Merlin Bird ID

jmo

Thanks for the infos and links.

Th 3.3 version is out and the geolocalisation in the "Sound ID" seems to work as @birds3333 said, it just can't display the name of the places, only the GPS coordonate.
But it still doesn't work on the "Step by step" way, it can't get the current location, only the recent ones (those you get with the Sound ID).

g3t___

Hi all, can anyone confirm that location via lat/long is still working in Merlin Bird ID on graphene at version 3.5.1 ?

I am at v3.3 when it first started finally working for sound ID, and have been hesitant to upgrade. Any confirmation would be greatly appreciated!

jmo

Just testes, it's working on 3.5.1 in sound id.

thermokarst

So happy it works (partially at least)

Sound ID location works and still lists GPS points but that at least makes the step-by-step function mostly usable again with being able to click on recent locations.

Confirmed working on vr. 3.5.2

Also; has anyone gotten eBird to work?
I can't get it to determine my location at all when trying to submit my data / explore nearby / or download a pack

In the explore tab you can however manually enter a postal code and find a location (in the US at least)

kropotkin

I'm on a Pixel 8, with Merlin 5.6.1, and nothing location-related works. Can't search for locations, can't drop a pin on a map, can't use the phone's location. Don't suppose anyone has any further insight into the situation, besides wait and see if updates fix it? Or... suggestions for an alternative bird ID app (European most important, North American next)? Thanks.

DeletedUser370

3.6.1. Only Sound ID can get my location. This is with Network location enabled, GrapheneOS 2025042500. Strange.

iudnu

I've had some issues with it in the past, but currently with 3.6.1 it works fine. It does take some time to find my location sometimes, but it acquires it after several seconds. I have precise location off, and the app doesn't throw a fit about that (and neither do it). Now Seek on other hand HATES it that I don't have precise location on, and is a case where I wish there were a better way to report to an app that precise location is on even if it isn't. And eBird simply refuses to function without a precise location (even if I just want to browse hotpsots).

I'm curious to try BirdNET. I've found whoBird to be pretty weak in terms of results.

Tekolote

I'm on Version 3.7.1 and location services outside of sound ID pulling coordinates weren't working. I turned on the geocoder in my location services and set it to the GraphoneOS proxy and I was able to set my location manually and in the step by step and use the map pin to set my location. So it appears everything is working for me now

router99

Tekolote I turned on the geocoder in my location services and set it to the GraphoneOS proxy and I was able to set my location

This was the solution for me.

Gosphoneclub

Writing from April 2026 and this is still an issue. I've not been able to get a workaround option functional either.

oldschkool

Gosphoneclub I have it working here, at least for my needs, without precise location, .

Johnnyloans

Gosphoneclub

merlin ID 3.10.1 works for me. location & microphone identifying. Pixel 6
permissions: location, network, microphone, notification
Everything is on the defaults:

exploit compatibility = off
hardened memory, webview JIT = enabled
native code debug, dynamic code loading = allowed

play services: network, notification, phone (I'm using rcs)
play store: network, notifications

Mandorr

router99 The latest Merlin Bird ID also works for me by turning on geocoder

roller

Hi, what exactly is geocoder? Is it the service in the primary settings of the phone (often very close to the menue surface)? I did try that and allowed merlin to access location, but it does not work. When trying to use bird id (voice decoder) is records the voices but is searching constantly for the location and does not show the bird names it identified. It suggests me to define the location manually. but once i try this, there is no success whatsoever. it does not react, nor search and find known locations. It seems that this app needs microg. from google.

koocmit

roller I do not use Merlin anymore, but if you are struggling to get it to work, and are open to using other apps, BirdNET Live works offline with location tagging and saving recording, based on BirdID and BirdNET project. There is also whoBIRD if you are looking for an alternative interface (albeit slightly outdated).

Both work without internet connection after downloading the models, and are similar to Merlin in my testing.

Johnnyloans

roller Hi, what exactly is geocoder?

You can find it under settings > search geo > geocoder

Alternatively,
settings > location > location services > geocoder
It can be set to 2 services or off. The GrapheneOS server is a private option.

what does it do:

Your phone gets your location then contacts a server on the internet to get an address for the location.
I guess out the woods maybe it just returns Munich, Germany.

Then the bird app finds out what birds are around Munich, Germany.

roller

I am from Germany, but not from Munich. Is Geolocation the usual setting (="standort" in german) everybody knows from using a navigation app? Because I did try this already. It seems to be impossible to use a bird determination and data collection app without sharing a bunch of personal data. why e.g. does merlin need 31 permissions on my phone? Is anybody here from Germany and taking part in the "Adebar 2" project who is critical of overly sharing of personal data?

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