Help Centre

Everything you can do in RaidTrain. Search by feature, action, or keyword.

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Your Account

Signing up, signing in, and managing your profile.

Create an account

Make a new RaidTrain account with your email. Your Whatnot username is checked to make sure it exists.

Who:
Anyone new to RaidTrain.
Where:
Login page → Sign up tab.

How to use it

  1. Go to the login page and tap Sign up.
  2. Choose Rider (join trains) or Conductor (host trains).
  3. Enter your Whatnot username. It is checked when you submit the form.
  4. Enter your name, email, and a password (at least 6 characters).
  5. Agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.
  6. Submit the form. Check your email and click the confirmation link to finish.

If the email doesn't arrive, tap Resend confirmation email on the Check your email screen.

Sign in

Sign back in with your email and password.

Who:
Anyone who already has an account.
Where:
Login page → Welcome back tab.

How to use it

  1. Go to the login page.
  2. Enter your email and password.
  3. Tap Sign in. If your email isn't confirmed yet, you'll be asked to resend the link.

Sign in with Google

Use your Google account to sign in or create a RaidTrain account. No email confirmation needed.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Login page → Continue with Google button.

How to use it

  1. On the login page, enter your Whatnot username and pick a role.
  2. Tap Continue with Google and follow the prompts.

First-time setup

A quick one-time setup when you first sign in. It collects your primary role, name, platform handle, email, and time zone.

Who:
New users.
Where:
Onboarding screen (appears automatically after your first sign-in).

How to use it

  1. Pick Rider or Conductor.
  2. Enter your display name.
  3. Pick your main platform and enter your handle.
  4. Enter a contact email.
  5. Confirm your time zone.
  6. Tap Continue.
  7. If you arrived from a train invite or another page, you will return there after setup is complete.

Update your profile

Change your name, email, platform handles, primary role, time zone, and notification settings. Rider and conductor are mutually exclusive, so switching one updates the community ticker counts.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
Profile page — open it from the menu at the top of the screen.

How to use it

  1. Open your profile.
  2. Change any field. Changing your email sends a confirmation to the new address.
  3. Tap Save.

Add more platform handles

Store handles for more than one platform on your account. The first one is your main handle.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
Profile page → Platforms section.

How to use it

  1. Open your profile.
  2. Tap + Add platform.
  3. Pick the platform and enter your handle.
  4. Save. Tap the cross to remove extras.

Set your time zone

Pick the time zone used to show all train and stop times across the app.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
Profile page → Time zone.

How to use it

  1. Open your profile.
  2. Pick a zone or choose Use device time zone.
  3. Save.

Turn on push notifications

Get alerts on your phone or computer even when RaidTrain is closed.

Who:
Signed-in users on supported browsers.
Where:
Profile page → Push notifications toggle.

How to use it

  1. Open your profile.
  2. Turn on Push notifications.
  3. Tap Allow on the browser prompt.

If you blocked push notifications before, turn them back on in your browser's site settings first.

Turn on SMS text alerts

Get important RaidTrain alerts by text message to your phone.

Who:
Signed-in users with a mobile number.
Where:
Profile page → SMS notifications section.

How to use it

  1. Open your profile and scroll to SMS notifications.
  2. Enter your mobile number (with country code) and tick the consent box.
  3. Tap Subscribe — your number is added and you'll be marked verified.
  4. Turn on the individual alert switches for the messages you want to receive.

Reply STOP to any RaidTrain text to opt out at any time. You can also tap Opt out or Remove number in the panel. If an admin removes your number (e.g. it was wrong), you'll be prompted to add it again on your next visit. Standard carrier message rates may apply.

Stop emails

Turn off all RaidTrain emails. You can also tap the Unsubscribe link in any email.

Who:
Signed-in users, or anyone with an email link.
Where:
Profile page → Email notifications, or the Unsubscribe link in any email.

How to use it

  1. In the app: open your profile, turn Email notifications off, and save.
  2. From an email: tap Unsubscribe, then confirm.

Reset your password

Forgot your password? Get an email with a link to set a new one.

Who:
Anyone with an account.
Where:
Forgot password page (linked from the login page).

How to use it

  1. On the login page, tap Forgot password.
  2. Enter your email and tap Send reset link.
  3. Open the email and set a new password.

Delete your account

Permanently remove your account, profile, signups, messages, and any trains you host. This cannot be undone.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
Profile page → Danger zone.

How to use it

  1. Open your profile and scroll to Danger zone.
  2. Tap Delete account.
  3. Type DELETE to confirm and tap Delete forever.

Trains

Creating, sharing, and managing trains.

