# Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Provenance! Whether you just downloaded from the App Store or are a longtime user, this FAQ covers everything you need to know.

**Looking for advanced installation help?** See [Advanced Installation FAQ](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/advanced/faqs-advanced) (sideloading, building from source)

***

## Getting Started

### Is Provenance really free?

{% hint style="success" %}
**Yes, 100% free!** You can download from the App Store and play all 38 systems without paying a cent.
{% endhint %}

**Provenance Plus** is an optional subscription or lifetime purchase ($3.99/month, $39.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime) that adds premium features like iCloud sync, but it's not required to enjoy the full emulation experience.

### What is Provenance Plus?

**Provenance Plus is your ticket to seamless multi-device gaming.**

**The experience:**

* Start playing on your Apple TV (big screen, couch gaming)
* Save your progress (automatic cloud backup)
* Pick up your iPhone on the commute
* Continue exactly where you left off

**How it works:**

* **Apple TV:** FREE CloudKit sync (no permanent storage, needs cloud backup)
* **iPhone/iPad/Mac:** Provenance Plus unlocks sync ($3.99/month, $39.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime)

| Feature                           | Free   | Provenance Plus |
| --------------------------------- | ------ | --------------- |
| All 38 systems                    | ✅      | ✅               |
| Unlimited games                   | ✅      | ✅               |
| Save states                       | ✅      | ✅               |
| Controller support                | ✅      | ✅               |
| Skins                             | ✅      | ✅               |
| **Apple TV CloudKit sync**        | ✅ FREE | ✅               |
| **iPhone/iPad/Mac CloudKit sync** | ❌      | ✅               |
| **Multi-device save sync**        | ❌      | ✅               |
| **Early access to new cores**     | ❌      | ✅               |
| **TestFlight beta access**        | ❌      | ✅               |
| **Priority support**              | ❌      | ✅               |

**What syncs:** ✅ Your entire game library ✅ Save states (freeze time, resume anywhere) ✅ Battery saves (in-game progress) ✅ Custom artwork and metadata ✅ Skins (controller overlays) ✅ BIOS files

**Pricing:** $3.99/month, $39.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime (with free trial)

### Do I need Provenance Plus to play games?

**No.** All emulation features are completely free. Provenance Plus only adds optional cloud sync and early access features.

### How do I install Provenance?

**From the App Store (recommended):**

1. Open the **App Store** on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV
2. Search for **"Provenance"**
3. Tap **Get** → **Install**
4. ✅ Done! Launch the app and start adding games

**Alternative methods:** See [Installing Provenance](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance) for sideloading or building from source.

### How do I update Provenance?

**App Store users:** Updates are automatic! Just keep automatic updates enabled in Settings → App Store.

**Manual update:** App Store → Provenance → **Update** button (if available)

**Sideloaders/builders:** See [Updating Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/installing-provenance/updating)

***

## Using Provenance

### How do I import ROMs?

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="AirDrop" %}
**Easiest method:**

1. AirDrop ROM files from Mac/iPhone to your device
2. Tap files → Open in Provenance
3. Games appear in your library automatically
   {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Files App" %}

1. Save ROMs to iCloud Drive or local Files
2. Navigate to the ROM file
3. Tap Share → Open in Provenance
   {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Safari Download" %}

1. Download ROM file in Safari
2. Tap the downloaded file in the downloads menu
3. Choose Open in Provenance
   {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Mac Finder (USB)" %}

1. Connect device to Mac via USB
2. Open **Finder** → Select your device
3. **Files** tab → **Provenance**
4. Drag ROMs into the folder
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}

**Full guide:** [Importing ROMs](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/importing-roms)

### Where can I get ROMs or BIOS files?

**We cannot provide ROMs or links** due to copyright law.

**Legal options:**

* ✅ Create backups of games you own
* ✅ Homebrew ROMs (free, legal games created by fans)
* ✅ Public domain titles

{% hint style="danger" %}
**DO NOT** ask us or the community where to obtain copyrighted ROMs or BIOS files.
{% endhint %}

**BIOS files:** Some systems require BIOS files to work. See [BIOS Requirements](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/bios-requirements) for details.

