Support
Get in touch.
Decibel is built and maintained by one person. The fastest way to reach the developer is by email — usually a reply within a day or two.
Frequently asked
Are the readings accurate?
Decibel's readings are estimates. iPhone microphones are not laboratory-calibrated, so the values you see are a relative measure of how loud one environment is compared to another — not certified sound-pressure measurements. Decibel is not a substitute for a Type 1 or Type 2 sound-level meter and should not be used for hearing-safety decisions, OSHA / NIOSH compliance, or medical assessment.
Can I make readings more accurate for my phone?
Yes — open the Calibration sheet (info button → "Adjust Calibration") and set Decibel's reading against a reference meter you trust. The offset is saved on your device. This improves the relative accuracy of readings on your specific iPhone but does not turn the app into a certified instrument.
Does Decibel record audio?
No. The "record" button starts a measurement session, not an audio recording. The app tracks peak and average dB levels and saves a small summary (timestamp, duration, peak, average) when you stop. No audio is ever written to disk or transmitted. Full detail in the privacy policy.
Why is the reading frozen at 0 dB?
A few possibilities:
- Microphone permission was denied. Open iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, and toggle access for Decibel.
- Another app is holding the microphone (a phone or video call, voice memo, Siri). Close it and reopen Decibel.
- A peripheral microphone (AirPods, Bluetooth headset) was disconnected mid-session. Decibel will recover automatically — if it doesn't, kill and relaunch.
Why does the screen stay on while Decibel is open?
The idle timer is intentionally disabled while the meter is live, so the reading stays visible without you having to wake the screen. Background the app to release this — Decibel will stop the audio session automatically.
How do I delete my recording history?
Open the History sheet (list icon, bottom-left). Swipe a session left to delete it, or tap the trash icon in the header to clear everything. History is stored only on your device.
Where do I report a bug or request a feature?
Email andreehultgren@gmail.com with as much detail as you can — what you expected to happen, what actually happened, and your iPhone model and iOS version if it's reproducible. Screenshots help.