Create a train

Schedule a new raid train with stops, timing, rules, and a cover photo. Riders who follow you get an alert.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Top menu → Create train, or the home page → + New Train.

How to use it

  1. Tap + New Train.
  2. Optionally make it a private train (hidden from public listings).
  3. Optionally let riders claim more than one stop.
  4. Upload a cover photo (max 5 MB) and an extra graphic if you want.
  5. Fill in the title, description, and rules.
  6. Add a signup question if you want.
  7. Pick the platform, category, start time, number of stops, and how long each stop lasts.
  8. Set follower or sales criteria and an approval deadline if needed.
  9. Set recurrence and number of repeats if it's a regular train.
  10. Tap Create train.
  11. Recurring trains create up to 3 copies at a time. There is no limit on how many trains you can have scheduled overall.

Private and draft trains

A private train is hidden from public listings. It still shows in your My Trains page under Private / drafts, so you can edit it and make it public when you're ready.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
My Trains page → Private / drafts section.

How to use it

  1. To make a train private: tick the private option when you create it, or open Manage train → Visibility.
  2. To find it later: open My Trains and look under Private / drafts.
  3. To make it public: open the train, tap Manage train → Visibility, and switch it off.

Incognito trains

An incognito train keeps the rider line-up secret. The train itself is still public and applicants still see every stop time and which stops are free — but other riders show as "Incognito rider" with no username, follower count or show link. The conductor, co-conductors and admins always see the real schedule, and each rider can see their own stop.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Create a train → Incognito train, or Manage train → Info tab.

How to use it

  1. When creating a train, switch on Incognito train (highlighted at the top with the other train options).
  2. On an existing train, open Manage train → Info and switch Incognito train on or off at any time.
  3. Everything else — approvals, invites, invite codes, themes, criteria, reminders — works exactly the same.

Add cover photos

Attach up to two images to a train. The main cover is the share image; the extra graphic is for raid-in or kickoff visuals.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Create train or Manage train → Cover photo / Extra graphic.

How to use it

  1. Open Manage train.
  2. Tap the image area for Cover photo or Extra graphic.
  3. Pick a file under 5 MB.

Pick a category

Tag a train with a category (for example Sports Cards or Sneakers) so riders can find it.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Create or Manage train → Category dropdown.

How to use it

  1. Pick a category or leave it blank.

Set up recurring trains

Set the start date and time, and optionally create repeated instances in one go.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Create train → Start time + Recurrence.

How to use it

  1. Pick a date and time.
  2. Pick how often it repeats and how many times (up to 52).

Make a QR code poster

Download a QR poster that links to your train. Great for sharing in DMs.

Who:
Anyone on a train page.
Where:
Train page → Raid Train QR Code button.

How to use it

  1. Open the train page.
  2. Tap Raid Train QR Code.
  3. Tap Download to save the image.

Share a train

Send the train link to others using your phone's share sheet or copy it on desktop.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Train page → Share this train button.

How to use it

  1. Tap Share this train.

Manage your train

The conductor control panel. Review applicants, manage stops, update details, and more.

Who:
Conductors and co-conductors.
Where:
Train page → green Manage train button.

How to use it

  1. Open the train page and tap Manage train.
  2. Use the tabs: Applicants, Stops, Train details, Schedule, Instructions, Show notes, Criteria, Signup question, Visibility, Multiple stops, Clone, Close, Delete, Block riders, Invite riders.
  3. Approve riders with the tick or decline with the cross — they get a notification.

Add stops to the start of a train

Insert extra stops before stop 1 without changing the times of any already-claimed stops. The train's overall start time shifts earlier to fit the new stops in front; every existing stop keeps its exact start time and rider.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Manage train → Add stops to the start.

How to use it

  1. Open Manage train.
  2. Scroll to Add stops to the start.
  3. Enter how many stops to prepend and tap Add to start.

New stops reuse the current first stop's duration. To add stops at the end instead, use Number of stops.

Invite riders directly

Send an invite to specific riders so they skip the public application queue.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Manage train → Invite riders panel.

How to use it

  1. Open Manage train.
  2. Open the Invite riders section.
  3. Search by name or @handle and tap a result to send the invite.

Riders can choose to only accept invites from conductors they've favourited (Profile → 'Only accept invites from favourited conductors'). If they've enabled that, you'll see a 'Not accepting invites' note next to their name.

Invite codes

Create a short code you can hand out to riders. Anyone who enters it joins the train as approved and can pick a stop right away.

Who:
Conductors, co-conductors and admins.
Where:
Manage train → Invite codes panel.

