Currently asks for a clear photo of your face — here's how the Smile, Great, Align flow works.
Why a face photo?
Currently is built on real connections. Your profile picture should be a clear photo of your face — not a logo, cartoon, landscape, or photo of someone else. This keeps the app authentic and helps friends recognize you.
How to add your photo
- On the Add your profile picture screen, tap the green + button.
- Choose how to add your photo: Record (video selfie), Camera (take a new photo), or Gallery (pick from your phone).
- If your phone asks for Camera or Photos permission, tap OK or Allow Access.
- If you chose Camera, follow the on-screen prompts: Smile → Great → Upload.
- Once your photo is approved, tap Upload → to save it.
Understanding Smile, Great, and Align Your Face
When you take a photo with the camera, Currently checks that your face is clearly visible. The screen color tells you what's happening:
| Screen says | Background | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| SMILE | Black | Camera is open and looking for your face. Smile and stay still. |
| GREAT | Green | Your face is detected and the photo is good. Capturing now. |
| ALIGN YOUR FACE | Red | We can't see your face clearly. Move into better lighting or center yourself in the circle. |
Tips for a great profile photo
- Good lighting. Natural daylight works best. Avoid backlighting (don't stand in front of a window).
- Clear face. No sunglasses, no mask, no hands covering your face.
- One person. Solo shot only — group photos won't pass.
- Minimal distractions. Keep the background simple.
Remove the background? After your photo is captured, you can choose With backgrounds or Without backgrounds. Without background gives you a clean, focused shot. Pick whichever you like — you can change it later.
FAQs — Profile picture
Q. My photo keeps getting rejected. What's wrong?
A. The most common reasons: (1) your face isn't clearly visible, (2) lighting is too dark, (3) it's a group photo, (4) you're wearing sunglasses or a mask, or (5) the photo is a screenshot or cartoon. Try again with a clear, well-lit selfie of just your face.
Q. Why does the screen turn red?
A. Red means Align Your Face — Currently can't see your face clearly. Move into better light, take off sunglasses or hats, and center your face in the circle.
Q. Can I use a cartoon, anime, or pet photo?
A. No. Currently requires a real photo of your real face. This is a core part of the app's authenticity.
Q. Can I upload from my gallery instead of taking a new photo?
A. Yes. Tap the + button and choose Gallery. Your photo will still go through the face-detection check, so make sure it's a clear shot of your face.
Q. My photo from the gallery is being rejected. Why?
A. Even gallery photos are checked for a clear face. If yours is rejected, try a different photo or take a fresh selfie with the camera.
Q. Can I change my profile picture later?
A. Yes. Go to Profile → Edit Profile → Profile Picture to update it anytime.
Q. What happens if I deny camera and photos access?
A. You won't be able to add a profile picture, and you can't finish signup without one. Go to your phone's Settings → Currently and turn on Camera or Photos access.
Q. Should I pick 'With backgrounds' or 'Without backgrounds'?
A. Either works. Without backgrounds gives you a clean, focused look. With backgrounds keeps your original setting. You can switch later from your profile.