Frequently asked questions
Lovely to have you here! You will find answers to the questions we hear most often. Something missing? Just write to us, we are happy about every message.
Getting started
Do I need an account to play?
No, you can simply start playing. In the app you can even buy without signing in. In the browser you need a free account for purchases. An account is worth it if you want to use your Notes and subscription on more than one device.
I do not have an Apple account. Can I still play?
Yes, gladly! The songs and the short previews come from the Apple Music catalogue, but you need neither an Apple account nor a subscription for that. Only if you want to play with your own Apple Music playlists do you need an Apple Music account.
I only use Spotify (or another music service). Can I still play?
Yes. You do not need any music service to play, you get the songs right inside Hitlines. Playlists from other services cannot be used yet. That works with Apple Music only for now.
Which devices can I play on?
On iPhone and iPad (in the App Store) and in the browser at play.hitlines.de. An Android version is on its way.
Do I need internet?
Yes, songs, playing together and purchases all run online. A steady Wi-Fi or mobile connection is plenty.
Why do I only hear a short clip?
These are previews of about 30 seconds. They are enough to guess, and they keep the next round quick to start.
Playing together
How do I play with friends?
Either take turns on one device, or online: you create a room and share the link or the QR code. Up to 8 people can join. If you want to look for players publicly, you need a free account.
I was dropped from the round. What now?
Just open Hitlines again. If the game is still running (up to about 10 minutes), the app asks whether you want to continue. It works best when everyone uses the latest version.
Where does a song’s year come from?
We use the year of first release and check it against an open music database. Very rarely it still differs. If you spot something, drop us a short note, it helps everyone.
Are we playing for real money?
No. In the betting modes you stake game chips that only count in the current round. They have no cash value and there is no payout.
Your own lists and extras
When can I create my own playlists (Setlist Studio)?
After about 10 rounds played, the Setlist Studio shows up in the menu. There you put together your own playlists from your favourite artists and songs. You unlock it with a few Notes that you collect while playing. With Hitlines Premium it is there from the start, and you can create as many setlists as you like (without Premium: 3).
When can I play themed collections, for example for a festival?
You will find the themed collections (compilations) in the Theme Shop. It appears after your 5th round played. Some themes are free from the start, and the especially lovingly curated ones you unlock one by one with Notes. Once unlocked, they are yours for good. New ones are added over time, so do stop by now and then.
Notes and Premium
What are Notes?
Notes are the game currency in Hitlines. You collect them while playing or buy a pack, and use them to unlock special themes and game modes.
What do I get with Hitlines Premium?
You play with your own Apple Music playlists, build as many of your own setlists as you like (without Premium: 3), and get 10 Notes every month on top.
Do I need Apple Music for Premium?
Apple Music is a separate service from Apple and not part of Hitlines Premium. You need it in addition for playlists from your Apple Music account. Everything else in Premium works without it.
How do I cancel my subscription?
When you buy, open the “Premium” tab and tap “Manage / cancel subscription”. If you subscribed through the App Store, you can also do it in your Apple account settings. You keep Premium until the end of the paid period.
Everything is gone on my new device. What do I do?
No worries, your purchases are not lost. In the app, tap “Restore purchases” in the purchase dialog, or sign in with the account you bought with. If nothing shows up, write to us with the time of purchase.
Can I get my money back?
For App Store purchases this goes through Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com. For purchases in the browser you will find everything important in our terms and the withdrawal notice (German only). And if something is wrong, just write to us.
Account and data
What data do you store?
As little as possible. Without signing in it is only an anonymous ID for your purchases, Notes and scores. With an account, your email address and name are added. All details are in the privacy policy (German only).
How do I delete my account?
In the app under Profile → “Delete account”. A step-by-step guide is here.
When something gets stuck
Songs do not load, or the start takes a long time.
Hitlines needs internet. After a longer break the first start can take up to a minute because our server has to wake up. Please wait a moment, then everything runs smoothly.
I cannot hear anything. What could be the reason?
Check the volume and the silent switch (on iPhone the small switch on the side), and reload the page or app once. In the browser you sometimes have to tap the page first so that sound is allowed to start.
I found a bug or have an idea.
We are happy about every message: carsten.martin@hitlines.de. It helps if you tell us your device, the version (Profile, at the bottom) and a short description of what happened.