F.A.Q.

What is Sidecar?
Sidecar is an awesome new integrated messaging and calling app. In one elegant, seamless environment, you can text, send voice notes, make voice and video calls, and send photos, videos, contacts and locations. You can even call and send to friends who don't have Sidecar yet if they're in the U.S. or Canada.


Does it cost anything to use Sidecar?
Sidecar and all Sidecar to Sidecar messaging and calling features are free* and do not require any additional "in application" purchase. Sidecar dial-out calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers are also currently free.
You will incur regular SMS charges when using the Android version of Sidecar to message users who do not have Sidecar yet. You can use this feature to send friends photos, videos, and other content with a simple text message.

What do I need to register?
All you need is a phone number. Sidecar uses your phone number as your "identity" and lets you make free Sidecar phone calls to any of your friends that have Sidecar - using THEIR phone number. Registration is instantaneous.
If you’re using a device, such as an iPod Touch or a tablet, that does not have a telephone number, you may use the telephone number associated with your mobile phone to register. Whatever, number you use, it must be unique (not used with Sidecar on any other device) and able to receive an SMS message in case we need to verify your identity.


Can I really call anyone in the US or Canada for free?
Absolutely. As thanks for being an early member of the Sidecar community we are currently allowing everyone to call anyone in the US or Canada for free using Sidecar, even if they don’t have the app installed on their phone.


What devices work with Sidecar?
Sidecar works on iphone 3GS®, 4®, iphone 4s®, iphone 5® and iPod Touch® running iOS 5 or later. Some sharing features require iOS 6.
Sidecar works on Android™ phones and tablets with Android™ OS 2.3 or later. Unfortunately, we cannot support or help you resolve issues on non-standard O.S. releases, devices which have limited availability or devices that are no longer in production. Certain lower-end or older Android phones are not capable of running Sidecar due to hardware limitations.

Why did I receive an access code?
Once you've downloaded Sidecar, you may receive an Access Code via SMS. The Access Code ensures that you are the real owner of the smartphone number you have registered and prevents others from pretending to be you on the service. In some circumstances, we may not be able to deliver an SMS to your location. If you’re prompted for an access code and do not receive an SMS from us, simply e-mail us at support@sidecar.me and we’ll help you out.


What does Sidecar do with my contacts?
Sidecar uses your device's address book to automatically determine who has Sidecar in your contact list. This is how we find your friends so you can call them with the service. Sidecar only uses this data in conjunction with providing the Sidecar service and never shares it with third parties. Sidecar is committed to protecting your privacy and data at all time. You can read our full privacy policy here.

Can I invite my friends to Sidecar?
Yes, and the more friends you have who use Sidecar, the more fun the service becomes. Currently, Sidecar works cross-platform on iOS and Android™.

How do I get the best call quality with Sidecar?
At some point, most of us have experienced low network quality, dropped calls, or slow connection speeds when calling and using applications on our phone. Sidecar is not immune to this problem, so when it happens, the quality of your Sidecar calls may be impacted. Your best bet is to use Sidecar on 3G and 4G when you’re out and about, but switch to Wi-Fi when you’re going to be at single location like your home, office, or favorite hotspot. This will ensure the best possible calling and sharing experience.

I don't have 3G or 4G, can I still use Sidecar?

You can make calls and share via Wi-Fi, as well as via 3G and 4G.

Can I use Sidecar internationally?
Yes, you can use Sidecar when you’re traveling outside the US and Canada to call home for free. You can also talk and share with other Sidecar users in any country for free*!

Does Sidecar include advertisements?
No, Sidecar doesn't contain ads.

Why do I get a message telling me my account creation has failed or why am I unable to access Sidecar ?
In very rare circumstances your phone will not be able to access our servers due to an Internet firewall blocking access to the Sidecar service. You may be able to work around this issue by using Sidecar on a mobile network or an alternative WiFi network.
In some countries and mobile networks or mobile data plans, Sidecar to Sidecar communication or Sidecar Dial Out may not be available due to network restrictions.


Can I install Sidecar on my Windows Phone?
We have not announced plans to support Windows Phone at this time.


Does Sidecar support the iPad?
Yes, you can install Sidecar on the iPad as an iPhone application. There is not currently a a version of Sidecar optimized for iPad. You’ll need a unique phone number for each Sidecar installation.


How do I validate my account if I can't receive a validation code by SMS?
To provide a validation code, we need to know the phone number you're using to register Sidecar; please send this information to support@sidecar.me. Once we have the number, we'll generate a unique validation code for you and send it to you via e-mail.


Can I use Sidecar in conjunction with my Google Voice number on iPad or iPod Touch?
Yes, just register Sidecar using your Google Voice number. In some cases we may not be able to send an activation text message to your Google Voice account. Contact support@sidecar.me if you do not receive an activation code.


Do I have to be running Sidecar to receive Sidecar messages ?
Sidecar uses push notifications to notify you if someone calls you or sends you a message while you’re not currently connected to the Sidecar service. If a friend sends you a picture, video, location or message, we’ll store the message in our cloud until you connect with Sidecar and then automatically download it to your phone for you.

*Sidecar is free to download and use. Calls to any number in the US or Canada from the Sidecar client over Wi-FI are free too. However, when using Sidecar over a 3G or 4G data connection, normal carrier charges for that service apply. Copyright 2012 Sidecar Communications Privacy Policy | Terms of Use Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions. BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research In Motion®, and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited. Windows Phone and its logo is a registered trademark of Microsoft Inc.