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FAQ
Short answers about accounts, data, music sources, platforms and licensing.
Do I need an account?
No. Nuvo has no account system and no server.
Where is my data?
On your machine. See data and encryption.
Is my library encrypted?
Yes. The database uses SQLCipher, and cached audio is encrypted per chunk. The key lives in your system keyring. A 24-word phrase can restore it.
Where does the music come from?
From YouTube Music and SoundCloud for streaming, and from folders of your own files. Nuvo does not host music. Streaming depends on those services, and they can change or block access. Using them is your responsibility under their terms.
Does it work offline?
Cached tracks and local files play without a connection. Lyrics, search and new tracks need the network.
Which platforms?
Linux. Windows and macOS targets exist in the build configuration and are not tested.
Why is there no Notch on GNOME?
GNOME on Wayland does not let an app pin itself to the top of the screen. Nuvo uses the system media widget there. See tray and Notch.
Why does a pasted Spotify link not work?
Nuvo cannot read Spotify links. Export your playlist as CSV (for example with Exportify) and import the file. See imports.
Do I need yt-dlp and ffmpeg?
Not for playback. They power pasted video links, recognition and MP3 saves. See install.
What if I lose the recovery phrase?
If your keyring still holds the key, Nuvo keeps working. If the key is gone and you have no phrase, the library cannot be opened. Write the phrase down when Nuvo shows it.
Can I use my own CSS?
Yes, within a strict checker. See themes and custom CSS.
What does Nuvo send over the network?
Requests to YouTube, SoundCloud and LRCLIB to play and find music and lyrics, and to the public API of a service when you paste its link. Recommendations are computed on your machine. See security model.
Is it free?
Yes. Nuvo is licensed under the AGPL-3.0. You can use, change and share it. If you distribute a modified version or run it as a service, you must share your source under the same licence. A commercial licence is available from the author. See licensing.
Can I fork it?
Yes, under the AGPL-3.0. A fork must use another name and icon. See trademarks.
How do I report a security problem?
Privately, as the security policy describes.