How do I use the service?

•	Dial (866) 411-SONG, listen for the beep or follow the voice instructions
•	After the beep, song identification begins
•	Hold your phone as close to the speaker as possible for 15 seconds
•	DON’T HANG UP – the call will automatically end after 15 seconds
	• If Successful: you receive text message with artist name and song title, and $0.99 will automatically be charged to your next phone bill (unless otherwise specified during promotional periods). • If Unsuccessful: you receive a text message telling you the song was not identified, but you will not be charged. (Try moving closer to speaker or turning volume up)

Important:

•	Text message delivery varies based on your carrier’s transmission times. Usually the text will arrive within a few seconds, though it make take several minutes.

411-SONG did not identify my song, why not?

These are the most likely reasons why the service did not identify the song:

Music not LOUD enough: Make sure the music is loud enough for our system to recognize it. Remember that music should be at a reasonably loud volume, especially if there is a lot of background noise around.

Too far from the speaker: Try moving closer to the speaker or music source and make sure that you record at least15 seconds of the music. Don’t be afraid, walk up to the speaker…and get close!

Bad phone reception: Make sure you have good phone reception before calling.

You hung up too soon: Please let us hang-up for you. In some cases, 411-SONG will be able to recognize a song with just over 5 seconds of audio, but other times, it may need up to 15 seconds, less time than in took for you to read this sentence!
REMEMBER: The call automatically ends after 15 seconds, so please let us hang-up for you.

The song is not in the database: Even with optimum conditions, the song may not yet be in our database. While rare, it does happen, and we’re adding to our database daily. We usually cover all the songs released commercially with the exception of Classical and live performances. Additionally, some remixes not released commercially might not be covered. But don’t worry, if we cannot identify the song, you will not be charged.

Remember:
While 411-SONG technology is amazing, we cannot overcome the realities of the mobile phone. Today’s phones are specifically designed to drown out background noise, so please get as close to the speaker as possible. You’ll see a dramatic change in your results. We can identify over 2.5m songs, but you have to help us, by getting extra close to the music source or by cranking it up!! Thanks.


Will 411-SONG work with my service provider?

Right now, 411-SONG is offered on the mobile carriers in the table below. Your experience with 411-SONG will vary depending on your carrier. Click on your carrier link below to see what is relevant for you:

Do I need a special mobile phone to use 411-SONG?

No. 411-SONG works on all US mobile phones that can receive SMS text messages.

Can I use a landline (or fixed line) phone?

No. 411-SONG only works from a mobile phone. See above for which mobile carriers support 411-SONG.

Why did it take so long to receive the text message after I hung up?

We process all requests immediately and send the text message directly to your mobile operator. Sometimes, during peak hours, it might get delayed by your mobile operator, but you will eventually receive the message. If you do not receive the text message within a reasonable amount of time, contact your mobile operator.

Will I be charged for the phone call?

No. (866) 411-SONG is a toll-free number.

Where / when can I use 411-SONG?

Almost anywhere! It will work with most music being played from a radio, CD, tape, or record wherever you are (club, gym, music store, café, even while watching TV). You just need good enough cell phone reception, 15 seconds to place a call, and loud enough music.

Does 411-SONG recognize all music?

Today, 411-SONG has over 2.5 million songs in its database, more than Napster and iTunes combined! And it’s growing every day. 411-SONG works with pre-recorded music only that has been released on an album or as a single in the past.

This means you can not sing or hum into the phone (even if you think you are the next William Hung!). 411-SONG will not recognize live performance music (i.e. you trying to ID while at a concert). However, it does work with music recorded live like CDs of concert, for example. Classical music is not covered. Additionally, some remixes not released commercially yet might not be covered.

don't sing

How will 411-SONG charges appear on my phone bill?

Code MQube 47171-411-SONG will appear on your phone bill, and a $0.99 charge will apply for each successful song identification (unless otherwise specified during promotional periods).

I received a message saying 411-SONG was down, what happened?

To optimize the system, we occasionally perform regular maintenance. You probably tried to use the service during this downtime. We apologize for the inconvenience and welcome you to try 411-SONG again soon.

Why did the system tell me my caller ID could not be identified, and why does this matter?

If 411-SONG cannot recognize your phone number, your caller ID might have been blocked. If so, the service may not be able to successfully deliver the text message with your song information. If this occurs, try deactivating this feature and try again.

Can I use 411-SONG outside the US?

Currently, 411-SONG is only available in the US.