Help with Alternate

Start with a walkthrough

Follow the app step by step: save parking, plan a stay, or set a move reminder. Each guide includes a real Alternate screen.

Save or move your car

On Home, tap the blank plate to add your first car. For another car, use the last blank plate or open Settings, then Cars.

Choose Park this car or Move car. Use current location or search an address. Choose your street side. Review your choice, then tap Save parking.

Use Move car to save a new location. Leave parking spot removes the parking location and reminder. Your car stays saved.

Directions opens Apple Maps near your saved street side. The destination is approximate.

Check a move reminder

The free reminder uses a 45-minute setting. If less time remains, it is set soon after parking. Home shows the actual reminder day and time. Allow notifications for Alternate in iPhone Settings.

Device settings, Focus, and system limits can delay a reminder. Check the posted sign. Keep track of the move time yourself. Alternate+ adds more cars and custom reminder timing.

Check the holiday calendar

Open Holidays for today and all 2026 dates. Upcoming dates come first. Past dates follow. For current changes, use the official sources in our today and tomorrow guide.

Alternate adjusts only street cleaning rules for holidays. Other holiday rules may differ. Our parking holiday guide explains what to verify.

Missing or unclear sign data

Alternate shows known rules from NYC sign records. Some rules can be old, missing, or unclear. Without a usable rule deadline, save the address and street side with Check the posted sign guidance. Check every posted sign and temporary notice. You can set your own move time after you save. Searches and rule updates need a connection.

Set a move time

On Home, choose Set a move time. Choose a later date and time in New York time. Turn on I checked every sign beside my car. Tap Save. Use Remove chosen time to clear your choice.

Your chosen move time stays separate from parking rules. It does not confirm that parking is allowed. An earlier known restriction takes priority. Alternate uses your reminder timing in Settings.

Restore or manage Alternate+

Open Alternate+ in the app. Choose Restore purchases. Use the Apple Account that made the purchase. Apple manages payments, subscriptions, and refunds. Manage or cancel a subscription in Apple Account settings.

One car and its standard reminder are free. The app shows current plans and prices before you buy.

Contact the developer

Email support@alternatenyc.com with what happened, your iPhone model, and your iOS version. Remove personal information from screenshots before you send them.

Read the Privacy Policy or Terms of Use for information about data, purchases, and parking guidance.