If you arrive at a known location and nothing happens, or you’re in an unmapped spot:
- You can always use the app’s manual check-in. Simply open VanLife Connect, search for the campground/park name or find it on the map, and tap “Check In” manually. This will have the same effect as Smart Arrival – it will load up the local services and noticeboard for you. We ensure a manual option is available because technology isn’t foolproof (GPS might miss once in a while, etc.).
- There are a few reasons Smart Arrival might not fire: perhaps your phone’s GPS accuracy was low at that moment (common in bad weather or if the device was turned off), or you might have paused the app, or the location isn’t in our database yet. Don’t worry – just do a quick manual check-in and you’re set.
- If you’re at a place that you think should be recognized but wasn’t, feel free to let us know via the support or feedback in the app. We’re always updating our location database. In the meantime, you can still search and use the app features manually.
- Conversely, if Smart Arrival ever triggers when you’re just passing by and you don’t want it, you can simply dismiss it. It’s designed to minimize those “false alarms” (with the stopping-for-10-minutes rule), but there’s a slight chance it could pop up in a scenario it shouldn’t. Just close it – it won’t force you to check in.