> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.witt-play.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Your Witt & Play profile: what's public and private

> Set your display name, sport preferences, and social links, and learn which fields other members can see versus which are kept private.

Your profile is how the Witt & Play community knows you. It holds your display name, sport preferences, and optional social links — all of which other verified members can see on your public profile page. Your home address and date of birth are kept private and are never shown to other members.

## Display name

Your display name is the name other players see in the game feed, approval requests, and game chat. It must be unique across all members.

**Rules:**

* Letters, numbers, `.`, `_`, and `-` only — no spaces or special characters
* Minimum 2 characters, maximum 40 characters
* Must be unique — the app checks availability in real time as you type

If the name you want is taken, the platform suggests five available alternatives based on your chosen name.

<Warning>
  Your display name is required before you can save your profile. You cannot host or join games without one.
</Warning>

## Avatar and photo

Upload a profile photo from the **My profile** page. If you haven't uploaded a photo, your initials appear as a fallback avatar. Other members see your avatar on game cards and in the player list.

## Intro blurb

Your intro blurb is a short bio (up to 500 characters) that appears on your public profile and, if you opt in, on the new-members spotlight page. You can write it yourself or use the **Generate with AI** button — the AI uses your display name, selected sports, and city to draft a friendly introduction for you.

## Sport and category preferences

You must select at least one game category (e.g., Outdoor Sports, Tabletop Games) and at least one specific sport or game from that category before you can save your profile. These preferences help the platform surface relevant games for you and tell other members what you like to play.

## Social links

You can optionally share any combination of the following:

| Field       | What you enter                                 |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Instagram   | Your handle (without `@`)                      |
| X (Twitter) | Your handle (without `@`)                      |
| LinkedIn    | Your handle or full profile URL                |
| Other link  | Any valid `https://` URL, up to 200 characters |

Social fields only appear on your public profile if you add them. Toggling a social off clears the saved value.

## New-members spotlight

The **Feature me on the new-members page** toggle opts you in to the spotlight at `/community/new`. When enabled, your display name, selected sports, and intro blurb appear there for 30 days from the time you opt in. You can turn this off at any time from your profile page.

## TrustBadge

The TrustBadge in the navigation header shows your current verification progress (for example, `Verify 3/5`) or a green **Verified** shield once all five steps are complete. Clicking it opens the identity verification stepper. See [Trust & safety](/community/trust-and-safety) for the full verification flow.

## Public profile page

Every member has a public profile at `/u/:userId`. Authenticated members can view it. The public profile shows:

* Display name and avatar
* Verified / Not verified badge
* Restricted badge (if the account is restricted)
* Host rating badge (average star rating and count)
* Intro blurb
* Sport and game preferences
* Social links (if you've added any)
* Upcoming games the member is hosting

<Info>
  The **Restricted** badge appears when an account is under 18. Restricted members cannot host or join games.
</Info>

## What is public vs. private

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Public (visible to all authenticated members)">
    * Display name
    * Avatar / profile photo
    * Intro blurb
    * Sport and game preferences
    * Social links you've added
    * Verification status (Verified / Not verified)
    * Host rating
    * Upcoming games you're hosting
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Private (never shown to other members)">
    * Email address
    * Legal name
    * Date of birth
    * Home address (street, city, state)
    * Phone number
    * GPS verification coordinates
    * Venmo and Cash App handles (shown only to approved players in your games)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Editing your profile

Go to **My profile** from the navigation menu to make changes. The page warns you if you try to navigate away with unsaved changes — you can save and leave, discard changes, or return to keep editing.

<Tip>
  Your home address and phone number are managed from the **Settings** page, not the profile page. From Settings you can also verify your phone via SMS and GPS-verify your home address.
</Tip>