Support

Help with BirdNET-Go Companion for iPhone and iPad

Need help, found a bug, or have a feature request? Email [email protected] and include your iOS version, your BirdNET-Go server version, and a description of what happened. Screenshots help a lot.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to use BirdNET-Go Companion?

A running BirdNET-Go server that your iPhone or iPad can reach over the network. BirdNET-Go is a free, open-source bird sound detection system that you host yourself — typically on a small computer such as a Raspberry Pi with a microphone attached. BirdNET-Go Companion is the iOS client; it does not detect birds on its own.

How do I connect to my server?

On first launch the app asks for your server address — enter the same URL you use to open the BirdNET-Go web interface, including the port (for example http://192.168.1.50:8080). You can change it later in Settings. If your server has a password configured, enter it in Settings as well.

Why don't I see any detections?

• Check that the server address in Settings is correct, including the port number.
• Make sure your device can reach the server — if the server is on your home network, your phone usually needs to be on the same network (or connected via a VPN such as Tailscale or WireGuard when you are away).
• Verify the server itself is detecting birds by opening its web interface in a browser.

Does it work with password-protected servers?

Yes. Enter your server password in Settings and the app signs in automatically — browsing, images, audio, and detection management all work on protected servers.

Can I set a backup server address?

Yes. In Settings, enter your usual address as the primary and a second address — for example, your server's Tailscale address — in "Secondary address." The app always tries the primary first, and if it can't connect within a few seconds, it automatically switches to the secondary. It also keeps checking the primary in the background and switches back on its own once it's reachable again. A "Currently Using" line in Settings shows which one is active.

Can I connect through a Cloudflare Tunnel?

Yes, if your tunnel is protected by Cloudflare Access, using a Service Token. In your Cloudflare Zero Trust dashboard, go to Access → Service Auth → Service Tokens and create one, then paste the Client ID and Client Secret it gives you into Settings under "Cloudflare Access." From then on the app authenticates automatically — no browser login prompt. Note: audio playback inside the app isn't supported yet behind Cloudflare Access; downloading or sharing an audio clip works normally.

Does the app record audio?

No. The app never asks for microphone access. All listening and species detection happen on your BirdNET-Go server; the app only displays what the server has already detected and plays back the server's recordings.

Contact

Email: [email protected]