### What systems are supported?

**38+ systems** including:

* Nintendo: NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, GBA, GameCube, 3DS, DS
* PlayStation: PS1, PSP
* Sega: Genesis, Dreamcast, Saturn, Game Gear, Sega CD
* Atari, Neo Geo, TurboGrafx-16, and many more!

**Full list:** [Supported Systems](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/supported-systems)

### Which systems work best on my device?

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="iPhone / iPad" %}

* ✅ **Perfect:** NES, SNES, GB, GBA, Genesis (all supported devices — iPhone 8 or iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) or newer)
* ✅ **Great:** PlayStation, N64 (iPhone 8 or iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen) or newer)
* ⚠️ **Demanding:** GameCube, Dreamcast, PSP (iPhone 11+ or M1 iPad)
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Apple TV" %}

* ✅ **All systems** run great on Apple TV 4K
* ⚠️ **Apple TV HD** — stick to 16-bit and earlier for best performance
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Mac (Apple Silicon)" %}

* ✅ All systems run perfectly on M1/M2/M3/M4 Macs
* No performance concerns on any Apple Silicon Mac
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

**Full guide:** [Performance Optimization](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/performance-optimization)

### Can I use a controller?

**Yes!** Provenance supports nearly every modern controller:

**Fully supported:**

* 🎮 PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5 DualShock / DualSense
* 🎮 Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S Controller
* 🎮 MFi (Made for iOS) controllers
* 🎮 8BitDo controllers (most models)
* 🎮 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
* 📱 Siri Remote (tvOS 17+, basic games only)

**How to pair:** Settings → Bluetooth → Put controller in pairing mode

**Full guide:** [Controllers & Controls](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls)

### What are skins? How do I use them?

**Skins** are custom controller overlays that change the look of on-screen buttons.

**Features:**

* 🎨 Hundreds of free designs (DeltaStyles.com)
* 🌈 Classic console aesthetics, modern minimalist, game-themed
* 📱 Compatible with Delta/Manic skins (`.deltaskin` format)
* ✅ Free for all users (no Plus required)

**How to get skins:**

1. Visit [DeltaStyles.com](https://deltastyles.com) on your device
2. Download a `.deltaskin` file
3. Tap file → Open in Provenance
4. Apply in Settings → Controller Skins

**Full guide:** [Skins Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/skins-guide)

### How do I enable iCloud sync?

**Requires:** Provenance Plus subscription

**Setup:**

1. Subscribe to Provenance Plus in-app
2. Provenance → **Settings** → **iCloud Sync**
3. Toggle **ON**
4. Wait for initial sync (may take hours for large libraries)
5. Enable on all devices with the same Apple ID

**What syncs:** ROMs, save states, battery saves, custom artwork, skins, BIOS files

**What doesn't sync:** App settings only

**Full guide:** [Advanced ROM Management - iCloud Sync](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/roms/advanced-management#icloud-sync-for-large-collections)

***

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary><strong>Why is the app crashing?</strong></summary>

**Common fixes:**

1. **Force quit and restart**
   * Double-tap Home → Swipe up on Provenance
   * Relaunch the app
2. **Update to latest version**
   * App Store → Provenance → Update (if available)
3. **Restart your device**
   * Power off completely → Wait 10 seconds → Power on
4. **Check for corrupted database**
   * If crashes persist, see [Troubleshooting Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/help-and-community/troubleshooting)

**Still crashing?** Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance) for live help.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Why is [specific game] slow or stuttering?</strong></summary>

**Quick fixes:**

1. ✅ **Close background apps** - Free up RAM
2. ✅ **Disable visual filters** - Settings → Turn off Smoothing/CRT
3. ✅ **Update cores** - Newer cores often have performance improvements
4. ✅ **Try alternate core** - Some games work better with different cores
5. ✅ **Check device compatibility** - GameCube/Wii need iPhone 11+ or M1 iPad

