Surf Support & FAQ

Question 1

How do I create a Surf account?

Accepted Answer

Visit app.surfplatforms.org or download the Surf app. Tap "Sign Up," enter your email and a password, choose a username, and verify your email. That's it.

Question 2

How do I reset my password on Surf?

Accepted Answer

On the login screen, tap "Forgot password." Enter the email associated with your account and follow the instructions in the reset email.

Question 3

How do I change my username on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings > Account > Username. Enter your new username. Usernames must be unique. Your old username will be released after 30 days.

Question 4

How do I delete my Surf account?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings > Account > Delete Account. You'll be asked to confirm. Your data will be permanently removed within 30 days. This action cannot be undone.

Question 5

How do I control my feed on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings > Algorithm. You have three options: describe what you want in plain English, use sliders for broad categories, or fine-tune individual signals. Changes take effect immediately.

Question 6

Why am I seeing a specific post on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Tap the three-dot menu on any post and select "Why am I seeing this?" You'll see a breakdown of the signals that surfaced it, and you can adjust from there.

Question 7

How do I switch to chronological feed on Surf?

Accepted Answer

On your Home feed, tap the feed selector at the top and choose "Following." This shows posts from people you follow in chronological order, with no algorithm.

Question 8

How do I mute topics on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings > Content Preferences > Muted Topics. Add any topic or keyword you want to filter from your feed. Muted topics apply across all feed views.

Question 9

How do I create a thread on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Tap the compose button, select "Thread," write your message, and post. You can add media, polls, and set who can reply before publishing.

Question 10

How do I use the Shorts editor on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Tap the compose button and select "Short." Record or upload video, then use the timeline editor to cut, trim, and arrange clips. Add music, effects, and text before publishing.

Question 11

How do group chats work on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Create a group by selecting multiple people when composing a new message. The creator is the admin by default and can manage members, change the group name, and set permissions.

Question 12

How do I make my Surf account private?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings > Privacy > Protected Account and toggle it on. Only approved followers will be able to see your posts. Existing followers are kept unless you remove them.

Question 13

How do I block someone on Surf?

Accepted Answer

Go to their profile, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Block." They won't be able to see your content, message you, or find you in search. They are not notified.

Question 14

What data does Surf collect?

Accepted Answer

Surf collects only what's necessary to operate the platform, your account information, posts, and interactions. Surf Vision features run entirely on your device. We do not sell data or serve ads.

Question 15

How do I export my data from Surf?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings > Account > Export Data. Request an export and you'll receive a download link via email within 24 hours containing all your data in a standard format.

Question 16

Is Surf an alternative to Instagram?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surf offers photo sharing, stories, short-form video, and messaging, like Instagram, but without ads, tracking, or algorithmic manipulation. You control the algorithm, and all creator tools are free.

Question 17

Is Surf an alternative to Twitter and X?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surf offers threads, real-time conversations, and a transparent algorithm, like Twitter/X, but without ads, promoted content, or hidden engagement optimization. Replies carry 3x the weight of likes.

Question 18

Is Surf an alternative to TikTok?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surf offers short-form vertical video with a professional editor, 500K+ music tracks, AR effects, duets, and remixes, like TikTok, but without ads, tracking, or watermarks. All tools are free.

Question 19

Is Surf an alternative to Facebook?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surf offers social networking, groups (Spaces), messaging, and content sharing, like Facebook, but without ads, data selling, or algorithmic manipulation. Privacy is built into the architecture.

Question 20

Is Surf an alternative to LinkedIn?

Accepted Answer

Surf focuses on authentic social connections without ads or algorithmic manipulation. While not specifically a professional network, Surf offers a more private and transparent social experience than LinkedIn.

Question 21

Does Surf have ads?

Accepted Answer

No. Surf has zero ads. There is no ad framework, no impression tracking, no sponsored content, no promoted posts, no ad placement logic, and no advertiser API. The infrastructure for ads does not exist.

Question 22

How is Surf different from other social media platforms?

Accepted Answer

Surf gives you full control of the algorithm, runs AI on your device (not servers), has zero ads, and offers all creator tools for free. The scoring formula is public, and your configuration is final, there is no admin override.

Question 23

Is Surf free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surf is free to use with no ads. Core features are available to everyone.

How can we help?

Getting started

Your feed and the algorithm

Posting and creating

Shorts and the studio

Messaging and calls

Spaces

Surf Vision (on-device AI)

Discovery and search

Profile and account

Privacy and safety

Family and teen accounts

Sapphire and billing

Creators and monetization

Notifications

Accessibility and display

Troubleshooting

Still need help?