Recs Support

Needle stuck? Here are quick fixes and the most common questions.

Talk to the developer

A bug, an idea or a record Recs can't find. Every email gets read.

Troubleshooting

The camera doesn't read the barcode

Allow Camera access for Recs in the iOS Settings app. Hold the barcode flat inside the frame in good light. If it's worn or curved, type the digits under it, or tap Search by name.

A record doesn't play

Recs plays albums from Apple Music, so it needs Apple Music access: allow it for Recs in the iOS Settings app. Without a subscription you'll hear 30-second previews. Some albums aren't on Apple Music; they stay in your crate but can't be played.

It found the wrong album

Open the record and tap Wrong album? Change it, then pick the right one. You can also change the format (vinyl, CD or cassette) on the record's page.

My crate doesn't show up on my iPad

Sign in to iCloud with the same Apple Account on both devices and keep iCloud turned on for Recs. Syncing can take a moment after you add a record.

A cover is missing

Covers are downloaded while you're online, then saved on the device. If none of the catalogues has a cover for that release, Recs prints a plain label instead.

Frequently asked questions

What does Recs actually do?

Recs is a record collection app for iPhone and iPad. Scan the barcode on an LP, CD or cassette and it finds the release with its cover and tracklist. Add it to your crate, then play the album on a turntable, a CD player or a tape deck, each drawn and animated in the app. The music streams from Apple Music.

Do I need Apple Music?

To hear full albums, yes: Recs plays them from Apple Music. If you allow Apple Music access without a subscription, every deck plays 30-second previews. Scanning, your crate and your wantlist work either way.

Where does the record info come from?

From Apple Music and MusicBrainz, the open music encyclopedia. Covers come from Apple Music, the Cover Art Archive and the iTunes catalogue, and are then saved on your device.

What if a barcode isn't found?

Search by artist or album instead, and Recs keeps the barcode with the record. If the camera can't read a worn barcode, type the digits under it.

Which formats does it know?

Vinyl, CDs and cassettes. Recs reads the format from the release, and asks when you add a record by name. You can change it on the record's page.

How does it know I already own a record?

When you scan, Recs checks your crate for the same barcode or release, and for other editions of the same album with a matching title and artist. Nothing is added by itself: you choose I own this or Add to wantlist.

Does my crate sync?

Yes, through your own private iCloud, between your iPhone and iPad. There's no account to create. Covers are downloaded on each device and saved there, so your crate looks right offline.

Can I turn off the sounds?

Yes. The needle drops, key clunks and tape whirrs play on top of the music; switch off Sound effects in Settings.

How do I join the beta?

Recs is in public beta on TestFlight. Install Apple's free TestFlight app, then open the invite link on this page on your iPhone or iPad.

Requirements

iPhone or iPad with iOS 26.2 or later. Looking up records and playing them needs an internet connection; full albums need an Apple Music subscription.