “Delete account” page linked in the footer for steps and limitations (for example data we must keep for legal reasons).

Account security

What if I forget my password or someone tries to guess it?

Use the password reset flow if you forget your password. For your protection, repeated failed sign-in attempts can temporarily lock further tries for a short period before you can try again.

What is the optional app lock in Settings?

You can add an extra password for opening Islamate after you are already signed in. It is stored securely on your account (hashed) and applies in the website and in the native app. On iOS or Android you can optionally use Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint after saving your app password once to the device keychain. By default nothing is locked.

How does app lock work in the website vs the installed app?

The same app lock password applies everywhere: any browser session and the installed app use your account setting. Biometric unlock is only available in the native app and uses a copy of your password stored on that device; the website always asks for the app password (or you stay unlocked if you have turned the lock off).

What if I forget my app lock password?

If you have no conversation memberships left on your account (for example you left or removed every chat), app lock is cleared automatically so you can use Islamate again. Otherwise you need the app password or (on the native app) biometrics if you enabled them. This does not change your main account login password.

What is chat lock?

In a conversation, you can set an optional separate password for that chat. It is stored hashed on your account for that thread, so the same chat lock applies in the website and in the app. If you forget the chat password, delete every message in that thread that you are allowed to remove until none remain on the server; the chat lock is then removed for your account.

Devices and notifications

Why do you need notification permission?

Push notifications can alert you to new messages or calls. You can often adjust permissions in your device settings.

How does location work in the app?

Islamate uses your location only while you are using the app—for example to share a place in chat or to show shops near you. You can allow or deny this in system settings. We do not require location access when the app is in the background.