Support

Chirp Finder: Smoke Alarm Beep

Listening

It says "Listening…" and nothing happens

That's normal. Alarms chirp every 30–60 seconds. Chirp Finder confirms a chirp once it hears it repeat, then shows when the next one is due. Keep the room quiet (TV off, dishwasher finished) and the screen on: listening stops if you lock the phone.

It heard something that isn't the alarm

A single beep stays "possible" until it repeats on a steady rhythm. If another appliance beeps on its own rhythm (some microwaves remind you every minute), stop it and start listening again.

I'm using AirPods or another microphone

Use the iPhone's own microphone. If the input changes while you're measuring, Chirp Finder warns you, because levels from two microphones can't be compared.

Finding the alarm

How does it know which alarm it is?

An alarm chirps at the same loudness every time. Under the one that's chirping, your phone hears it directly. Under the others it hears the chirp after it has crossed rooms and bounced off walls, so it measures quieter. Chirp Finder ranks the alarms by the level it measured under each.

What do High, Medium and Low confidence mean?

High: the loudest alarm was at least 6 dB louder than the next. Medium: 3–6 dB. Low: under 3 dB, which happens with two alarms close together in one hallway. Go closer to each of the top two and measure again; it averages the readings.

"Not heard here"

The chirp was due while you stood there, and it didn't reach the phone. That usually means it's not this alarm. If you moved during the chirp, measure again.

What it means

It says "the same pattern can also mean…"

Many patterns mean different things on different models, even from the same maker. Chirp Finder shows the most likely meaning, the alternatives, and the light that tells them apart. Scanning the label settles it: if the alarm is past its replace-by date, it needs replacing whatever the chirp.

Where does the decoding come from?

From the makers' own manuals and support pages; see what each chirp means, with links to each source. Your alarm's manual has the final word.

The label scan didn't read the date

Take the alarm down (most twist off their base), wipe the label, and scan in good light. You can also choose a photo, or type the date in. Look for "Date of manufacture", "Replace by", or a bare date stamp like "2017 FEB 20".

Emergency patterns

If Chirp Finder hears a fire (three long beeps) or carbon monoxide (four short beeps) alarm pattern, it shows a full-screen warning with a call button, even if you haven't paid. It recognises the beep pattern only: it does not detect smoke or CO. If you were pressing an alarm's test button, dismiss it.

Subscription

What's free?

Listening, the countdown, fire/CO pattern warnings, measuring one alarm, the general meaning of a chirp, one label scan, one saved alarm and your last session.

What does Pro add?

Ranking every alarm, model-aware decoding, unlimited label scans, your full alarm list with replace-by reminders, and full history. $4.99 a month or $24.99 a year (7-day free trial on the annual plan).

How do I cancel or restore?

Cancel in iPhone Settings → your name → Subscriptions. Restore in Chirp Finder → Settings → Restore purchases.

Contact

Email support@bulpara.com. If it's about a pattern, include your alarm's brand and model number.