Frequently Asked Questions

Parkwärter uses your iPhone's location services to detect when you arrive somewhere. Optionally, the app can also detect whether you were traveling by car. You don't need to open the app manually — everything happens automatically in the background.

Your location is only captured when an arrival is detected and sent to my server to check if a parking disc is needed there. Motion data (e.g. whether you were driving) is processed exclusively on your device and never sent to a server. There is no continuous location tracking. Learn more in my Privacy Policy.

No. Parkwärter works entirely in the background. Once you've granted the permissions, the app automatically detects your arrivals — even when it's closed.

The database is continuously updated and covers a growing number of parking areas in Germany. The decision is based on the stored parking rules at your location. Please note: The app provides a recommendation but does not replace your own judgment on site. When in doubt, it's better to place a parking disc.

Parkwärter is available as a subscription, e.g. for €0.99 per week, €1.99 per month, or €12.99 per year. The costs cover ongoing server and infrastructure expenses. As a solo developer, subscriptions help me keep the app reliable and improve it over time.

Parkwärter is currently only available for iOS (iPhone). An Android version is planned — but the timeline depends on how much interest there is. Register your interest here →

In Car mode, Parkwärter detects your arrivals via Bluetooth. You need to create a one-time automation in Apple's Shortcuts app. When the Bluetooth connection to your car is disconnected, Parkwärter automatically checks whether you need a parking disc. Go to the step-by-step guide →

In Phone mode, the iPhone automatically detects when you arrive somewhere — no additional setup required. In Car mode, detection is triggered via Bluetooth when you get out of your car. Car mode is more reliable but requires a one-time automation setup. Learn more about the detection modes →

No. Parkwärter is optimized for minimal battery consumption. The app uses efficient system features and only runs when it's actually needed. In everyday use, you won't notice any significant battery drain.

In Phone mode, Parkwärter relies on iOS background location detection. iOS does not detect arrivals instantly — there can be a delay of up to five minutes. This means you may have already left your car by the time the reminder appears. When your device has low battery, this delay can increase further. In Car mode, there is no such delay. Learn more about why the delay happens →