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Zaparoo App

Use the Zaparoo App to manage Zaparoo Core from an iPhone or Android phone. It can find Core devices on your local network, or you can enter a device's IP address manually.

Current v1.13.0 rollout

The initial v1.13.0 rollout is for Google Play users outside France. iOS and Google Play in France will join the normal worldwide release after the current approvals are complete.

Every Core release also includes the browser-based Web UI for setups that do not use a phone.

What the app does​

The app has four main sections.

Zap​

Scan NFC tags, QR codes, or barcodes from the home screen. You can also:

  • See and stop media playing on the connected device, including separate foreground and background playback.
  • Run a previous token again from your scan history.
  • Control the connected device with remote buttons, screenshots, or keyboard input on supported Core versions.

Create​

Search the connected device's media library and write a result to an NFC tag. Create also includes:

  • A ZapScript editor for custom commands, plus options for choosing title tags such as region or disc number.
  • Options for writing the media currently playing on Core.
  • NFC tools for reading, formatting, erasing, and making compatible tags permanently read-only.
  • A mappings manager for assigning NFC toys and barcodes without changing them. You can view mappings loaded from Core's mapping files, but only edit mappings managed by the app.

Library​

Browse systems and folders from Core's media library, then:

  • Search across every system or keep a Favorites collection.
  • View artwork, descriptions, release details, and tags.
  • Launch a title or write it to an NFC tag.

Library and Favorites require Core v2.15.0 or newer and a media database. Create one from Settings if the app prompts you.

Settings​

Settings includes:

  • Finding Core devices, switching between saved devices, and managing pairing.
  • Updating the media library and downloading artwork and metadata.
  • Configuring scan behavior and connected external readers.
  • Inbox notifications, app icon badges on supported devices, accessibility, and language.
  • Signing in to Zaparoo Online, linking a Core device, managing Warp, and restoring purchases.
  • Play Controls for playtime limits, Launch Guard, and device profiles. Profile management requires Core v2.16.0 or newer.

If Core requires an encrypted connection, the app asks for the pairing PIN shown by Core. If Core's network address changes later, the app can reconnect without asking you to pair it again.

The app is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Zaparoo Pro​

Pro covers features that use the phone itself as a wireless reader. Managing Core, browsing your library, and creating tokens remain free.

There are two current Pro features:

  • Launch on scan: Scan NFC tags, QR codes, or barcodes with your phone to launch them on the connected Core device.
  • Shake to launch: Shake your phone to play something random from a chosen system or run custom ZapScript.

Pro is available as a one-time purchase through the App Store or Play Store, with future Pro features included. Pro is also included while your Warp subscription is active. If you'd rather support Zaparoo development another way, there are other ways to help.

Getting the app​

The Zaparoo App is on the iOS App Store and Google Play. See the Downloads page for store links.

The Web UI is built into Core and opens in any browser on your local network. Phone features such as NFC, camera scanning, device discovery, and Pro are not available there.

Open source​

The app source code, including Pro features, uses the Apache 2.0 license. You can inspect, build, and modify it under those terms. Please do not redistribute prebuilt copies with Pro unlocked, since Pro purchases fund ongoing development.

FAQ​

Do I need the app to use Zaparoo?

No. You can also manage Core with the built-in Web UI, terminal UI, or CLI without installing anything on your phone.

Does my phone need to be near my MiSTer or other device?

No. Your phone and Core device do not need to be next to each other, but both must be reachable on the same local network.

Does the app work on iPhone?

Yes. iPhones can scan and write NTAG tags, but they do not support MIFARE Classic. Use NTAG tags for phone-based scanning and writing.