FAQ

AQI Sense is an iOS app that shows live air quality index (AQI) and pollutant readings near you and around the world. Browse a feed of saved and nearby stations, explore an interactive map, and open detailed station pages with forecasts.

AQI Sense runs on iPhone and iPad with a recent version of iOS or iPadOS. An internet connection is needed to fetch live readings; saved favorites remain available offline in the app.

No account is required. Favorites and preferences are stored locally on your device with SwiftData.

AQI Sense is available on the App Store. Check the listing for current pricing, subscriptions, or trials before you download.

AQI Sense reads open data from third-party networks you choose in Settings: WAQI (World Air Quality Index), Sensor.Community, and OpenSenseMap. We do not operate the sensors; we display what those providers publish.

Update intervals depend on each station and provider — from a few minutes to longer gaps for offline sensors. Pull to refresh on the feed or reopen a station to request the latest reading available from the source.

AQI is calculated from pollutant concentrations using a scale (US EPA, China HJ 633, European CAQI, etc.). Different apps may use different scales, providers, or nearest stations. Pick the provider and scale that match how you want to interpret the numbers in Settings.

Community sensors vary in calibration and placement. Official monitoring stations are usually more consistent but may be farther away. Treat readings as indicative — especially for health decisions, rely on official sources in your region.

Each network has different coverage and station types:

• WAQI — broad global index data, strong for cities worldwide.
• Sensor.Community — community-operated sensors, often hyperlocal.
• OpenSenseMap — open citizen-science sensor map with varied devices.

Use the scale common in your region: US EPA in the United States, China HJ 633-2012 in China, European CAQI in much of Europe. The scale changes category breakpoints and labels, not the underlying pollutant data from the station.

Yes. Open Settings in the app to switch data provider and AQI scale at any time. Favorites stay saved; readings will refresh according to the new provider where data exists.

Open a station's detail screen and add it to favorites (or use the favorite control on the card, depending on your app version). Saved stations appear in your feed for quick access.

When many stations are close together, the map groups them into a cluster marker showing a count. Zoom in or tap the cluster to split it into individual stations.

Live AQI requires network access to fetch new measurements. Your saved favorites and cached station details may still be browsable offline, but values can be stale until you reconnect and refresh.

Station pages show available readings such as PM2.5, PM10, O₃, NO₂, and others depending on the sensor. When supported by the provider, you may also see multi-day forecasts for ozone, particulates, and UV index.

Use search to look up a place name or keyword, then open stations from the results or map. You can favorite any station for your feed regardless of where you are physically located.

Preferences and favorites are stored on your device. For details on analytics, location, and third-party services, see the Privacy Policy.

The app may request location to show nearby stations on the feed and map. Location is used to improve local results, not to sell data. You can control permission in iOS Settings at any time.

The sensor or upstream provider may be offline. Try pull-to-refresh, switch provider in Settings if another network covers the area, or check another nearby station.

Ensure location permission is granted and location services are enabled. Coverage varies by region — rural areas may have fewer community sensors. Search manually or zoom the map to find the closest available station.

Some providers have sparse coverage outside major cities. Change the data provider in Settings or search for a larger nearby city to find active stations.

Submit the Feedback form or email us below. Include the station name, provider, and a screenshot if something looks wrong.