How to use it

  1. Open Manage train → Applicants tab and scroll to Invite codes.
  2. Optionally set a maximum number of uses (leave blank for unlimited), then tap Create code.
  3. Tap the copy button to copy a ready-made invite message with the code and a link.
  4. Switch a code off or delete it at any time.

Codes bypass the application queue, so only share them with riders you want on the train. Blocked riders and riders without a Whatnot username can't redeem a code.

Train chat

Chat with other approved riders and conductors on the train page. Links in messages are clickable. Conductors and mods can delete messages.

Who:
Approved riders, conductors, and co-conductors.
Where:
Train page → Chat panel.

How to use it

  1. Open the train page and expand Chat.
  2. Type a message and tap Send.

Copy show notes

Copy the conductor's show notes in one tap, ready to paste into your Whatnot show.

Who:
Approved riders, conductors, and co-conductors.
Where:
Train page → Copy Show Notes button.

How to use it

  1. Tap Copy Show Notes.

Add to your calendar

Add a train to your phone or computer calendar (Google, iCal, Outlook, etc.).

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Train page → Add to calendar button.

How to use it

  1. Tap Add to calendar and pick your calendar app.

Slots & Signups

Applying to trains, picking stops, and managing your spot.

Apply to ride a train

Submit an application to join a train. The conductor gets notified.

Who:
Signed-in riders.
Where:
Train page → Apply to ride.

How to use it

  1. Open the train page.
  2. Tap Apply to ride.
  3. Fill in any required fields and answer the conductor's question.
  4. Confirm if a follower warning appears.

Pick your stop

Choose a numbered time slot after you're approved. Greyed-out stops are ones you don't qualify for.

Who:
Approved riders.
Where:
Train page → Pick your stop button.

How to use it

  1. After approval, tap Pick your stop.
  2. Choose an available stop.

Change your stop

Swap your current stop for a different open one.

Who:
Selected riders.
Where:
Train page → Change stop button.

How to use it

  1. Tap Change stop, then pick a different open stop.

Release your stop

Give up your stop so another rider can take it. The conductor is notified.

Who:
Selected riders.
Where:
Pick your stop dialog → Release.

How to use it

  1. Open Pick your stop or Change stop.
  2. Tap Release next to your current stop.

Leave a train

Remove yourself from the train. Your stop becomes free and the conductor is notified.

Who:
Signed-up riders.
Where:
Train page → red Leave train button.

How to use it

  1. Tap Leave train and confirm.

Ask for extra stops

If the train doesn't normally allow multiple stops, request extras for the conductor to approve.

Who:
Selected riders.
Where:
Train page → Request additional stop button.

How to use it

  1. Tap Request additional stop.
  2. Enter how many extras (1 to 10) and submit.

Open-slot alerts

When a full train gets an opening, waiting riders are automatically alerted.

Who:
Riders in the waiting room.
Where:
Triggered automatically.

Link your show

Attach your Whatnot show URL to your stop so others can find it.

Who:
Slot owners, conductors, and co-conductors.
Where:
Train page → Show schedule → input next to your stop.

How to use it

  1. Find your stop in Show schedule.
  2. Paste your Whatnot show URL and tap Save.

View the show schedule

See every claimed stop in order with rider handles, times, live status, and bookmark links. Updates in real time during the train.

Who:
Anyone on the train page.
Where:
Train page → Show schedule.

How to use it

  1. Scroll to Show schedule. Tap Refresh to update the info.

Accept or decline an invite

When a conductor invites you directly, you need to accept before you can pick a stop.

Who:
Invited riders.
Where:
Train page badge or Invites page.

How to use it

  1. Tap Accept (green) or Decline (red).
  2. After accepting, tap Pick your stop.

Join with an invite code

If a conductor gave you a code, enter it to join their train instantly as an approved rider.

Who:
Signed-in riders with a Whatnot username.
Where:
Invites page → 'Have an invite code?'

How to use it

  1. Go to your Invites page.
  2. Type or paste the code and tap Join train.
  3. You'll land on the train page — pick your stop.

Codes can expire, be switched off, or run out of uses. Ask the conductor for a fresh one if it won't work.

Finding Trains & Conductors

Browsing, searching, and saving things you like.

Home feed

See upcoming public trains sorted into Today's Trains and Future Trains.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Home page (/).

How to use it

  1. Visit the home page.
  2. Switch sort with Up Next or Recently Added.
  3. Use the page numbers to browse Future Trains.

Search

Search trains by title, category, or conductor name. Conductor results show a mini profile you can tap.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Home page → Search trains box.

