# 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*


---

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Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
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```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.