---
title: Installation and sign-in
description: Download the DistantRace app and sign in on iOS or Android
order: 1
---

# Installation and sign-in

The DistantRace app is available for **iOS** and **Android**. You need a DistantRace account — create one on the website or during first launch in the app.

## Download the app

| Platform | Link |
|----------|------|
| iOS (App Store) | [DistantRace on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/lv/app/distant-race-app/id6447062298) |
| Android (Google Play) | [DistantRace on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.distantrace.app) |

You can also open [distantrace.com/app](https://distantrace.com/app) on your phone — event landing pages often link there too.

## Sign-in options

On the welcome screen, sign in with the same account you use on [distantrace.com](https://distantrace.com):

- **Apple** (iOS)
- **Google**
- **Facebook**

Use the same provider you linked on the website. If you registered with email and password only, sign in on the website first and link a social provider under [Connections](../connections-with-apps/supported-apps.md), or use [QR login](#qr-login-to-the-website) from an already-signed-in phone.

For all website sign-in methods (email code, passkey, enterprise SSO), see [Sign-in options](../joining-events/sign-in-options.md).

## First launch

After sign-in, new users see:

1. **Onboarding carousel** — four screens introducing workout recording, challenges, leagues, and step games. Swipe through or skip to continue.
2. **Permissions setup** — step source, health permissions, optional height for calorie estimates, location (for GPS workouts), and push notifications.

If you connect a watch-based step source (Garmin, Fitbit, etc.) instead of a phone source, the app may only ask for notifications before opening the main screen.

## QR login to the website

You can authorize a **browser session** by scanning a QR code shown on distantrace.com:

1. On the website, choose **Login with QR** (or similar).
2. In the DistantRace app, open the **QR scanner** (floating button on the home screen).
3. Point the camera at the website QR code. Codes starting with `login_` are handled as sign-in requests.
4. Confirm **Successfully authorized** on the result screen. The browser session is logged in.

If authorization fails, try again with a fresh QR code. See [Sign-in options](../joining-events/sign-in-options.md#mobile-app-qr-login).

## Email verification

If your email is not verified, the app shows a reminder after you reach the main tabs. Verify via the link sent to your inbox so account recovery and notifications work reliably.

## Related

- [App overview and navigation](app-overview-and-navigation.md)
- [Step sync setup](step-sync-setup.md)
- [Create an account](../joining-events/create-an-account.md)