# Signing in and creating an account on Check The View

Check The View is free to use without an account: anyone can browse the map, search, and read attraction condition reports and photos. An account is only needed to add dated reports, follow landmarks, confirm reports and manage community activity.

## How to sign in

- **Email magic link** — enter your email address and open the one-time sign-in link (valid for 15 minutes).
- **Passkey (WebAuthn)** — sign in with a device screen lock, fingerprint, face or security key. Passkey challenges are browser-bound, single-use and expire after five minutes.
- **Google** — one-tap or full sign-in, when enabled for the site.
- **Apple** — Sign in with Apple, when enabled for the site.

## Creating an account
Choose any sign-in method above; the first successful sign-in creates your account. Registration is verified by email before full access.

## Account security
- Two-step verification (time-based one-time codes) can be enabled from Account security.
- Passkeys can be added or removed at any time; biometric data never leaves the user's device.
- Signed-in sessions are listed and can be revoked individually.
- Passwords can be changed, and account data can be exported or the account deleted.

## Privacy
There are no adverts. Optional analytics and advertising integrations only run after the visitor consents, and sensitive sign-in values are encrypted and never returned to the browser.