Support
Answers to common questions, and how to reach us.
We read every message and usually reply within two working days.
To help us fix a problem faster, tell us your device model, its iOS or Android version, the ArcListen version (Settings → About → Version) and, if it's about a file or website, what kind it is.
Getting started
How do I add something to listen to?
Tap Add. Paste a link or some text into the box, or choose a file. ArcListen reads EPUB, PDF, MOBI, DOCX and TXT files.
How do I get a better voice?
- Open the Voices tab.
- Pick your language and tap a voice to hear a sample.
- Tap download. When it finishes, the voice is used for that language and plays offline.
Every voice is free. Some high-quality voices are large and need more memory; the app shows how well each voice runs on your device after you've listened to it.
Listening
A word or name is pronounced wrongly
In the read-along screen, tap Fix pronunciation while the word is being read, or go to Settings → Pronunciation. Write how it should sound and hear it straight away. You can also make rules that apply to just one book.
Playback stops when I lock my phone
Make sure Low Power Mode isn't limiting background activity, and that ArcListen is allowed to run in the background. On Android, turn off battery optimisation for ArcListen.
Listening stopped and asked me to watch an ad
The free version includes listening time every day. When it runs out, watch a short ad to add more, or buy unlimited listening once to remove the limit and ads. If no ad is available, for example when you're offline, the app gives you some extra time so you're not cut off.
Files and websites
My PDF won't read, or reads nothing
ArcListen reads text. Scanned PDFs that contain only images have no text to read, and files protected by DRM can't be opened. Try exporting the document again as a text-based PDF or EPUB.
A website won't open
Some websites block apps from reading their pages, or load their text in a way that can't be extracted. Copy the article text and paste it into ArcListen instead.
Purchases
How do I restore my purchase on a new device?
Sign in with the same Apple ID or Google account you bought with, then open Settings and tap Restore purchase.
How do I get a refund?
Refunds are handled by the store. On iPhone and iPad, request one at reportaproblem.apple.com. On Android, see Google Play's refund help.
Your data
How do I move my library to a new device?
In Settings, tap Back up and save the file somewhere you can reach from the new device, such as iCloud Drive. On the new device, tap Restore from a backup in Settings and pick that file. Voices aren't part of a backup, so download them again in the Voices tab. Restoring adds items you don't have yet and never overwrites what's already there.
How do I delete my account?
You only have an account if you chose to sign in. Go to Settings → Account → Delete account. This deletes the account data we hold. Your library on the device isn't affected. If you can't access the app, email us from the address on the account and we'll delete it for you.
How do I change my ad privacy choices?
Email us and we'll help. See our Privacy Policy for what ads collect, and remember that buying unlimited listening turns ads off completely.