Wikimedia Apps/iOS FAQ

If you are looking for Android FAQ, please check here

General info

What is the difference between iOS app and mobile web app?

Wikipedia Mobile web application is accessible via any web browser, it provides different features than the app, such as the ability to create watchlists, collections, and receiving notifications. The iOS app provides a different reading experience optimized for iOS devices, the ability to see pages about things that are nearby, and the ability to save pages for offline reading—to name just a few.

Who develops the iOS app?

Please check out ourTeam page to find out more.

Offline reading and data

Can I save articles for offline reading?

To save an article for reading later, just tap the "heart" icon in the bottom bar while viewing the article. To view your saved articles, just tap on the W menu in the upper left corner, and tap "Saved pages".

Can I access Wikipedia for free with your app?

If your mobile carrier supports Wikipedia Zero, then please mark the option in settings for free browsing without data fees charging.

Does your app track me? Do you use my data?

No, we don't track you or give any personal information to 3rd parties. We do have event logging to help us figure if anybody uses features that we include in the app. User reports are only sent when you activate the option. It is enabled by default, but you can easily deactivate it from W menu. We also have crash reporting to help us fix bugs. If a crash is detected, you will be prompted with the option to send us the crash report if you like. (Please say yes! It helps us a lot.) All collected data is anonymous.

How does Nearby work?

When you click Nearby, the app gets instant access to your geolocation, and offers you a list of articles that are near your location. Nearby doesn't track your location or store your geodata.

What information does the usage report contain?

Mainly crash reports. //can we provide a sample of what this entails?

Readability and adjustments

Can I change font size and background color?

Yes, for reading options you can opt to either dark or white background. You can also change font size.

Can I listen to media or watch videos on the app?

Unfortunately, media is not currently supported on the app.

Developing and bug reporting

I am an iOS developer, may I fork your app?

Please do. Our repository is available on GitHub. Please see the README for information on how to contribute.

Where do I report bugs?

Instructions on how to file a bug are here. Please include as much information about your device, the app version you're using, and screenshots if you can.

Editing

Do I have to be logged in to edit?

No. You can edit without creating a username or logging in, but note that your IP address will be associated with your edits, and will be visible to anyone who reads the page's history.

Can I upload pictures?

No.

Can I view a page's history and talk pages?

The application doesn't currently support viewing history and talk pages

Getting in touch

If I have a question or a suggestion, how do I reach out?

You can email us at: mobile-ios-wikipedia at wikimedia.org