Merlin

                                                                                 Merlin © Max McCarthy / Macaulay Library

What devices does Merlin work on?

Merlin is an app that runs on Android devices with Android 6 or newer, iPhones and iPads with iOS 16 or newer, and M1/M2-equipped Apple computers. We do not currently have a web-based version of Merlin, or a desktop version available for Windows computers. 

iOS/Apple: How do I find Merlin Bird ID in the App Store?

While on your iPhone/iPad, go to this link to download the app. 


You can also search in the App Store for "Merlin Bird ID." Find “Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab” in the results list and then tap “Get” to install. 

Android: How do I install Merlin Bird ID from the Play Store? 

From your Android device, click here to download the app. Tap “Install” to complete the process.


Alternatively, on your Android device, open the Play Store app. Type “Merlin Bird ID” into the search bar and tap on the magnifying glass in the lower right corner of the keyboard to start the search. Find “Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab” in the results list and then tap “Install.”

How do I update Merlin? 

Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad)

On some Apple devices, it is automatic. The first thing to try is to follow this link on your iPhone or iPad, or navigate to the Merlin Bird ID page in the App Store. If you already have the newest version, the button should say “Open.” If you need to upgrade it will say “Update.”


 If your operating system is pre-iOS 13, another thing to try is to go to the “Updates” tab in the lower right and see if Merlin is listed there. If so, you can tap the “Update” button to get the latest version.

If your operating systems is iOS 13 or higher, tap the small circular profile photo in the top right corner of the App Store home page. Scroll down to see if there are any apps under the "Update" button 


Android Devices

On some devices, it is automatic. To check, follow the directions below:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app Google Play.
  2. Tap Menu Menuand then My apps & games.
  3. Apps with an update available are labeled "Update." You can also search for a specific app. 
  4. Tap Update.

Can I move the app to SD storage?

Using your SD card to store Merlin is supported through Adoptable Storage on most devices with Android 6 or newer. On older versions of the Android system, or on devices where adoptable storage is not supported, Merlin no longer support saving any apps directly to a portable SD card. Click here to learn how to format it for internal storage.