Let’s work it out.
Get in touch with a question about Lookback.
Common questions
New to Lookback? Start with how the back-seat reminder works, or compare it with SensorSafe and SensAlert.
Does it drain my battery?
It doesn’t run GPS all the time. It rests on a light location signal and looks closer only around a drive. Low Power Mode can delay its checks, and Lookback tells you when it’s on.
Why does it need “Always” location?
So it can notice when you park and step away, even with your phone in your pocket. Location is used on your phone to spot the end of a trip and isn’t sent to us.
What if I turn a permission off?
Lookback tells you right away, because it can’t fully watch the back seat without it.
Will the alarm ring if my phone is on silent?
On iOS 26 and later, yes: it’s a real alarm, like the Clock app’s, which you allow during setup. On earlier versions it’s a loud, time-sensitive notification.
What’s the phone call like?
A short recorded message from Lookback asking you to check the back seat. Answering and listening counts as all clear. Voicemail doesn’t.
Do I need an account?
No.
Is the call required?
No. Without a number, that step is a loud notification instead. The call needs a US number for now.
Which iPhones work?
iPhones with iOS 16 or later. The alarm that rings on silent needs iOS 26.
Does it replace checking the back seat?
No. It’s a backup: always check yourself, every time.
Check your setup
Lookback works in the background using location and Motion & Fitness. If a required permission changes, the app tells you what needs attention.
Location: set to “Always”
In iOS Settings, open Lookback’s location permissions and select “Always”. This lets the app notice when you park and step away with your phone in your pocket. Location is used on your phone and isn’t sent to us.
Motion & Fitness: allow access
In iOS Settings, check that Motion & Fitness access is enabled for Lookback. The app uses it to tell driving from walking.
Notifications: allow Lookback
Check Lookback’s notification permissions in iOS Settings. Notifications are needed for check-ins and the notification fallback when a call or AlarmKit alarm is unavailable.
Alarms: allow them on iOS 26 or later
Allow Lookback’s alarm permission during setup, or check that permission in iOS Settings. On iOS 26 and later, the real alarm can ring even on silent and through Focus. On earlier versions, Lookback uses a loud, time-sensitive notification instead.
Low Power Mode: checks may be delayed
Lookback tells you when Low Power Mode is on. It can delay checks. Review Low Power Mode in your iPhone’s battery settings.
Delete your data
- Remove your number: choose “Stop calling me” in Lookback. This deletes the number and its consent record.
- Remove data on your phone: delete the app to remove its locally stored information.
- Remove server data: email jean@spenser.app with the phone number you verified to request deletion of your device ID and call records.
If you never verified a number, email us from the device you use with Lookback. Because the server record is pseudonymous and is not linked to an email address, we may need more information to identify it, and in some cases may not be able to connect it to you.
Keep checking, every time.
Lookback is a backup. Phones die, signals drop, permissions change, and the app can fail. Always check the back seat yourself.