Network & connection
The app keeps spinning, or shows “network error” — what’s wrong?
Most likely your network is blocking ALTER. We’ve seen this on:
- School / university WiFi (especially campus networks with SSL inspection / MITM proxies)
- Corporate / office WiFi with strict firewalls
- Public WiFi in some hotels and airports
Quick fix: switch to mobile data (4G / 5G). The app should connect immediately.
We’re working on improving compatibility with restricted networks, but in the meantime mobile data is the fastest way through.
I’m on mobile data and it still won’t connect.
A few things to check:
- Cellular access is enabled for ALTER. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → scroll down → make sure ALTER is toggled on.
- Airplane mode is off. Sounds obvious, but worth checking.
- You’re not on a VPN that’s blocking the connection. Try turning the VPN off.
- You have signal. Step outside or move closer to a window if you’re in a basement / steel building.
If none of that helps, email us at [email protected] with your country and carrier — it helps us narrow down the issue.
I switched to mobile data and it works — but I want to use WiFi at home.
Home WiFi normally works fine. The issue above is specific to networks that intercept SSL traffic (a thing schools and offices do for filtering / monitoring). If your home WiFi blocks ALTER, it’s likely your router’s firmware or a parental-control feature — check those settings or restart the router.
Account & access
How do I get an invite?
ALTER is in private beta. Join the waitlist on the home page and we’ll send an invite when capacity opens up.
I confirmed my email but never got an invite.
Confirming your email puts you on the waitlist — it doesn’t grant immediate access. Invites go out as we onboard more people. If it’s been a while and you’d like a status update, email us.
Contact
Anything else, or something broken: [email protected]