Shazam on iPhone FAQs

This document was last updated for iPhone 3.0 (Shazam), 3.0 (Shazam Encore) and 3.0 (SHAZAM)REDTM on the 16th March 2011.

TRANSFERRING YOUR SHAZAM SUBSCRIPTION TO A NEW IPHONE
WHAT'S NEW:

SHAZAM FRIENDS
SHAZAM ENCORE 4.0
UPGRADING & SUPPORTED LANGUAGES
SHAZAM FEES AND PRICES
IOS FEATURES
TAGGING
MY TAGS
DISCOVER
SETTINGS, PAYMENT STATUS & ACCOUNT SIGNUP
SHARING VIA SOCIAL NETWORKS
COMMON ISSUES

Transferring your Shazam Subscription to a new iPhone

I've paid for Shazam Encore and recently switched to a new iPhone e.g. moved from AT&T to Verizon. do I have to buy Shazam Encore again?

No. iTunes can automatically sync the Shazam Encore application from your iTunes library allowing you to use Shazam Encore without purchasing it again.

Steps to backup and re-sync your applications:

  1. Plug in your AT&T iPhone to iTunes and make sure you select "Sync" to backup your applications & data.
  2. On your new iPhone, login to the App Store application using your existing iTunes account.
  3. Connect your new device to iTunes on your Mac or PC and wait for your new device to Sync to your iTunes library.
  4. Navigate to the "Apps" tab and make sure the "Sync Apps" checkbox is ticked.
  5. Under "Devices" in the left navigation bar in iTunes, highlight your new iPhone device and "right-click" on the mouse (NOTE: if you're using a Mac, a right-click can be done by selecting CTRL) and select "Restore from Backup"
  6. This will restore all your applications including Shazam Encore as well as your music Tags.

Note: Just syncing your device many not transfer your payment status over to your new application, so Shazam always recommends selecting "Restore from Backup" in order to successfully transfer your Shazam Encore application.

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I've purchased a 1 year subscription to Shazam Encore via the free Shazam app but now I've switched to a new iPhone device with a new network operator, do I need to pay for Shazam again?

No. We've built Shazam in a way that allows you to keep your application payment status when switching between different devices linked to the same iTunes account; providing you've backed up your old iPhone to your iTunes library after purchasing Shazam Encore.

You can restore Shazam Encore status by following these steps:

  1. Plug in the original iPhone you've used to purchase Shazam Encore to iTunes and make sure you select "Sync" to backup your applications & data.
  2. On your new iPhone, login to the App Store application using your existing iTunes account.
  3. Connect your new device to iTunes on your Mac or PC and wait for your new device to Sync to your iTunes library.
  4. Navigate to the "Apps" tab and make sure the "Sync Apps" checkbox is ticked.
  5. Under "Devices" in the left navigation bar in iTunes, highlight your new iPhone device and "right-click" on the mouse (NOTE: if you're using a Mac, a right-click can be done by selecting CTRL) and select "Restore from Backup"
  6. This will restore all your applications including Shazam with your remaining Shazam Encore subscription as well as your music Tags.

Note: Just syncing your device many not transfer your payment status over to your new application, so Shazam always recommends selecting "Restore from Backup" in order to successfully transfer Shazam Encore payment status.

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I was granted unlimited tagging because I was a Shazam user prior to November 2009, will I lose my unlimited tagging status when I switch over to a new iPhone?

No. We've made modifications to the way Shazam works, allowing users who were granted Unlimited Tagging to keep that status when switching over to a new iPhone device; providing you've backed up your original iPhone to your iTunes library

We've built Shazam in a way that allows you to keep your application payment status when switching between different devices linked to the same iTunes account; providing you've backed up your old iPhone to your iTunes library after purchasing Shazam Encore.

