FAQ

Can I host now?

Yes, in an early beta: set up a hub and plug in your phones. PocketShare reviews every phone before it can be rented, and payouts aren’t available yet.

I was in the private pilot. What happens now?

The pilot has ended and its app, connector and dashboard no longer work. You can uninstall the PocketShare Host app and the USB connector. Your pilot records are kept until they’re exported and deleted; email [email protected] to have yours deleted sooner.

Why do I need a computer?

Android doesn’t let an app control other apps on the same phone. The hub controls the phones from outside over USB, gives renters access only during their rental and wipes the phones afterwards.

Can I use a Raspberry Pi?

Yes, a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 with Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) is planned to be the easiest option: one command installs the hub on it. The same command works on Debian and Ubuntu computers, and there’s an installer for Windows too.

Can I use my everyday phone?

No. Hosting needs spare phones that have been reset with your accounts removed.

Can I use my everyday computer as the hub?

A dedicated computer is strongly recommended to keep rentals away from your personal files.

Does hosting need a SIM card or mobile data?

No. Take the SIM out. The hub uses your home internet.

Do I need to change my router settings?

No. The hub only makes outgoing connections to PocketShare.

How much will I earn?

That depends on your phones, the hourly price you set and how often they’re rented. Nothing is paid until hosting opens. See Earnings.

Can I stop at any time?

Yes. You’ll be able to pause a phone from your dashboard, press Stop hosting on the phone, or unplug it. Any rental on it ends right away.