**Detailed guide:** [Performance Optimization](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/platforms-and-performance/performance-optimization)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Controller not working / buttons not responding</strong></summary>

**Solutions:**

1. ✅ **Re-pair controller**
   * Settings → Bluetooth → Forget device → Pair again
2. ✅ **Update controller firmware**
   * Connect to PS5/Xbox console to update firmware
   * Or use manufacturer's app (8BitDo Firmware Updater, etc.)
3. ✅ **Check battery**
   * Low battery causes connection issues
4. ✅ **Reduce interference**
   * Move WiFi routers away from device
   * Use Ethernet on Apple TV (improves Bluetooth stability)

**Full guide:** [Controllers & Controls](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/controllers-and-controls)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>ROMs won't import / games missing from library</strong></summary>

**Checklist:**

1. ✅ **Check file format** - See [Formatting ROMs](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/roms/formatting-roms)
2. ✅ **Verify BIOS files** - Some systems require BIOS: [BIOS Requirements](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/getting-started/bios-requirements)
3. ✅ **Restart app** - Force quit → Relaunch
4. ✅ **Re-import** - Delete file → Re-add to Provenance
5. ✅ **Check ROM hash** - Bad/corrupted ROMs won't import

**Multi-disc games:** Create M3U playlists - see [Advanced ROM Management](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/roms/advanced-management#multi-disc-games-advanced)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>iCloud sync not working</strong></summary>

**Requirements:**

* ✅ Provenance Plus active subscription
* ✅ Available iCloud storage (Settings → \[Your Name] → iCloud)
* ✅ Active internet connection

**Fixes:**

1. ✅ **Disable → Re-enable sync** - Settings → iCloud Sync → OFF → ON
2. ✅ **Force quit Provenance** - Restart app
3. ✅ **Check iCloud storage** - May be full
4. ✅ **Wait 10-15 minutes** - Large libraries take time

**Full guide:** [iCloud Sync Troubleshooting](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/roms/advanced-management#troubleshooting-icloud-issues)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Dark mode not working on Apple TV</strong></summary>

Provenance uses **system-wide Dark Mode**:

1. Apple TV **Settings** → **General** → **Appearance**
2. Select **Dark ✓**
3. Provenance will update automatically

</details>

***

## Migration & Switching

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I migrate from Delta or RetroArch?</strong></summary>

**Yes!** Your ROMs and saves are compatible.

**From Delta:**

1. Export saves from Delta (if needed)
2. Import ROMs into Provenance (same files work)
3. BIOS files: Copy to Provenance if needed
4. ✅ Delta skins work in Provenance (same `.deltaskin` format)

**From RetroArch:**

1. Export save files (.srm, .state)
2. Import ROMs into Provenance
3. Copy saves to Provenance saves folder (via Finder)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I switch from sideloaded Provenance to App Store version?</strong></summary>

**Yes!** Your data transfers automatically:

1. Install **Provenance from App Store**
2. Launch app - library appears automatically (same data container)
3. (Optional) Delete sideloaded version

**iCloud note:** If using Provenance Plus, only enable sync on ONE version to avoid conflicts.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I use both App Store and sideloaded versions?</strong></summary>

**Yes, but not recommended** - can cause iCloud sync conflicts.

**If you must:**

* Use different bundle IDs when building from source
* Only enable iCloud sync on ONE version
* Data won't automatically transfer between versions

</details>

***

## Provenance Plus

<details>

<summary><strong>Why is CloudKit sync free on Apple TV but paid on iOS?</strong></summary>

It's about the platform constraints:

**Apple TV has no permanent storage** - when you delete Provenance, your games and saves are gone. We include FREE CloudKit sync on tvOS so you never lose progress. It's not a premium feature, it's a necessity.

**iPhone/iPad have permanent storage** - your games and saves persist even if you delete the app. CloudKit sync is a premium convenience feature that lets you access your library on multiple devices.