You can restore your unlimited status by following these steps:

  1. Plug in the original iPhone you've used to purchase Shazam Encore to iTunes and make sure you select "Sync" to backup your applications & data.
  2. On your new iPhone, login to the App Store application using your existing iTunes account.
  3. Connect your new device to iTunes on your Mac or PC and wait for your new device to Sync to your iTunes library.
  4. Navigate to the "Apps" tab and make sure the "Sync Apps" checkbox is ticked.
  5. Under "Devices" in the left navigation bar in iTunes, highlight your new iPhone device and "right-click" on the mouse (NOTE: if you're using a Mac, a right-click can be done by selecting CTRL) and select "Restore from Backup"
  6. This will restore all your applications including Shazam with unlimited tagging status as well as your music Tags.

Note: Just syncing your device many not transfer your payment status over to your new application, so Shazam always recommends selecting "Restore from Backup" in order to successfully transfer Shazam Encore payment status.

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What's New:

Shazam & Shazam Encore 4.0

- Shazam Friends: See what your friends are tagging - preview and buy the track, watch videos and more.

- Improved stability and performance.

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Shazam Friends

How do I setup Shazam Friends?

Setting up Shazam Friends is simple; all you need is a Facebook account and you're ready to go.

Simply tap on the Friends Tab within Shazam and select the Facebook Connect button to get started. After successfully logging in to Facebook, you'll be asked to Link your Device to Shazam and you're ready to go.

Shazam will start showing you a feed of Tags discovered by your friends if they've also setup Shazam Friends.

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Why is Shazam asking me to "Link My Device?"

Linking your device helps us identify you as a user on our system. It also allows us to extend special Shazam offers you may receive during the life of your current device to newer devices you may upgrade to in the future.

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I've already signed up with Shazam previously; can I use my existing login?

Yes, if you're asked to Link your Device, you can select "login" and enter the email address and password you've signed up to Shazam with previously.

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I've previously signed up to Shazam, but I've forgotten my password - how can I retrieve my password?

You can go in and reset your password via our Website (insert hyperlink) OR when you're asked to "Link your device", simply select "Forgotten Password" and enter the email you've signed up to Shazam with previously. Shazam will send you a new password which you can use to login.

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When I connect to Facebook, Shazam is asking for "Access my data any time", why?

This permission allows Shazam to provide you with a real-time Tag feed of your Friends music discoveries as well as share your Tags with your Friends.

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I don't have a facebook account - can I still use Shazam Friends?

No, Shazam Friends only works if you have an active Facebook account. We may introduce features in the future that will allow you to setup and use Shazam Friends without using Facebook.

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I'm not seeing any Tags in my Shazam Friend Feed, how can I tell if my friends have setup Shazam Friends?

Within the Friends Tab, tap on the Friend List icon - found on the top left hand corner within the Friends Tab). This will show you a list of your Facebook Friends. If you're Friends have also setup Shazam Friends, you will see a Shazam Icon next to their name.

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How can I invite my Facebook Friends to setup Shazam Friends?

Navigate to your Friends list by tapping on the Friend List Icon - found on the top left hand corner of the Friends tab). Tap on a Friend's name that doesn't have a Shazam icon next to it and tap the "message friend" button. This will open up a pre-populated email which you can send out to your friends.

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How can I view individual profiles of my Friends and see their Tag List?

You can tap on your Friends name within the Friends Feed and see a list of Tags they've discovered. You can also go into the Friends list (Icon on the top left hand corner within the Friend feed) and then tap on a Friend's name that has a Shazam icon next to it. This will show you a list of Tags they've discovered.

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How can I refresh my Friends feed?

You can refresh your friends feed by dragging the existing list down with your finger to do a "pull down to refresh" action within the Friend Feed. This will fetch the latest tags from your friends.

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How can I load older tags from my Friends?

You can load older Tags within your friend feed by pulling up the existing list with your finger to do a "pull up to load more" action within the Friend Feed. This will fetch previous tags your friends.

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What can I do with a Tag from my Friend?

You can preview your friends music discoveries, add their tags to your own tag list as well as learn more about the track, watch videos, read reviews, see lyrics and find out about artist tour date. If you like the track you can buy the track from iTunes.

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Can I stop sharing tags with my Facecbook friends, but still see what they are tagging?

