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FAQ

The short answers. Most of these have a dedicated page elsewhere in the manual; the links go to the detailed version.

Where are my save files stored?​

In the app's private storage, organized per game. You don't access them through a file manager directly. To back them up to the cloud, use Cloud Backup (premium feature). To inspect or copy out a single save, use the upload action on the Game Detail slot card.

Why can't I find a game I'm sure exists?​

  • Check spelling — search is case-insensitive but exact match.
  • Try the original language (Japanese title for JP-only games).
  • Check the right system — some titles exist on multiple systems with slightly different names.
  • If it's really not in the catalog, add your own ROM — see Add Your Own ROM.

My ROM isn't playing — what's wrong?​

Common causes:

  • Wrong system — the ROM was imported under the wrong system. Edit the game info to fix.
  • Missing BIOS — Saturn, PSX, PC Engine, NDS, GBA, Amiga, MSX, and several other systems may need BIOS files. See Supported Consoles → BIOS files.
  • Bad ROM dump — try a different copy of the ROM if one is available.
  • Wrong file format — confirm the extension matches the system. See Add Your Own ROM for the table.

Can I share games with friends?​

You can share game links (deep links like dosgameplayer://game/<id>) using the Share button on Game Detail. The receiver opens the link, and if they have DOSGamePlayer installed, the same game opens on their device. They still need to download the ROM themselves.

You cannot share ROM files inside the app; ROMs are kept in private storage.

Why is the screen dark / hard to read?​

  • Check Settings → Appearance — you might be in dark mode (matches system). Switch to System or Light.
  • The shader filter (crt especially) can darken games. Try auto or sharp in Appearance → Shader filter.
  • Increase phone brightness for retro games — many are designed for tube TVs and look dim on modern displays.

How do I rebind the A and B buttons?​

For touch overlay: open the game → Edit VPad or Edit Keypad depending on the system. Move the buttons around.

For physical gamepad: open the game → Configure Input → tap the button to remap. See Physical Gamepad.

My gamepad isn't working​

  • Confirm it's connected (Android system Bluetooth shows it active, or USB device notification appears).
  • Open Settings → Input Controls in DOSGamePlayer — your gamepad should be listed.
  • If it's listed but unresponsive in-game: check button bindings via Configure Input in a Game Detail page.
  • If it's not listed: re-pair the controller, restart the app.

Can I play with friends?​

The app supports local two-player with two connected gamepads (when the system itself supports two-player). The second connected pad becomes Player 2.

Online multiplayer is not supported.

Why is the app asking about ads / consent?​

DOSGamePlayer uses ads to remain free. The Google UMP consent dialog at first launch is required by EU privacy regulations. You can accept, reject, or fine-tune. The app works regardless. See First Launch.

I lost a save after updating the app​

If you had Cloud Backup (premium) and ran a recent backup, restore from the new install.

If sync was off, save states are device-local. Try restoring from a phone backup if you have one. As a precaution, always keep in-cartridge saves (the kind the game itself supports) — they survive across versions in a way emulator state files might not.

Can I run Windows games?​

DOSGamePlayer runs Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 games via DOSBox Pure. Windows 98+, NT, XP, 7, 10, 11 are not supported — those use entirely different emulators that aren't bundled. See DOS Player.

What about a Linux / Mac / Web version?​

DOSGamePlayer is Android-only. There's no Linux, Mac, Windows desktop, or web build. The web player that used to exist was retired.

Where do I report a bug?​

See Help & Support for the contact and what to include.