Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SoundHound and SoundHound Infinity?
The free version of SoundHound contains the same features as the SoundHound Infinity version except you are limited to 5 IDs per month. With SoundHound Infinity, the IDs are unlimited. However, all other features such as lyrics, iPod integration, purchasing, tour dates, charts, etc are available for unlimited use on both versions. Other differences are that SoundHound Infinity is an advertisement free experience, and in the icon image and the search screen of SoundHound Infinity, there is not a shortcut to an upgrade page. You can upgrade the free SoundHound to an unlimited version using the in-app purchase method or by downloading SoundHound Infinity directly from the App Store.
I purchased SoundHound, then got a new phone on a different Operating System. Can I transfer the license?
In this instance, you will have to make another purchase for your new version of SoundHound. The reason we do not offer free transfers is because they are different applications and require two different teams to ensure they are of superb quality. If you do not want to re-purchase SoundHound, there is a free version available on the Android and iOS platforms. The only limitation is the number of searches (5 per month with many ways to earn additional free searches). All our other premium features such as lyrics are still available for unlimited use!
SoundHound was deleted from my phone! How do I replace it without paying again?
The App store allows free re-installation of SoundHound ∞ if you downloaded SoundHound ∞ using the same account info you used to purchase SoundHound the first time. Upgrades to unlimited IDs in SoundHound (free) have similar treatment. The App store treats SoundHound ∞ and unlimited SoundHound (free) upgrades as different, however.
I previously downloaded Midomi when it was free and deleted it. Can I download the new SoundHound without paying for it?
Using the App Store, you can re-install the updated SoundHound for free, if you download the app using the same account info you used to download Midomi or SoundHound previously.
SoundHound won't launch on my iPod Touch, what's the problem?
SoundHound requires sound input from a microphone, and iPods unfortunately do not have a built-in mic. In order to use SoundHound properly with all its functions and glory, you will need a second generation or later iPod Touch with a headset that has a microphone attached. We recommend this one: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA814LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1MA&mco=MTA4NDA3ODc
We try to make the app store text as clear as we can - please let us know if we can communicate this better.
Is there a monthly fee or cost per look up for each song?
SoundHound is currently available for a one-time fee. SoundHound does require a network or Wi-Fi connection to conduct searches, and the user chooses these settings. If you have an unlimited data plan, there will be no additional cost. (AT&T in the US requires iPhone users to buy an unlimited data plan.) We do recommend checking with your phone carrier to see what type of data plan you have.
Pandora won't work within SoundHound!
Please check to see if you have the latest version of Pandora installed on your device. You will also need to create a free account on Pandora. Pandora is currently available only in the US.
Why aren't my untitled song names and cover art replaced with new info after being looked up in SoundHound?
Unfortunately, Operating System restrictions prevent SoundHound from editing your library info.
Is there a way to change the iTunes store location when I purchase songs?
You can change your default iTunes store by going to Settings>SoundHound>iTunes Store>[Preferred Country].
All my YouTube videos are showing a red box that is unplayable. Help!
We have received reports of this problem on opened iPhones. Unfortunately, we cannot fully support such devices.
Why won't my songs shuffle through the iPod within SoundHound?
The latest version of SoundHound addresses this issue.
Why can't I email or share my lyrics?
It is kind of a bummer. Licensing agreements currently require us to disable the copying of lyrics. The good news is that because SoundHound's lyrics are legal, you can count on the app being around in the future. We hope the rules change, and will include a notice in a future update of SoundHound if they do.
My Bluetooth won't work. How can I fix this?
In our recent update, we added a beta feature that allows Bluetooth use for SoundHound. Because each Bluetooth device is different, Bluetooth is currently an experimental option. If Bluetooth is enabled and not properly working, the device may not be compatible. You can turn off your Bluetooth by going to iPhone Settings >SoundHound>Use Bluetooth "Off."
How do I stop my iPhone from buzzing when SoundHound returns a result?
Go to iPhone Settings> SoundHound>Results Vibrate "Off".
I keep getting the message "Couldn't Connect". How do I fix this?
Please make sure you have a good connection to your network or Wi-Fi. Can you open a site on Safari? If these work and SoundHound still doesn't, please send us an email at and we'll look into it.
I can't post on Facebook or Twitter!
Please go to iPhone Settings>SoundHound, then clear the Facebook / Twitter Account name. Please then re-login.
Why are there no results when I do a singing or humming search?
For best results, be sure to have just one person sing at a time with no background music, and try to give SoundHound at least 10 seconds of music. If there still is no result, it is possible that your song is not yet one of the millions on our contributor site, Midomi.com. But you can log on there and be the first to add it!
I would like to contribute to the sing search database. How can I do so?
Simply go to Midomi.com and create an account (FREE). Then go to the Recording Studio link and sing the song in any language. This way you can help others find a song when they sing, hum, or whistle. For more info, please visit Midomi.com's Help page here: http://www.midomi.com/index.php?action=main.faq Don't have a microphone? No worries. Send your address to and we'll send you one (FREE).
Will other users hear my sing searches on SoundHound?
Don't worry! Your Grammy Award Winning rendition of "Single Ladies" will be private, like all sung searches.
How can I add my band's music to your search database?
If you would like to add your music to the SoundHound database for Grab searches, you can send CDs or MP3s to:
SoundHound Inc.
c/o Music Department
1731 Technology Drive Suite 700
San Jose, CA 95110
Email: support@soundhound.com
How can I obtain a promo code for SoundHound?
In order to obtain a promo code to review SoundHound, we ask that you have an audience of at least 500 readers or followers on YouTube or Twitter. Please email press@midomi.com for a code - we look forward to your review of SoundHound!
I still have one more question not on here, where can I get mine answered?
Send them our way to