Yes, you can do this by tapping on the Settings Tab, selecting the "Shazam Friends" list item. This will take you to the settings screen for Shazam Friends where you can turn off the "Share Tags with your Friends" toggle button. This will stop your friends seeing all your tags including ones you've tagged in the past, but still allow you to see Tags from your friends if they are sharing their Tags.

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How can I stop using Shazam Friends altogether, but still use Shazam?

You can disconnect from Shazam Friends at anytime by going into Setting, tapping on the "Shazam Friends" list item and selecting "Disconnect". This will log you out of Shazam Friends, but still allow you to use Shazam in the normal way.

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The previous version of Shazam used to let me Share tags on Facebook and Twitter - I cannot find these features with the new layout, have they been removed?

No, they've been grouped under one list item called "Share" within the Tag Results Page. If you select the Share list item, you can share your discoveries the normal way..

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If I setup Shazam Friends, will all my tags be automatically shared on Facebook?

No, they will not automatically appear on Facebook, it will show up on your Friends Feed within the Shazam application only and on your friends feed if they have Shazam and have setup Shazam Friends.

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Shazam Encore 4.0

Version 4.0.0 (Shazam Encore) has also been updated with all the features of Shazam Free, plus Unlimited Tagging, Recommendations & Car Mode.

Activating Shazam in my car seems to mute my radio. What's happening?

Shazam can use external Bluetooth microphones (e.g. a headset or hand-held microphone) for audio tagging. This can conflict with hands-free settings in your car which can mute your radio for incoming calls. If you experience this problem you can avoid the conflict by turning off the Bluetooth feature in Shazam which is accessible via the Information (i) button on the My Tags tab.

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I've got Shazam Encore and now the Blog Tab has disappeared - is it still available within the application?

No, the Shazam Blog is still available within the application. We've moved the Shazammers Blog feature into the "Discover Tab" as a multi-select option.

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Upgrading & Supported Languages

How do I get Shazam on iPhone?

If you have never installed Shazam before, getting Shazam is very easy. Start iTunes on your Mac or PC, or start App Store on your iPhone/iPod Touch. Then search for Shazam. From there you can simply click 'Install'.

If you already have an existing version of Shazam installed, you will see a numbered badge on the App Store icon showing you that you have updates available. Simply click on the App Store and select the 'Updates' tab.

From your Mac or PC you can check for updates by selecting 'Applications' in the LIBRARY which is located in the left most panel when you start iTunes. From there you can select 'Check for Updates'.

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What do I need to do to get the new version of Shazam on iPhone?

You'll need an iPhone or iPod touch with OS 3.0 to 4.3 installed. If you have an old iPod touch (without a camera) device you'll also need to use an external microphone that is compatible with your device in order for Shazam to Tag music. You must also be online for this process to happen, but you can record offline and submit later. Shazam has been tested with Apple's own 'Headphones with Remote and Mic.

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How do I find out which version of Shazam I have?

Go to the Settings Tab> tap the "About" list item and your version number is shown at the bottom left corner of the screen.

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Will Shazam for iPhone work in other languages?

We support the following languages: English, Japanese, German, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian Chinese Traditional and Chinese Simplified.

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I'm not an English language speaker and my version of Shazam isn't in English. Why do I still see content in English in biographies and reviews?

We supply relevant content such as reviews and biographies wherever possible. Where we do not have a localized version for you, we have chosen to give you the English content rather than nothing at all.

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Which phones does Shazam work on?

Shazam works on all generations of the iPhone and iPod Touch. Some minor features, such as the volume indicator during recording, are not available on the 2.5G iPhone.

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When will Shazam be available in my country?

Shazam is currently available over 50 iTunes App Stores globally and we're considering when to release in other countries. Your feedback helps us to prioritize releasing in new markets and we'll try to get Shazam in more countries soon.

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How big is the application?

The application file size is approximately 2MB when installed, and a little less to download.

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I don't have an iPhone or iPod Touch, can I still get Shazam?

We offer a number of other services and apps which can be explored on the Get Shazam. page on our website.

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Shazam Fees and Prices

How much does Shazam on iPhone cost?

