FAQ

Getting started #

Why does Play do nothing, or why is it greyed out? #

Play needs a connected receiver. Connect one in Settings > Receiver: a network receiver by its address, or a stick through the SDR driver app. See Network receiver and RTL-SDR stick.

Why does the stick not open? #

Install the separate SDR driver app and open it once, and allow it to use the USB device when the phone asks. Push the stick fully into the adapter and the adapter into the phone, then press Refresh devices. Some phones need an OTG adapter that is known to work.

Why is my network receiver not found? #

The phone and the receiver must be on the same network, and sharing must be on at the receiver. Press Find on network, or type the address. On newer Android versions, allow the Nearby devices permission.

What does Find on network do? #

One bounded look at the networks your phone is on, only when you tap it. It ends by itself and does not look outside your own network.

Sound #

Why is there no sound? #

Press Why no sound? in Settings. Check the volume, the phone's media volume, that Squelch is not closed (try Auto) and that Quiet until is Off. For FM, use WFM.

Why is the sound distorted, or why are there many false signals? #

The signal is too strong. Lower the gain, use Optimise and switch RTL AGC off. See Receiver bar and gain.

Why is the sound too quiet? #

Raise Volume (up to 200 percent), raise the gain if the amber hint says the signal is weak, and narrow the filter width for a weak signal.

Why does the sound stop when the app is in the background? #

The system paused it. The bar "Sound paused. Still receiving." has a Resume button.

Reception #

Why do I hear only noise? #

Check that the antenna is screwed on, and put it by a window, as high as you can. A short whip indoors hears little. Try Optimise for the gain.

Why is the frequency a little off, or why does DAB+ not lock? #

Set the frequency correction with Settings > Receiver > Measure with DAB+, after the stick has warmed up for 10 minutes. See Settings.

Why does it say the receiver is busy? #

The receiver does one thing at a time. Press Stop in the receiver bar, or choose whether the app asks before switching in Settings > Receiver > One receiver.

Which decoders need an HF receiver? #

NAVTEX, weather fax, RTTY, PSK31 and most Morse need a receiver that can tune below about 24 MHz, such as an RTL-SDR Blog V4. Explore says "Needs HF" where this applies. See All decoders.

Your data #

Does the app send my data anywhere? #

Not by itself. There is no account, no ads and no analytics. Audio, recordings, decoded messages and the frequencies you listen to stay on your phone. The only things that go online are the offline data downloads, and only in Automatic data mode. See Privacy.