Frequently Asked
Questions
Answers about how Noise IQ works.
Getting started
What is Noise IQ?
Noise IQ is a phone app that helps you understand an unfamiliar car noise. Record the sound, and Noise IQ suggests a possible match, how serious it may be, a typical repair-cost range and how soon to have it checked. It’s information to help you decide what to do next, not a mechanical diagnosis.
How does Noise IQ work?
Hold your phone near the noise and tap to record. Noise IQ securely sends the clip for analysis and suggests a possible match. When noises sound alike, the app may ask when you hear it (for example, when braking or turning) or where it seems to come from, to narrow down the match. You can skip these questions and still get a result.
Do I need an OBD scanner?
No. Noise IQ works from sound alone, so you don’t need a scanner or any other equipment. Many problems that make a noise don’t set a diagnostic trouble code.
Where can I download Noise IQ?
Noise IQ is available on the App Store for iPhone (iOS 16.4 or later) and on Google Play for Android phones running Android 7.0 or later, in English and Spanish.
Is Noise IQ available for iPhone?
Yes. Noise IQ is available on the App Store.
Do I need an account?
No. There’s no sign-up or login. If you subscribe to Noise IQ Pro and later reinstall the app or change phones, use Restore Purchase on the Pro screen with the same Apple ID or Google Play account.
Sound recognition
What types of sounds can Noise IQ analyze?
Noise IQ is built for car noises and can suggest a possible match from a wide range of common vehicle sounds. It isn’t designed to identify sounds from other machines or appliances.
How accurate are the results?
Results are an estimate, not a guarantee. Each result includes a confidence score, but that score isn’t a certified probability that the match is correct. Accuracy depends on the recording and the noise: background sound, how far the phone is from the source and faults that sound alike can all affect the result, and some noises have more than one cause.
Can Noise IQ replace a mechanic?
No. Noise IQ can’t inspect your car or tell whether it’s safe to drive, and a low-severity result or no match doesn’t mean your car is fine. Use it to understand what you may be hearing and to describe it clearly, then have a qualified mechanic check your car before any repair. Your results are saved in History on your phone, so you can show your mechanic what Noise IQ suggested.
How long should I record?
You can set recordings to 10, 15 or 20 seconds in Settings, and tap again to stop early. Try to capture the noise several times. If it only happens now and then, such as when braking, choose a longer recording so it has more chances to appear.
How can I record safely?
Never record while driving. Have a passenger record, or recreate the sound while parked somewhere safe. Keep your hands, hair, loose clothing and phone away from moving parts, hot surfaces and traffic. If your car doesn’t feel safe, stop driving and get help.
What should I do if the app can’t identify a sound?
Try again somewhere quieter, with your phone closer to where the noise seems to come from, and make sure the noise happens during the recording. Answering the follow-up questions can also help narrow it down. If nothing seems to be recorded, check that Noise IQ has microphone permission in your phone’s settings. Some noises may not be among the sounds Noise IQ recognizes yet, so if you’re unsure, have a mechanic check your car.
Noise IQ Pro
What is included with Noise IQ Pro?
- Noise Progress Comparison: track a noise and record it again later. Noise IQ compares the recordings on your phone and shows whether the pitch, loudness or repeating pattern has changed. A change is an estimate, not proof that a problem has improved or been repaired.
- Repair shops near you: a map with distance, opening hours, phone number and website where available, and directions in your maps app. Search by your location or type a city or ZIP code. Shop information comes from OpenStreetMap and depends on what has been mapped in your area.
How much does Noise IQ Pro cost?
In the United States, Noise IQ Pro costs $14.99 a month or $99.99 a year on both the App Store and Google Play. Your store shows the price for your country, any applicable tax and any free trial you’re eligible for before you confirm.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes, at any time. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions. On Android, open Google Play and go to Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions. To avoid being charged for the next period, cancel at least 24 hours before it renews. You keep Pro until the end of the period you’ve paid for. Deleting the app doesn’t cancel your subscription. Refunds are handled by Apple or Google Play under their policies.
What’s the difference between the free and Pro versions?
The free version includes the core noise analysis: record a noise and get a possible match, how serious it may be, a typical repair-cost range and suggested next steps, plus a history of your results saved on your phone. Noise IQ Pro adds Noise Progress Comparison and the repair-shop map.
Using the app
Can I see my past results?
Yes. Each result is saved in History on your phone, with the possible match, the date and any follow-up answers you gave. History keeps up to 50 results, and you can delete any result or clear your History at any time.
Do I need an internet connection?
Yes. Recordings are analyzed online, so you need a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to get a result.
Which languages does Noise IQ support?
Noise IQ is available in English and Spanish, and your results appear in the app’s language.
How do I contact Noise IQ?
Email us at founders@noiseiq.ai with any questions about the app.
Not sure which sound you’re hearing?
Every car sounds a little different. Noise IQ listens to a short recording and suggests possible causes, how urgent the sound may be and sensible next steps. It gives informational guidance, not a guaranteed diagnosis.