Shazam offers a free version of its application as well as a separate full feature version called Shazam Encore.

Shazam will continue to support the existing free Shazam app on the App Store with new users limited to five Tags per month.

The free version of the application now comes with in-app billing. This means that you can choose to upgrade your free version of Shazam to all the extra features of Shazam Encore within the application without losing your Tags or having to download the Shazam Encore application from the App store.

With the free version of Shazam, you can choose two different upgrading option:

  1. 1 Year Subscription to Shazam Encore for $4.99 with access to Unlimited Tagging* and Recommendations for the full life of your subscription.
  2. Lifetime Subscription to Shazam Encore for $5.99 with access to Unlimited Tagging and Recommendations for the life of your device. In the future we will be implementing features that will enable you to transfer your purchase to a maximum of 5 devices.

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I've downloaded Shazam before the 9th of Nov 2009. Will I be limited to the 5 tags a month on the free version?

Existing Shazam users who have downloaded the application before the 9th of November 2010 will get all of these great features they've come to expect from Shazam without any limitations on Tagging.

You will still see advertising on your Shazam device and not have access to the Premium Recommendations feature.

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What information does Shazam collect and how does Shazam use it?

If you have allowed location, Shazam collects information on longitude, latitude and altitude when tagging a song. We also store on your handset any information created when we use the location coordinates to create new information such as a Location name.

This information is also transmitted between the Shazam application and our servers to produce the location-enabled Tag result. However, it does not contain any personal information which could allow you to be identified.

Information on how we use your private information is contained in the current Terms of Use of this service which is available in the Shazam page in the iTunes Store on your computer or in the App Store application on your iPhone or iPod touch.

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iOS Features

Does Shazam support iOS 4.0?

Shazam is fully compatible with Apple iOS 4.3 and versions of iOS to 3.0

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What iOS 4.0 features does Shazam support?

Shazam 4.0 supports Fast App Switching. If you have Shazam open in a particular screen and you wish to navigate away to another application, you can double tap the home screen to open the Fast App Switching menu and launch another application or service. When you come back to Shazam, our App will remember exactly where you left off and resume from that point.

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If I'm in the middle of tagging a song and I navigate to another application, will Shazam still try to finish Tagging?

Yes. Because we support Fast App Switching, you can start your tagging process and then reply to an SMS for example, Shazam will continue to identify the song you're trying to tag and display the tag results.

Note: If you're in the middle of Tagging a track and receive a phone call, Shazam will stop tagging and prioritise your phone call.

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Tagging

What is the microphone icon on the top right-hand corner of the home screen?

The microphone icon indicates your device is actively listening and recoding music when you launch the Shazam application. We do this so that if you decide to Tag a track you want to identify, we can make the tagging experience faster.

This functionality can be turned off by going into Settings > Tag Settings > and turning off the "Enable microphone on startup".

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What happens if a song ends before shazam finishes tagging?

With Shazam 3.0 we've included a functionality that allows you to submit the Tag result early. This can be done at any time by tapping the Shazam icon on the listening screen during the Tagging process.

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The circle around my Shazam logo pulses when I'm recording. What's this?

We've introduced a tag volume indicator to help you see the level of what you're recording. It gets bigger the louder the music is, so you can be sure that the application is recording the same music you are listening to. This feature is not available on the 2.5G iPhone.

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My Tags

How do I sort my tags?

From the My Tags screen press the (i) information button at the top left of screen to display the Settings page, including the 'Sort My Tags by' option.

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Shazam used to offer Artist Biographies, Discographies and Artist Reviews - Where has it gone?

The Artist biography, discography and reviews are still available within the application. You can access this by tapping the Song title in the Tag Details screen of your song.

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Shazam is asking me to allow access to my location. Why?

The location Map feature lets you see your Tags on a map within Shazam. In order to do this we need your permission to let your iPhone or iPod touch give us the location information.

If you're not happy exposing your location then you just need to tap "Don't Allow" when asked. After choosing three 'Don't Allow' options in a row you will not be asked again and Shazam will not be allowed to find your location. The reverse is also true, where three 'Allow' choices will always allow Shazam to find your location.

