Support
We read every note. The fastest way to reach us is email.
Contact
Questions, bugs, or feedback? Email support@lochan.app and we'll get back to you.
Frequently asked
Is my data private?
Yes. Lochan runs AI models directly on your device, and on-device chats stay there. Nothing is sent to us. Optional features leave the device only when you act: a cloud model with your own API key (Lochan talks to that provider directly), Share as link (encrypted upload to share.lochan.app after you confirm), Web Search (search queries to Brave Search with your key, after you allow it), model or voice downloads, and connecting to a Herdr host you own (SSH to that machine, not to Lochan).
Do I need an account?
No. Lochan works out of the box with on-device models. There is no sign-in.
Which models can I use?
Apple's built-in on-device model, downloadable open models like Qwen, Gemma, Llama, Phi, and SmolLM, and cloud models with your own API key (GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok). Switch per conversation.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Once a model is on your device, Lochan works with no connection at all - on a plane, in a tunnel, or with everything switched off. Cloud models and a Herdr host need a network.
What is Herdr?
Herdr is the runtime coding agents run on - a separate product, not part of Lochan. Lochan connects to a Herdr host on a Mac or Linux box you own so you can see and type into those agents from your phone. Save multiple hosts and switch between them. Your code and API keys stay on that machine.
How do I set up Herdr?
Install Herdr from herdr.dev. Then pair Lochan with curl -fsSL lochan.app/herdr-setup | sh on the Mac or Linux host and scan the QR code from the Lochan app. Reaching the host over cellular needs a VPN or mesh network; Tailscale is the two-minute version. Step-by-step: the pairing guide.
What devices are supported?
iPhone and iPad running iOS 26 or later. Apple's built-in on-device model requires iOS 26+, and image input requires iOS 27+. The Herdr connection talks to a Mac or Linux computer you own that is running Herdr.
Troubleshooting
- A model won't download. Model files are large. Stay on Wi-Fi, keep the app open during the download, and make sure you have enough free storage.
- The built-in model isn't available. Apple's on-device model needs iOS 26 or later on a supported Apple-silicon device. Check Settings and update iOS if needed.
- Attachments or image input aren't working. Image input requires iOS 27+ and a vision-capable model. Check the model's capabilities in the model picker.
- Can't pair with Herdr. Install Herdr from herdr.dev first. Run the Lochan setup command on the Mac or Linux host, then scan the QR from the Lochan app (not from a camera app). Run one setup at a time. On a Mac, confirm Remote Login is on in System Settings > General > Sharing.
- Can't reach the host away from home. The phone needs a path to that machine. Tailscale (or another VPN) is the usual fix.
- Still stuck? Email support@lochan.app with your device model and iOS version.
See also the docs and our Privacy Policy.