Help & contact
If you can't find your answer here, write to us directly. We read everything and reply same-day.
Direct contact
support@retropal.frOne address. No tickets, no chatbots.
Frequently asked questions
01 How do I add a game to Retro Pal?
First, get the game file (a ROM: .gba, .gb, .gbc, .nds, or a .zip containing one) onto your iPhone, via Safari, AirDrop, or iCloud Drive. Then, in Retro Pal, tap the + button at the top of the library and pick the file in the Files app. The game appears right away, ready to play. You can also use Share → Retro Pal from the Files app.
02 Where are my save files stored?
On your iPhone, locally, in the app's sandbox. If you're signed into iCloud, they're also synced automatically to your own private iCloud space (Retro Pal's iCloud Drive container), so you can pick your games back up on your other devices. Nothing is ever transmitted to a Retro Pal server, there is no Retro Pal server.
03 How do I sync my saves to iCloud?
It's automatic. If your iPhone is signed into iCloud, your saves sync to your private iCloud space with nothing to enable, and you'll find them on your other devices. You can check the sync status under Settings → Synchronization. If you're not signed into iCloud, everything stays local on your iPhone.
04 Can I bring my saves over from another emulator?
Yes, for in-game saves (battery saves). On a game's detail screen, tap "Import Save" and pick the .sav (GBA/GB/GBC) or .srm (NDS) file exported from another emulator (Manic, Delta, OpenEmu, RetroArch, etc.). Retro Pal keeps your previous save as a backup before replacing it. Quick save states (the slots) are emulator-specific and can't be imported.
05 My game won't launch, what's wrong?
Most commonly: ROM was extracted improperly from a .zip, corrupted file, or unsupported format (.gba.bin renamed). Try a different ROM you know works. If multiple ROMs fail, email us at support@retropal.fr with the game name, the console, and your Retro Pal version.
06 How do I cancel the monthly Pro subscription?
iOS Settings → your name at the top → Subscriptions → Retro Pal Pro → Cancel. You keep access until the end of the paid period. If you'd rather pay once and be done, the lifetime purchase is always available in-app at $4.99.
07 Does Retro Pal collect my data?
Retro Pal shows no ads and builds no advertising profile. To improve the app, it sends only anonymous usage statistics: no personal data, no advertising IDs. Your saves stay on your iPhone and, if you use iCloud, in your own private iCloud space. See the privacy policy for details.
08 Can I use a Bluetooth controller?
Yes. Pair your controller in iOS Settings (MFi, Xbox, PlayStation, 8BitDo, and most Bluetooth controllers), then launch a game: Retro Pal detects it automatically and the on-screen controls disappear. They come back as soon as you disconnect the controller. You can also customize the on-screen control layout, with as many presets as you like per system in Pro.
09 Why doesn't rewind work on Nintendo DS?
NDS rewind needs more memory than the other systems (save states are bigger). It'll be added in a 1.x release with dedicated compression. In the meantime, use manual save slots, that's the closest thing.
10 Does Retro Pal support iPad / Apple TV / Mac?
iPhone only for now. iPad is planned for a 1.x release with adapted UI. Mac and Apple TV aren't on the near-term roadmap. If enough users ask for them, that can change.
11 How do I report a bug?
Email support@retropal.fr with: your Retro Pal version (Settings → About), iPhone model, iOS version, the game in question, and ideally a screenshot or short video. The more specific, the faster it gets fixed.
Question not listed? Email support@retropal.fr, we reply.