Help & Support

Everything you need to know about using DuckTrails

Welcome to the DuckTrails Help Center! This guide will help you get started and make the most of your duck tracking adventures.

Getting Started

1. Download and Install the App

DuckTrails is available for iOS and Android devices:

  • iOS: Download from the App Store (requires iOS 15.0 or later)
  • Android: Download from Google Play (requires Android 8.0 or later)

Both devices must have NFC capability to scan ducks.

2. Create Your Account

To get started:

  1. Open the DuckTrails app
  2. Tap "Sign Up" on the landing page
  3. Enter your email address and create a password
  4. Choose a unique username
  5. Complete your profile with your Jeep model (optional)
  6. Add a profile photo (optional)

3. Set Up Permissions

DuckTrails needs certain permissions to work properly:

  • Location Services: Required to track duck journeys and log scan locations
  • Camera: Optional, for taking photos of ducks
  • Photo Library: Optional, for uploading duck photos
  • Notifications: Optional, to receive alerts when your ducks are scanned
  • NFC: Required to scan and write duck tags

Creating and Tagging Ducks

Getting NFC Stickers

To tag your ducks, you'll need NFC stickers:

  • Type: NFC tags (NTAG213, NTAG215, or NTAG216 recommended)
  • Size: Small stickers work best (13mm - 30mm diameter)
  • Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, eBay, and specialty NFC retailers
  • Cost: Typically $0.20 - $1.00 per tag in bulk

Creating a Duck Profile

  1. Tap the "+" button on the My Ducks tab
  2. Enter your duck's information:
    • Name: Give your duck a memorable name
    • Description: Add a short bio or backstory
    • Personality: Describe your duck's character
    • Photo: Upload a picture of your duck
  3. Tap "Create Duck" to save

Writing to NFC Tags

  1. Go to your duck's profile page
  2. Tap "Write to NFC Tag"
  3. Attach the NFC sticker to your rubber duck
  4. Hold your phone near the NFC tag
  5. Wait for confirmation that the tag was written successfully
  6. Your duck is now ready to be placed!

Pro Tip: Place the NFC sticker on a flat surface of your duck, preferably on the bottom or back.

Scanning Ducks

How to Scan

  1. Open the DuckTrails app
  2. Tap the "Scan" tab (middle icon)
  3. Hold your phone near the NFC tag on the duck
  4. The duck's profile will appear automatically
  5. Add a comment or photo about where you found it (optional)
  6. Tap "Complete Scan" to log the encounter

Scanning Best Practices

  • Make sure NFC is enabled on your device
  • Hold your phone steady near the tag for 1-2 seconds
  • Try different positions if it doesn't scan immediately
  • Remove any thick phone cases that might block NFC
  • Don't scan while driving - pull over first!

Tracking Duck Journeys

Viewing Your Ducks

  • My Ducks Tab: See all ducks you've created
  • Duck Profile: Tap any duck to see its journey details
  • Scan History: View all locations where your duck was scanned
  • Map View: See your duck's journey plotted on a map
  • Statistics: Total scans, distance traveled, and time since creation

Duck Journey Maps

The map view shows:

  • Pins for each scan location
  • Lines connecting scans in chronological order
  • Date and scanner information for each pin
  • Total distance traveled calculation

Achievements System

How Achievements Work

DuckTrails has over 30 achievements you can unlock:

  • Distance Achievements: Miles traveled (10, 50, 100, 500, 1000+ miles)
  • Scan Achievements: Number of scans (5, 10, 25, 50, 100+ scans)
  • Geographic Achievements: State lines, international borders, coastlines
  • Time Achievements: Duck age milestones (1 week, 1 month, 1 year)
  • Special Achievements: Unique accomplishments and events

Viewing Achievements

  • Your Profile: See your unlocked user achievements
  • Duck Profiles: Each duck has its own achievement badges
  • Notifications: Get alerted when you unlock new achievements

Community Features

Dashboard

The Dashboard tab shows:

  • Featured Duck of the Week: Highlighted duck with an amazing journey
  • Leaderboards: Top users by scans, distance, and more
  • Community Stats: Total ducks, scans, and miles tracked
  • Recent Activity: Latest scans from the community

User Profiles

Your profile shows:

  • Your Jeep model and photo
  • Total ducks created
  • Total scans performed
  • Achievements unlocked
  • Your duck collection

Privacy and Settings

Managing Your Privacy

Go to Profile > Settings > Privacy to:

  • Control who can see your profile
  • Manage notification preferences
  • Toggle analytics sharing
  • Review privacy policy
  • Delete your account

Notification Settings

Customize what notifications you receive:

  • Duck Scans: When your ducks are scanned
  • Achievements: When you unlock new badges
  • Community: Featured content and events
  • Updates: App news and announcements

Troubleshooting

NFC Not Working

If you're having trouble scanning:

  1. Check that NFC is enabled in your device settings
  2. Make sure the NFC tag is properly attached to the duck
  3. Remove thick phone cases
  4. Try holding your phone in different positions
  5. Ensure the tag isn't damaged or corrupted
  6. Restart the app

Location Not Accurate

For better location accuracy:

  1. Enable "High Accuracy" mode in location settings
  2. Make sure you have a clear view of the sky (for GPS)
  3. Wait a few moments for GPS to acquire signal
  4. Check that location permissions are set to "While Using"

Photos Not Uploading

If photos fail to upload:

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Ensure photo library permissions are granted
  3. Try using a smaller/compressed photo
  4. Make sure you have storage space available

App Crashes or Freezes

If the app is unstable:

  1. Make sure you have the latest version installed
  2. Restart the app
  3. Restart your device
  4. Clear the app cache (in device settings)
  5. Reinstall the app if problems persist
  6. Contact support with crash details

Account Management

Updating Your Profile

  • Go to Profile > Edit Profile
  • Update your photo, Jeep type, or bio
  • Changes are saved automatically

Changing Your Password

  • Go to Profile > Settings > Account
  • Tap "Change Password"
  • Enter your current and new password

Deleting Your Account

  • Go to Profile > Settings > Privacy
  • Scroll to "Delete Account"
  • Confirm deletion (this cannot be undone)
  • Your personal data will be removed within 30 days

Best Practices

Duck Placement Tips

  • Place ducks in visible but secure spots
  • Use ducks that are weather-resistant
  • Ensure NFC tags are firmly attached
  • Consider using waterproof NFC stickers
  • Don't block visibility or safety features on vehicles

Scanning Etiquette

  • Always follow traffic laws
  • Don't trespass on private property
  • Be respectful of vehicle owners
  • Don't remove ducks unless you intend to re-duck them
  • Add meaningful comments when scanning

Need More Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? We're here to help!

When contacting support, please include:

  • Your device model and operating system version
  • DuckTrails app version
  • A detailed description of the issue
  • Screenshots if applicable

Last updated: January 3, 2026