Frequently Asked Questions

How do I download Dwell?

You can download Dwell in the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.

How much does the app cost?

The app itself is free to download, and can be used to explore what Dwell has to offer. To unlock everything, a Dwell subscription is required. A Dwell subscription is $39.99/year. Dwell lifetime is available for a one-time purchase of $199.99.

Does Dwell have any in-app purchases?

You can purchase a subscription to Dwell to unlock all features and content. There are no other in-app purchases.

Does Dwell offer any kind of group or Church-wide account?

Yes we do! If you go to dwellapp.io/churches , you can get one subscription that unlocks unlimited access to Dwell for everyone in your church. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about getting started.

I was a backer on Kickstarter or preordered the app. How do I activate my subscription?

You should have received an email way back in June 2018 with a link to activate your subscription. If you did not receive an email, please contact us at [email protected] and we can send you the activation code for your subscription.

How do I change/reset my account password?

You can reset your password here.

I purchased a subscription as a gift for someone else. How do they get started?

Within the manage gifts section of account settings, you can print or email gifts. Additional instructions to get started are provided on the printable gift card or in the email they receive from Dwell when you send the gift card.

I bought an annual subscription, can I upgrade to lifetime?

If you signed up for your annual subscription through the Dwell website, then you can upgrade to lifetime from your account. If you signed up in the app through either Apple or Google, then please contact us at [email protected] and we can get your account upgraded.

Can I share my account with someone else?

There is nothing preventing you from sharing your login with someone else, though we don't recommend sharing. Listening progress is stored and synced per account, which means if you share your account, your listening history will show updates from all devices using that account.

What version of the Bible is being read in the app?

We started with the English Standard Version and will expand to more translations in the future. Our goal is to have many translations, languages, and voices to choose from in the app. We will be adding the KJV and NIV versions next.

What is the difference between this app and other Bible reading apps that have a listening component?

Many Bible apps have done a great job with the reading experience, but we believe the listening experience hasn't been nailed quite yet. Listening has been our focus from the beginning. Our app offers 4 brand new recordings of the Bible, each showcasing a unique and inspiring voice. We’ve also made the Bible easily explorable. Quickly access Scripture through popular Passages, Stories, Themed Playlists, even Listening Plans. Or listen the more traditional way, book by book.

What makes Dwell so unique is that you can switch voices and background music on the fly without losing your place in the audio. Plus, every book, story, playlist, and plan is accompanied by beautiful artwork.

With regard to background music, how many options are available to choose from?

We actually have 110 different songs that are categorized into 9 “albums” or genres. Right now you can switch between these genres in the player or set one as your default to play all the time:

Guitar
Piano
Ambient
Piano & Cello
Hymns
Rain
Waves
Fireplace
Chant

Also, we'll be releasing a brand new Dwell music album every quarter. That means you’ll always have fresh background music to enjoy. You’ll also be able to stream Dwell music through Spotify and Apple Music if you want to listen to it outside of the app!

Can the background music be turned off?

Yes. We're excited that so many supporters are excited about the background music that’s been created exclusively for Dwell, but we're often asked if the music can be turned off. The answer is absolutely. The background music has always been meant to draw you into the text. If it does that for you, great. If it doesn’t, turn it off. Another fun fact: You’re also be able to adjust the volume of the music and the voices separately to get the right mix that works for you.

Can I create my own Playlist in the app?

Not quite yet. We will be adding the ability for you to add custom playlists in the near future. For now, if you have any ideas for playlists that you think we should add to the app, please send us your ideas at [email protected].

For suggestions about plans we should add, please email [email protected].

Is there a way to "bookmark" where you stop listening to pick up there the next time?

Yes, the app keeps up with where you left off. There is a “Recently Listened To” section on the home screen that lets you pick up where you left off.

Can I rewind or fast-forward when listening?

Yes. Our rewind and fast-forward buttons on the player will move you back or forward one verse at a time. So, if you want to re-listen to a particular verse you just heard just tap the rewind button once and, voila, it's back.

Can you listen to the audio at faster or slower speeds?

Yes, listening speed can be adjusted on the fly in the player. There are currently 8 speeds that you can pick to listen at.

Variable speeds are great, and interestingly, they can do more than simply speed up or slow down the text. For example, speeding up Rosie’s voice to 1.25x has the effect of making her sound more casual and less meditative.

Is there a memorization or Scripture ‘repeat’ feature?

Yes there is! We call this feature "Dwell Mode". In the player, you can turn on Dwell Mode and repeat whatever you're listening to. You can also set a certain amount of time in between repetitions in order to reflect on what you just heard. This is a great tool for meditating or memorizing scripture. This feature is currently only available on the iOS app, but will be added to Android very soon.

Why not make the app free?

Our company employs people in either a full or part-time capacity. These people are not only incredibly skilled, but they have a heart to see Bible engagement increase in the hearts and minds of Christians, as well as throughout the world. Thus they’ve committed their Monday through Friday day job to that end.

So when you pay for Dwell, you’re actually helping provide for the basic needs of our team and their families. Put simply, you’re helping put food on their table, clothes on their back, and a roof over their head. You’re also allowing them to continually come to work, day after day, and make the app more formational for people. That’s the goal!

We echo what Paul said in his letter to Timothy, that workers are worthy of their wages (1 Timothy 5:18).

What about accessibility for the blind and visually impaired?

As we build out Dwell, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone who can use a smartphone can listen to God’s word. Apple provides two main technologies to help the visually impaired: Dynamic Type and Voiceover. We leverage both throughout the app. Doing so helps the millions who struggle with visual impairment engage with Scripture more easily. This is important to us, and something we’re excited to support.

I have a suggestion to make Dwell better, where can I send it?

We love to hear your feedback, please send any feedback to [email protected]

Where can I contact you all if I have another question?

Feel free to email us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!