LucidDream

Install

Getting LucidDream onto your phone

Use a native Android or iOS build for a real night. Android is distributed directly as an APK; iOS beta builds arrive through Apple's TestFlight app.

Latest Android release iOS beta (by invitation)

all releases · iOS beta via TestFlight

Android, step by step

  1. Download the file

    On the phone itself, tap the button above to open the latest release, then tap the .apk file under Assets. It lands in your Downloads.

  2. Open it, and allow the install

    Android will ask whether this app — your browser or file manager — may install unknown apps. Allow it, then come back and open the file again.

  3. Expect a Play Protect warning

    Google has not scanned this build, because it did not come through the Play Store. The warning is about the delivery route, not about anything found in the app. Choose the option to install anyway.

  4. Open it and grant notifications

    The notification is how a run shows its progress and its Stop button while the screen is off, so the app needs it to work properly.

  • The microphone is optional. It is requested only if you turn on the gentle voice interrupt in Settings, and only to measure how loud the room is. Leave that setting off and the app never asks.
  • Updating. Download a newer APK and install it over the top; your library, settings and logs stay where they are. If the signing key ever changes you would have to uninstall first, which deletes them — so export anything you want to keep before a reinstall.
  • Over a cable, if you prefer. With USB debugging on, the equivalent is adb install followed by the downloaded APK's file name.

In a browser

Open the web app — there is nothing to install. It is the same application, and it is the quickest way to write scripts, build a library, and see how the interface works. Your browser can add it to the home screen if you want it to open like an app.

  • Do not rely on it overnight. Browsers throttle tabs that are not in front, and a sleeping laptop or a locked phone will not keep a tab running like a native mobile app. Use the browser to explore and the Android or iOS build to sleep.

iOS, step by step

  1. Install TestFlight

    Get Apple's TestFlight app from the App Store if it is not already on your iPhone.

  2. Ask for an invitation

    The iOS beta is invitation-only. Once you are invited, Apple emails the address you gave. If it does not arrive, look in your spam or junk folder.

  3. Open the invitation on the iPhone

    Open the email on the iPhone, accept, and tap Install. LucidDream then appears on the home screen like any other app.

  4. Open LucidDream and allow notifications

    Notifications show the current step and provide the Stop action while a run continues with the screen locked.

  • Overnight operation. The iOS build uses the system's background-audio mode so playback and the run can continue while the screen is locked. Keep the phone charging; the ringer switch can stay on silent.
  • Quiet notifications. Run updates arrive silently in Notification Center and do not light up a locked screen.
  • The microphone is optional. It is requested only if you turn on the gentle voice interrupt in Settings, and only to measure how loud the room is.
  • Updating. TestFlight announces newer builds in the TestFlight app. Beta builds expire after 90 days, so install an update when one is offered.