If you've already (dis)allowed location three times and you want to change it to a different default Shazam then tap the (i) icon in My Tags and disable Location.

Note: iPod touch users the location services will only work if WiFi is activated.

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My Tag doesn't appear on the map where I tagged it. Why?

Shazam uses the location capabilities of your device to know where you are when you make a Tag. Most of the time, this information is available and accurate, but where we cannot locate you, no map will be available with the Tag.

Furthermore, the location data we get is not always perfect and it might be that the pin is a little off. We're hoping to allow you to move the pins in a future release.

Note: If you have switched off Location Services in your Settings then you will never see the Map option returned with your tag (see below).

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The video on YouTube is not by the artist I Tagged. Why?

We do a lookup on YouTube and we get the best match. We depend on the content in YouTube to be properly Tagged for us to check this.

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I've heard there are lyrics in the app but I can't see them. Why?

Lyrics are licensed to us and our suppliers on a territory-by-territory basis so it is most likely that we do not yet have an agreement to display them where you are.

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I've read that Shazam has integrated with Spotify - but I cannot see this option within my Tag Result - Why?

Spotify is currently available for all Shazam Encore users who have a premium subscription to Spotify. Due to copyright laws, Spotify is only available in the following countries - UK, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Norway, Finland and Sweden. As Spotify expands to other region, Shazam will extend support across those regions.

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Discover

Shazam is asking me to allow my device to receive notifications. Why?

We've taken advantage of Apple's notification API so that users can be alerted when new Tag charts are available. We publish new Tag charts weekly and enabling notification allows you to be alerted when a new Tag chart is available. You will not be alerted more than once a week.

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I've read there are over 20 Tag charts available, how can I add more?

By default your app is set to two Tag charts, but you can add more by going into Discover> Edit> Tap the countries that you would like to see Tag Charts for. A green tick icon will appear next to the country that you have selected to indicate a successful selection.

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The countries that I'm interested in viewing Tag charts for are at the bottom, how can I reorder this?

You can reorder the Tag Charts by going into Edit> Holding down the "Ordering" icon next to each country and then moving it up or down as per your preference. Your new Tag Chart order will be reflected in the main charts screen under Discover.

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How can I navigate between Tag charts?

You can navigate between the selected Tag Charts by swiping left or right on the screen. The dots at the bottom of the Tag chart screen indicates how many Tag Charts you have selected.

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Can I see more information about a Tag Chart track?

Yes. If you want to see more info about a particular tag chart item by tapping on the (>) icon in the list view

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Does the shortcut menu still work in Tag Charts?

Yes, you can get access to the shortcut menus by tapping the Album artwork in the list items.

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Settings, Payment Status & Account Signup

I already have a Shazam account - can I use the same details to login to Shazam on my mobile?

Yes, all you need to do is go into Settings > tap ton Signup Status & tap login. You can use your existing Email and Password to login to Shazam.

If you have forgotten your password, click the "forgotten password" link and enter the original email you used to signup to Shazam with - we will send you a password reminder.

Note: It could take up to 24 hours for our servers to set your device into a logged in state. Please do not try to login again if you've successfully logged in once.

If you have any questions about logging in with an existing account, you can always write to us at shazam support or use the auto generate support email available in Settings > About.

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When I try to signup to Shazam it says that my device is already linked - What does this mean?

Shazam uses a unique identifier on your device, so that our services can talk directly to your device.

If you received the message "Device Linked" it means you've already signed up with us using another email address or you've purchased a device from someone who has previously logged into Shazam.

If you happen to receive this message, please contact our customer service who will be happy to resolve this issue.

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I've signed up with Shazam, but have not received the verification email.

Although we try our very best to avoid getting our mails into the Junk mail folder, chances are the verification email has been caught by your email's spam filter. If you haven't received a verification email after successfully signing up, check your Spam / Junk Mail folder. The email should be titled "Shazam Friends: Complete setup"

If the verification email is not present in your junk folder, contact our customer service team by going into the Settings tab > About > tap the Apple.support@shazamteam.com link.

