General
Account & Security
Passwords, login methods, mobile app, notifications, and keeping your account secure.
Passwords
Password requirements
Your password must be at least 8 characters. We recommend using a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords from other services -- a unique password keeps your account safer.
Changing your password
Go to Settings > Account > Change Password. You will need to enter your current password and then your new password twice. If you are logged in via a social provider and have never set a password, you can set one from the same page.
Forgot your password
On the login page, click Forgot Password and enter your email address. We send a password reset link that expires after 1 hour. Click the link, set a new password, and you are back in. Check your spam folder if the email does not arrive within a few minutes.
Reset link not working
Reset links are single-use and expire after 1 hour. If yours is not working, request a new one from the login page. Make sure you are clicking the most recent link if you requested multiple resets.
Login Methods
Email and password
The standard login method. Enter the email and password you used when signing up. Your session persists across browser tabs and stays active until you explicitly log out or it expires after an extended period of inactivity.
Social login
You can sign up and log in using Google or other supported social providers. This links your OpenToServe account to your social account for one-click access. You can still set a separate password for email-based login if you prefer having both options.
Magic links
Prefer not to remember a password? Use the magic link option on the login page. We email you a one-time link that logs you in instantly. Magic links expire after 15 minutes and can only be used once.
Staying logged in
On trusted devices, your session persists so you do not need to log in every visit. On shared or public devices, always log out when you are done. You can view and revoke active sessions from Settings > Account > Sessions.
Mobile App
Installing the app
OpenToServe is a progressive web app (PWA). On iOS Safari, tap the Share button and select Add to Home Screen. On Android Chrome, tap the menu and select Install App. This gives you a native app-like experience with an icon on your home screen.
Push notifications
After installing the PWA, you can enable push notifications for shift updates, messages, and application status changes. When prompted, allow notifications to stay informed in real time. You can adjust which notifications you receive in Settings > Notifications.
Offline access
The app caches key pages for basic offline viewing. You can browse your profile and recent shift history without a connection. Active features like applying for shifts or messaging require an internet connection.
GPS and location services
The mobile app uses your device GPS for proximity-based shift filtering. This helps you find shifts closest to your current location. Location access is optional -- you can always search by city or address instead.
Notification Preferences
Email notifications
By default, you receive email notifications for important events: shift confirmations, application status changes, payment updates, and messages. You can customize which emails you receive from Settings > Notifications > Email.
Push notifications
If you have installed the mobile app and allowed push notifications, you receive real-time alerts on your device. Configure push notification categories (shifts, messages, payments) from Settings > Notifications > Push.
In-app notifications
The notification bell in the app header shows unread alerts. These cover all activity: new applicants, shift status changes, messages, and system announcements. Click any notification to jump directly to the relevant page.
Reducing noise
Getting too many notifications? Fine-tune your preferences in Settings > Notifications. You can mute specific categories, switch from instant to daily digest emails, or disable non-essential alerts entirely while keeping critical ones active.
Account Settings
Updating your email
Change your email from Settings > Account > Email. You will need to verify the new email address with a confirmation code before the change takes effect. Your old email remains active until verification is complete.
Updating your name or city
Edit your display name and city from your profile settings. Your city affects which metro area marketplace you see and which shifts are recommended. If you move, update your city so the matching engine adjusts.
Switching between worker and business
OpenToServe supports separate worker and business accounts tied to the same email. You can sign up for both roles independently. Switch between them from the account menu. Each has its own profile, dashboard, and settings.
Deactivating your account
If you need a break, you can deactivate your account from Settings > Account > Deactivate. This hides your profile from the marketplace but preserves your data. Reactivate anytime by logging back in.
Privacy & Data
What data we collect
We collect information you provide (name, email, profile details) and usage data (shift history, login activity). Payment information is handled entirely by Stripe and never stored on our servers. See our full Privacy Policy for a complete breakdown.
Data export
You can request an export of all your data from Settings > Account > Data Export. We compile your profile information, shift history, messages, and earnings data into a downloadable file. Exports are typically ready within 24 hours.
Account deletion
To permanently delete your account and all associated data, go to Settings > Account > Delete Account. This action is irreversible. Active shifts must be completed or cancelled before deletion. After deletion, your data is purged within 30 days per our retention policy.
Who sees your profile
Workers: your profile is visible to businesses when you apply for their shifts. Businesses: your profile is visible to workers browsing the marketplace. Neither side sees the other's private data like email, phone, or payment details.
Security Best Practices
Use a strong, unique password
Your OpenToServe password should be unique -- do not reuse it from other services. A password manager makes this easy. If you suspect your password has been compromised, change it immediately from Settings > Account.
Watch for phishing
We will never ask for your password via email, text, or phone. Official emails come from @opentoserve.com only. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, do not click any links -- report it to support.
Review active sessions
Check Settings > Account > Sessions to see all devices where your account is currently logged in. If you see an unfamiliar device or location, revoke that session immediately and change your password.
Suspicious activity
If you notice unauthorized changes to your account, shifts you did not apply for, or messages you did not send, contact support immediately. We can lock your account while investigating and help you regain full control.
Reporting security issues
If you discover a security vulnerability on the platform, please report it to our team via the Contact page. We take all reports seriously and respond promptly. Do not exploit or publicly disclose vulnerabilities before we have had a chance to address them.