How to use it

  1. Type at least two characters.
  2. Tap a Conductor result for their profile or a Train result for the train page.

Calendar

Weekly view of upcoming public trains with a 7-day grid.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Calendar page.

How to use it

  1. Tap Calendar in the top menu.
  2. Navigate with Previous / Today / Next.
  3. Tap a day to jump to that day's trains.

Conductor directory

Browse all conductors, searchable by name or @handle. Sort by Most Trains, Recent, or A to Z.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Directory page.

How to use it

  1. Tap Directory in the top menu.
  2. Search or change the sort.
  3. Tap a row for their profile or the star to follow.

Favourites

Save trains for later and follow conductors to get alerts when they post a new train.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
Favourites page; bookmark and star icons across the app.

How to use it

  1. Save a train: tap the bookmark icon on a train card.
  2. Follow a conductor: tap the star on their profile, directory entry, or a train page.
  3. View and remove items from your Favourites page.

Supporters

See public supporters, open their Whatnot profiles, and view the monthly operating-cost progress bar.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Supporters page.

How to use it

  1. Tap Supporters in the app menu or visit /supporters.
  2. Tap a supporter @handle to open their Whatnot profile.
  3. Use Become a supporter to subscribe monthly or leave a one-time tip.

My Trains

See all your trains in one place: rides you've claimed a stop on, trains you've been pre-approved or invited to, and trains you're conducting.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
My Trains page.

How to use it

  1. Tap My Trains in the top menu.
  2. Riding on — trains where you've already claimed a stop.
  3. Invites — accept to ride — private-train invites waiting on your response. Open the train to accept and pick your stop. You'll also get an in-app notification and an email with a direct link to the train.
  4. Pre-approved — pick your stop — trains a conductor has approved you for. Open the train page and choose an open stop to lock in your slot.
  5. Applied for — applications still waiting on a conductor.
  6. Private / drafts — your own unpublished trains.

Conductor Tools

Extra tools for running trains.

Conductor profile

Public page showing a conductor's handle, follower count, role badge, and upcoming and past trains.

Who:
Anyone.
Where:
Conductor profile page.

Follow a conductor

Tap the star to follow a conductor. Their fan count is shown publicly next to their name.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
Train page, conductor profile, or directory.

How to use it

  1. Tap the star icon to follow or unfollow.

Block a rider

Stop a specific rider from applying to one train or all of your trains.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Manage train → Exclude riders.

How to use it

  1. Open Manage train.
  2. Open Exclude riders.
  3. Search and tap Block from this train or Block from all my trains.

Add a co-conductor

Give a rider extra permissions to help run the train. You choose what they can do.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Manage train → Applicants → Co-conductor toggle.

How to use it

  1. Toggle Co-conductor on for a rider.
  2. Tick the permissions you want to give.
  3. Save.

Make a rider a moderator

Mark a rider as a mod. Mods appear in the Train team panel and can delete chat messages.

Who:
Conductors and co-conductors with the right permission.
Where:
Manage train → Applicants → Mod toggle.

How to use it

  1. Toggle Mod next to a rider.

Clone a train

Make a copy of a train with a new start time.

Who:
Conductors.
Where:
Manage train → Clone train.

How to use it

  1. Open Manage train and tap Clone train.
  2. Pick a new date and time.
  3. Optionally make the clone private and tap Clone.

Message everyone on the train

Send a message to all approved and selected riders by notification, push, and/or email.

Who:
Conductors and co-conductors with the right permission.
Where:
Manage train → Broadcast tab.

How to use it

  1. Open Manage train → Broadcast.
  2. Write a title and message.
  3. Pick how to send it and tap Send.

Notifications

Staying up to date on your trains.

Notification bell

Bell icon in the top menu showing your unread count. Tap it to see the latest notifications.

Who:
Signed-in users.
Where:
Top menu → bell icon.

How to use it

  1. Tap the bell to read notifications.
  2. Tap Clear all to dismiss them.

You get notifications when: a rider applies, a rider leaves, a slot is claimed or released, someone requests extra stops, a favourited conductor posts a new train, someone sends a chat message, a slot opens up, or a broadcast is sent.

Email updates

Emails for signups, approvals, slot changes, riders leaving, new trains from followed conductors, and broadcasts. You can turn these off in your profile or via the Unsubscribe link in any email.

Who:
All users with a verified email (unless turned off).
Where:
Your email inbox; settings in your profile.

Push alerts

Browser alerts for the same events as emails, even when RaidTrain is closed. You need to turn these on first.

Who:
Users who turned on push notifications.
Where:
Delivered by your browser.

Didn't find what you needed?

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