This will launch your mail client with a pre-filled email giving us the information about your device. Use this template and add your comment before sending us the email. Having your device information will help us quickly diagnoses and resolve any signing up issues.

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My Signup status still says Please Validate your email account - I've already clicked on the Verification link.

The shazam application needs to sync up with our servers before your status could be updated which can take up to 24 hours. The quickest way to do this is to close the application and then restart it. If your status has not changed after 24 hours, you can contact support who can help.

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How do I register on Shazam.com?

You can register on your device in some territories. If Registration is available in your location, a prompt will appear automatically when you start the application. Registering with Shazam enables you to take advantage of the Shazam world of benefits including access to your Tag List on the web, special offers, our newsletter, feature updates and more. Registration will be available in additional territories very soon and automatic prompts will appear within the application.

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Sharing via Social Networks

I have shazam 1.8 and the sharing via Twitter seems to have disappeared. Why?

From the 14th Aug 2010, Twitter has stopped supporting their Basic Authentication service used in the 1.8 versions of the Shazam. You will need to upgrade to version 3.0 or higher in order to share your music tags to your followers.

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There's a new Twitter login page. What's changed and will I need to login again to Twitter?

Twitter along with many other online services have moved over to oAuth - which is a more secure way to connecting your Twitter account to third party applications like Shazam. More information can be found here about oAuth.

You will need to login again to your Twitter account via the oAuth mechanism if you want to share your Tags with your followers.

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I can't post my Tag to Facebook

To successfully post to Facebook you need to enter your username and password. If you have not entered then yet, or your settings aren't correct, then you will be prompted to enter them when you press Post to Facebook. You can also re-enter or clear your settings at any time by going into Settings > Tapping the Ready to Share your Tags with Facebook item.

Note: If there's an error contacting Facebook then we'll report that to you when we advise you that we couldn't post. In this case you will need to be patient whilst Facebook resolve their problems.

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Common issues

After upgrading my Tags have disappeared. Why?

In rare circumstances an upgrade can delete your database. Before upgrading we recommend that you backup your handset. To this:

  1. Plug the device into your computer and start iTunes
  2. Perform a Backup (see iPhone help for full details)
  3. Upgrade

If any problems occur, you can then restore from your backup.

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Will I lose my tags if I update?

Your Tag List will be retained when you update. However, please ensure that you don't delete the current version of Shazam before updating.

Your tags are also held on our servers, and we hope to offer a synchronisation feature in the future.

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After upgrading the iPhone OS the application starts, but freezes on Tagging. Why?

This is a known issue when upgrading an iPhone to OS 2.2.x and can usually be fixed by a Power Cycle, as described below.

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After upgrading Shazam, the application starts up but then quits. Why?

This can occasionally happen after an upgrade, and can usually be fixed by a Power Cycle, as described below. If this does not work, you may need to delete and reinstall the application.

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How do I Power Cycle an iPhone?

To Power Cycle the iPhone 3G, hold the top power switch down for 10 seconds until the power off slider appears on the front of the phone, you must continue to hold the top switch as you operate the power off slider. Wait a minute and turn the phone back on with the top switch.

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How do you backup and restore an iPhone or iPod Touch?

You will need to connect your device and start iTunes. From within iTunes you can select your device and select Backup.

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How do I delete and re-install the application?

You can delete Shazam from the device, or from within iTunes.

From the device, hold your finger on any icon until the icons on your home screen begin to shake or wiggle (the same action you take to move or re-arrange home screen icons). Touch the X on the Shazam icon and confirm you wish to delete it.

From iTunes, connect your device and select it under DEVICES in the left hand panel. Select Applications and left click and hold your mouse over an icon until they all begin to jiggle. Click the X on the Shazam icon and confirm you with to delete it.

To re-install the application at a later time, simply visit the App Store, search for Shazam, and select Install, just as you did the first time.

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If I am still encountering problems, where can I contact support?

You can contact Shazam's iPhone Support here.

You can also follow Shazam on Twitter for music news and support issues.

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