# Frequently Asked Questions --- ## General ### What RomM version do I need? Grout aggressively adopts new RomM features. The required RomM version matches the **first three components** of Grout's version number. For example, Grout `v4.6.1.0` requires RomM `4.6.1` or newer. The fourth component is for Grout-specific patches. Grout may still function on older RomM versions, but support will not be provided. ### Which devices and firmware are supported? Grout supports [muOS](../getting-started/install-muos.md), [Knulli](../getting-started/install-knulli.md), [ROCKNIX](../getting-started/install-rocknix.md), [Spruce](../getting-started/install-spruce.md), [NextUI](../getting-started/install-nextui.md), and [TrimUI Stock OS](../getting-started/install-trimui.md). See each installation guide for tested devices. ### Hey! What about Miyoo devices? Grout is not currently supported on Miyoo devices. We hope to change that in the future. ### Can I use Grout with OIDC / Single Sign-On? Grout requires a username and password to authenticate. If your RomM instance uses OIDC, you can still use Grout by setting a password for your user account. Grout will support API Keys once they are available in RomM. For more details, see [this GitHub issue](https://github.com/rommapp/romm/issues/1767#issuecomment-2744215262){: target="_blank"}. --- ## Connection & Login ### I can't connect to my RomM server. What should I check? 1. **Wi-Fi** -Confirm your device is connected to Wi-Fi and can reach the server. 2. **Hostname** -Make sure the hostname or IP address is correct and reachable from your device's network. 3. **Protocol** -Try switching between HTTP and HTTPS. If you get a "protocol mismatch" error, you're using the wrong one. 4. **Port** -If your RomM instance runs on a non-standard port, include it in the port field. 5. **Firewall** -Ensure your server's firewall allows connections from your device's network. ### I'm getting SSL / certificate errors If you're using a self-signed certificate, set **SSL Certificates** to **Skip Verification** on the login screen. ### My connection keeps timing out Increase the **API Timeout** and **Download Timeout** in Settings > Advanced. The default may be too short for slow networks, remote servers, large downloads, or RomM instances with a large games collection. --- ## Downloading Games ### Can I filter the games list? Yes. Press `Y` from any game list to filter by genre, franchise, company, game mode, region, language, age rating, or tag. Only categories with available values for the current platform are shown. Press `B` to clear all filters. ### Can I download multiple games at once? Yes. Press `Select` to enter multi-select mode, then use `A` to toggle individual games, `R1` to select all, or `L1` to deselect all. Press `Start` to confirm and begin downloading. ### How do multi-disc games work? When you download a multi-disc game, Grout automatically extracts the disc images and creates an `.m3u` playlist file. ### What does the "Archived Downloads" setting do? When set to **Uncompress**, Grout will automatically extract downloaded `.zip` and `.7z` archives after downloading. When set to **Do Nothing**, the archive is saved as-is. ### What's the difference between the downloaded game indicators? In Settings, the **Downloaded Games** option controls how already-downloaded games appear in the games list: - **Do Nothing** -No visual difference - **Mark** -Downloaded games are shown with a download icon - **Filter** -Downloaded games are hidden from the list entirely --- ## Box Art & Artwork ### What are the different art types? The **Download Art Kind** setting controls which artwork Grout downloads from RomM: - **Default** -Uses whatever artwork RomM provides as the default cover - **Box2D** -Flat front box art - **Box3D** -3D rendered box art with perspective - **MixImage** -Composite image combining box art, screenshots, and system logos ### Can I download artwork for games I already have? This is currently not supported. The **Preload Artwork** setting only downloads artwork to be displayed within Grout's interface. See [this GitHub issue](https://github.com/rommapp/grout/issues/130){:target="_blank"} to track this feature. --- ## Save Sync ### How does Grout match my local games to RomM? Grout uses three methods in order: 1. **Filename match** -If the local filename (without extension) matches a ROM in RomM, it's an instant match. 2. **Hash match** -Grout computes CRC32/SHA1 hashes of the local ROM and queries RomM. Successful matches are remembered for future instant lookups. 3. **Fuzzy title match** -Grout normalizes both names and compares them. If similarity is 80% or higher, you'll be asked to confirm the match. For more details, see the [Save Sync Guide](save-sync.md). ### What's the difference between save files and save states? **Save files** (`.srm`, `.sav`, etc.) are created by the emulated game itself -like saving at a save point. These are what Grout syncs. **Save states** are snapshots of the entire emulator state at a moment in time. These are emulator-specific and are * *not synced** by Grout. ### Will my saves be overwritten? Grout always creates a backup of the existing local save before downloading a newer one from RomM. The newer save (by timestamp) always wins. ### Why are some saves "unmatched"? A save is unmatched when Grout can't find a corresponding ROM in your RomM library. This can happen if: - The ROM was renamed locally and doesn't match any name or hash in RomM - The ROM isn't in your RomM library at all - A previous fuzzy match was declined (24-hour cooldown before re-prompting) The sync summary shows unmatched saves with diagnostic info to help you resolve them. ### What's the difference between Manual and Automatic sync? - **Manual** -Press `Y` from the main menu to trigger a sync. A summary is shown when complete. - **Automatic** -Grout syncs in the background every time you launch the app. Progress is shown via status bar icons. --- ## Platform Mappings ### Can I change my platform mappings later? Yes. Go to Settings > **Directory Mappings** to reconfigure which local folder maps to each RomM platform. ### What happens if I skip a platform during mapping? Games for that platform won't be visible in Grout and can't be downloaded until a mapping is configured. --- ## BIOS Files ### How do I download BIOS files? Navigate to a platform's game list. If the platform in RomM has BIOS files, Grout will show a prompt in the footer to press `Menu`. From there Grout will list the BIOS files along with their status (Ready or Missing). ### Not all platforms show a BIOS option. Why? Many platforms don't require BIOS files, and some may not have BIOS files available in your RomM library. The option only appears when applicable. --- ## Settings & Configuration ### What is Kids Mode? Kids Mode hides the Settings and other advanced screens, leaving only game browsing and downloading. To temporarily access settings while Kids Mode is enabled, press `L1 + R1 + Menu`. ### Will updating Grout erase my settings? No. The in-app updater and manual updates both preserve your `config.json` file, which contains your login credentials and platform mappings. ### What log level should I use? - **Error** -Only shows errors. Use this for normal operation. - **Info** -Shows general activity. Useful for understanding what Grout is doing. - **Debug** -Verbose logging. Use this when troubleshooting issues or filing bug reports. --- ## Troubleshooting ### Where are the log files? Log files are stored alongside the Grout binary in a `logs` directory. The exact path depends on your firmware and installation location. ### My cache seems wrong or outdated Go to Settings > Advanced > **Rebuild Cache**. This clears and rebuilds the local database from your RomM server. ### Downloads are slow or failing 1. Increase the **Download Timeout** in Settings > Advanced. 2. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength -handheld devices often have limited range. 3. Verify your RomM server isn't under heavy load. ### I found a bug or have a feature request Please [create an issue](https://github.com/rommapp/grout/issues/new/choose) on GitHub and fill out the template completely. Include your Grout version, RomM version, device, firmware, and relevant log output.