Answers to common questions, troubleshooting tips, and how to get in touch.
Yes — the core library and playback features are free with banner ads. An optional one-time CineLocal+ purchase removes ads and unlocks Watch Together, movie sharing, and Stream Nearby. No subscription is required to store or play your own files.
The free version may show Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt so Google AdMob can deliver more relevant ads. Your movie library is never shared with advertisers. You can tap Ask App Not to Track and CineLocal will still work. CineLocal+ removes ads and this prompt. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Purchase CineLocal+ from the upgrade sheet in the App. This is a one-time in-app purchase that permanently removes banner ads.
No. CineLocal has no sign-in, no cloud sync, and no server-side library. Everything runs locally on your iPhone.
No — it's optional. Without a key, CineLocal uses Apple's public movie search API for metadata. For the richest posters and details, add a free TMDB API key in Settings. Get one at themoviedb.org.
CineLocal uses native iOS playback, which handles MP4, MOV, and M4V very well, plus many common AVI files. MKV and unusual codecs may require re-encoding to MP4/H.264 on a computer for best results.
Imported videos and poster images are copied into the App's secure sandbox on your device. They are not uploaded anywhere and remain available offline after import.
Use descriptive filenames like Inception (2010).mkv or The Matrix 1999 1080p.mp4.
Open the movie's detail view and tap Refresh Metadata to try again.
Yes. Native playback supports AirPlay and Picture-in-Picture on supported devices and iOS versions.
Open the movie's detail view and use the delete option. This removes the local video file, cached poster, and library entry from your device.
The file may use a codec iOS doesn't decode natively. Try converting it to MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio using HandBrake or VLC on a Mac or PC, then re-import.
Check your internet connection. If using TMDB, verify your API key in Settings. Try refreshing metadata from the movie detail screen with a simpler title.
Large video files take time to copy into the App sandbox, especially from network storage. Importing from local device storage is fastest.
If App Review says your App Privacy response must declare tracking, update App Store Connect to reflect third-party advertising and optional ATT-based tracking — or remove tracking from a new build. Step-by-step instructions are on the App Privacy page.
Open a support request on GitHub Issues. Include your iOS version, device model, and a description of the problem. Please do not include copyrighted video files or personal media in your report.