Help and questions
Answers for grown-ups. Map Otter isn’t out yet, so some answers describe how it will work at launch. Can’t find yours? Email us and a person will reply.
Email hello@mapotter.com
About Map Otter
What ages is Map Otter for?
Kids 4 to 13, in three tracks picked from their grade: Little Explorers (Pre-K to grade 1), Explorers (grades 2 to 4) and Trailblazers (grades 5 to 7). On the App Store it sits in the Kids Category for ages 6–8, because Apple lets an app choose only one age band.
Which countries are in it?
The US, Canada, the UK, Australia and India in full detail, and every other country with its flag, capital and landmarks. One more country gets the full treatment every month.
Does it work without the internet?
Yes. The United States and the basics of every country are built in. Detailed countries download once on Wi-Fi.
When does Map Otter come out?
Soon on the App Store and Google Play. Join the waitlist and we’ll email you when it’s out.
What does it cost?
It will be free to download. The planned prices are $4.99 a month, $29.99 a year (with a 3-day free trial) or $49.99 once. Prices are in US dollars; your store shows local prices.
What can kids play for free?
Without a plan, one kid can play the first state they explore and their home state, the Daily Mystery, the widget, the Map Skills lessons, the first Road Trip chapter and one Puzzle Map region, plus each new country’s arrival and Mystery days.
Getting started
Which devices does Map Otter work on?
iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, and Chromebooks that run Google Play apps. Phones and tablets each get their own layout.
How do I add another kid?
Tap the gear, pass the grown-up check, then Profiles › Add a kid. With a plan, up to 5 kids each get their own explorer and progress; without one there is a single profile.
How do I add the widget?
iPhone and iPad: touch and hold the home screen, tap Edit, then Add Widget, and pick Map Otter. Android: touch and hold the home screen, tap Widgets, and drag Map Otter onto it.
Check against Apple’s and Google’s current help pages
Plans and the free trial
How does the free trial work?
The yearly plan starts with 3 free days, then renews at $29.99 a year. To avoid the charge, cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends. If you allow notifications, Map Otter reminds you a day before.
How do I cancel?
In your App Store or Google Play subscriptions. Deleting the app doesn’t cancel the plan.
How do I restore a purchase?
Go to Grown-ups › Subscription › Restore purchases. On the plans screen, tap Restore.
Does Family Sharing work?
On Apple devices, yes, on every plan. Google Play: confirm family sharing for subscriptions
Learning
How does Map Otter choose questions?
Each place has its own review schedule. Places a kid knows well come back less often; tricky ones come back sooner, in Tricky ones and on the widget.
Can I change my kid’s track?
Yes. Grown-ups › Learning › Grade. Otto also offers to move up when a kid is ready.
Is there help for kids who find reading hard?
Read-to-me is on by default for younger grades, and lines are highlighted word by word. There’s also a dyslexia-friendly font, bigger text, color-blind-safe map colors and a left-handed layout, all in Grown-ups › Learning.
Countries and downloads
When do new countries arrive?
On the 1st of every month, once Map Otter has launched.
How much space does a country take?
Most countries take 18 to 26 MB. The United States is built in. You can remove a country in Grown-ups › Downloads; the kid’s progress is kept.
Why are some place names different in other countries?
Place names and borders follow your app store’s country. In the US store they match what Apple Maps and Google Maps show US users; other stores follow that country’s official view.
Fixing problems
A country won’t download
Downloads use Wi-Fi only unless you change it in Grown-ups › Downloads. Check that you’re on Wi-Fi and that the device has free space.
The app asks for an update before a new country opens
A new country can need a newer version of the app. Update Map Otter from your app store and it opens.
Still need help?
Email us with your device and what happened, and we’ll reply within [2 business days]. Privacy questions are welcome too.