Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

Do I need a physical Bible to use the app? Yes. Filament is a free companion to Filament edition Bibles, and doesn't contain the full Bible text on its own. It unlocks study notes, articles, devotionals, audio, videos, maps, and worship music tied to the exact page you're reading. Look for the Filament icon on your Bible's title page, or browse the Filament Bible collection if you don't have one yet.

Is the app free? Why was I charged? Filament is completely free on iOS and Android, with no subscription and nothing to unlock inside the app. A charge you don't recognize would be through Apple or Google, not Filament, so contact Apple or Google Play support.

Which devices does it work on? iPhone and iPad on iOS 14.0+, and Android phones and tablets on Android 8.0+. There's no Mac, Windows, or web version yet.

Can I use it offline? Only in a limited way. Most content, including the Audio Bible, needs a connection.

Can I print or download content? No, Filament has no print, download, or export options.

Questions about the NLT? See the NLT FAQ.

Scanning and activation

The camera won't open or the screen is blank. Check that camera access is allowed in your device settings, then force-close and reopen the app. If it still won't open, see Troubleshooting the Filament Bible App.

It won't scan the Filament icon. Find good light, hold your phone steady and parallel to the page, and make sure the whole icon and page number are in frame. Confirm you have a Filament edition Bible, since the app only works with those.

It scans the wrong page, or content doesn't match. Your active edition likely doesn't match your physical Bible. Tap the Filament icon at the top of the app to check your Active Edition, switch to the right one, and scan again. See Checking your Active Filament Edition Bible.

I can only see one book. Scan the Filament icon in your printed Bible; that's the step that unlocks the rest.

App not loading or crashing

For a blank screen, download errors, crashes, or an app that says you're offline when you're not, see Troubleshooting the Filament Bible App for the full set of fixes. Signing in before you reinstall protects your Bibles, reading plans, and progress, since those are tied to your account, not your device.

Account and sign-in

Why do I have to sign in every time? You shouldn't. Update to the latest version and sign in with your account rather than continuing as a guest, so your setup is saved.

Reading, audio, and reading plans

Can I add notes, highlights, or bookmarks? Yes. Press and hold on text anywhere in Study, Reflect, or See content to bookmark it, highlight it, or add a note. Highlights come in yellow, green, or pink; bookmarks give you three slots; notes and highlights are unlimited. Everything you save collects in your Notebook. Notes and highlights sync once you're signed in.

The audio stops or won't resume where I left off. Check your connection and reopen the player. The app doesn't currently save your exact spot within a section, so you may need to scrub back after switching away.

Can I change the Audio Bible voice or speed? Yes, under More → Audio Bible Settings. Available voices depend on the edition you have connected.

My reading plan seems stuck on an earlier date. That's expected: the plan shows the earliest unfinished reading as "Today's Reading" rather than jumping ahead, so a missed day doesn't flag you as behind. Open the plan, go to that date, and mark every reading complete to move forward.

My screen dims during a video or while reading. That's your device's auto-lock setting, adjustable in its display settings.