**Bottom line:** tvOS sync = survival feature (free). iOS sync = premium multi-device experience (Plus).

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Is Provenance Plus worth it?</strong></summary>

**Worth it if you:**

* ✅ **Own an Apple TV + iPhone/iPad** (seamless gaming across devices)
* ✅ Want to start games on your couch, continue on your commute
* ✅ Never want to lose save progress (automatic cloud backup)
* ✅ Have multiple Apple devices (library syncs to all of them)
* ✅ Want early access to new features

**Not worth it if you:**

* ❌ Only use Apple TV (sync is already free!)
* ❌ Only use one iOS device (manual backups work fine)
* ❌ Don't care about multi-device gaming

**The killer feature:** Start Final Fantasy VII on your TV, pick it up on your iPhone during lunch break, continue on your iPad in bed. All without manually transferring saves.

**Try it free:** We offer an App Store trial so you can experience seamless multi-device gaming before subscribing.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>How do I cancel Provenance Plus?</strong></summary>

**iOS/iPadOS:**

1. Settings → \[Your Name] → Subscriptions
2. Tap **Provenance Plus**
3. **Cancel Subscription**

**Mac:**

1. App Store → \[Your Name] (top left) → Settings
2. Manage Subscriptions → Provenance Plus
3. Cancel

**Your subscription remains active until the end of the billing period.**

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Does Provenance Plus work when sideloading?</strong></summary>

**Yes!** But you need to use a **unique bundle ID** when building from Xcode.

**How:**

1. In Xcode, change bundle ID to something unique (e.g., `com.yourname.provenance`)
2. Build and install
3. Subscribe to Provenance Plus in-app
4. ✅ Plus features will work

**Default bundle ID:** Won't work - app thinks it's App Store version but can't verify subscription.

</details>

***

## Advanced Topics

<details>

<summary><strong>What if I don't have a Mac?</strong></summary>

**App Store users:** No Mac needed! Just install from the App Store on your device.

**Advanced users:** See [Advanced Installation FAQ](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/advanced/faqs-advanced) for sideloading without a Mac.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Is jailbreak required?</strong></summary>

**No.** Provenance works on all non-jailbroken devices via the App Store.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I install without a computer?</strong></summary>

**Yes!** Just download from the App Store directly on your device.

**Sideloading without a computer:** See [Advanced Installation FAQ](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/advanced/faqs-advanced#no-computer) for alternative methods.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>When is the next release?</strong></summary>

Check our [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/releases) and [Milestones](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/milestones) for development status.

**App Store users:** Updates are automatic - no need to track releases manually!

</details>

***

## Community & Contributing

### How can I contribute?

We're always looking for help!

**Ways to contribute:**

* 💻 **Development** - Browse [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/issues) and submit PRs
* 🧪 **Beta Testing** - Join Provenance Plus for TestFlight access
* 📝 **Documentation** - Improve this wiki on GitHub
* 🎥 **Content Creation** - Create YouTube tutorials
* 💬 **Community Support** - Help users on [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance)

**Full guide:** [Contributing](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/help-and-community/contribute)

### Where can I get help?

**Need help?** We're here for you:

1. 📖 **Search this FAQ** - Most questions answered here
2. 🔍 **Check Troubleshooting** - [Troubleshooting Guide](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/help-and-community/troubleshooting)
3. 💬 **Join Discord** - Live community support: [discord.gg/provenance](https://discord.gg/provenance)
4. 🐛 **Report bugs** - [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/issues)

**Before asking:**

* ✅ Search existing GitHub issues
* ✅ Update to latest version
* ✅ Read relevant wiki guides

***

## Still Have Questions?

{% hint style="success" %}
💬 Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance) for live community support!

🐛 Found a bug? Report it on [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/Provenance-Emu/Provenance/issues)

📖 Advanced installation help? See [Advanced Installation FAQ](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/advanced/faqs-advanced)
{% endhint %}

***

*Last updated: March 2026*