You can also connect securely from anywhere using a VPN. In this guide, we’ll use Tailscale, a free VPN service that can be set up in just a few minutes. You can also use another VPN solution if you already have one configured.

This is an advanced but useful feature, especially if you already leave your computer running for agents, media servers, backups or other services.

Once connected, you can:

• Stream music from Crates Desktop
• Download tracks for offline listening
• Sync crates 
• Sync your full library

Note: This currently works on iOS only. Android support is coming soon.

Before You Start

You’ll need:

• A Mac or Windows computer running Crates Desktop
• An iPhone or iPad running Crates for iOS
• An internet connection on both devices
• A free Tailscale account

Your computer must be powered on, connected to the internet, and running both Crates Desktop and Tailscale.

1. Install Tailscale on Your Computer

Download Tailscale from:

https://tailscale.com/download

1. Install and open Tailscale.
2. Create a free account or sign in.
3. Leave Tailscale running.

Tailscale runs quietly in the background and does not normally affect your internet connection or other applications.

2. Install Tailscale on Your iPhone or iPad

1. Install Tailscale from the App Store.
2. Sign in using the same account you used on your computer.
3. Allow the VPN permission when iOS asks.
4. Turn on the Tailscale connection.

Your computer should now appear in the Tailscale device list.

3. Enable VPN Connections in Crates for iOS

Open Crates for iOS and go to:

Library → Settings Cog (top right) → Allow Connection via VPN

Enable the switch.

4. Copy Your Computer’s Tailscale Address

In the Tailscale app on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Select your computer from the device list.
2. Copy its MagicDNS hostname.

Crates also supports the Tailscale IP address, but we recommend using the MagicDNS hostname.

You do not need to add a port number.

5. Connect Crates for iOS

1. Open Crates for iOS.
2. Tap the device icon in the top-right corner.
3. Tap Connect.
4. Select Connect Manually.
5. Paste the MagicDNS hostname.
6. Tap Connect.

Crates for iOS should now connect to Crates Desktop over the VPN.

Using the VPN

You do not need to keep the VPN connected all the time.

Turn it on when you want to stream from Crates Desktop, download tracks, or sync your library remotely. You can turn it off again when you are finished.

Mobile Data Usage

When you are not connected to Wi-Fi, streaming, downloading and syncing will use mobile data.

Large downloads or a full library sync may use a significant amount of data, so check your mobile data allowance before starting.

Troubleshooting

If you cannot connect, check that:

• Your computer is powered on and connected to the internet.
• Crates Desktop is running.
• Tailscale is running on both devices.
• Both devices are signed in to the same Tailscale account.
• Allow Connection via VPN is enabled in Crates for iOS.
• You copied the correct MagicDNS hostname or Tailscale IP address.

If the problem continues, contact Crates Support and include screenshots of the Tailscale device list and the Crates connection screen.

When you enable anonymous usage analytics, Crates sends a small set of product usage events that help us understand what people use, where onboarding works, and which areas need improvement.

This data is used for product decisions and does not include your music library contents, file paths, account credentials, or audio files.

What this helps with

• Understanding the initial needs of users
• Identifying which features are used most
• Spotting friction points in the app
• Prioritizing improvements by app version and platform

What Crates collects when analytics is enabled

What Crates does not send

• Your library contents, including tune names, artists, playlists, crates, ratings, and tags
• File paths, folders, or storage locations on your computer
• Account passwords, OAuth tokens, API secrets, or payment details
• Audio files, waveforms, cover art, or other imported media

How to change this setting

You can update this preference at any time in Crates by opening Settings > General > Privacy and toggling Share anonymous usage analytics.

But even if you’re not part of the beta program, feel free to use the instructions below to report any issues you encounter.

Here’s how you can submit an effective bug report, depending on your device:

💻 Desktop (macOS / Windows)

1. Once you’ve spotted the issue, try to reproduce it.

2. If possible, try to record a screen recording video with the bug in action, preferably using the built-in Screen Recorder (Help → Record App Window).
   Alternatively take screenshots – you can use the built-in “Take Screenshot” option under the Help menu.

3. Send us a User Feedback Report (using the paper plane icon on the top-right corner).

4. Describe the steps to reproduce it, what you expected, and any other info you think might help us spot the problem.

5. Attach the video or screenshots taken.

6. App log files will also be attached to help us diagnose the problem.

7. That’s it — a ticket will be created directly in our issue tracking system. We’ll get back to you via email if we have any questions or once the fix is published.

How to manually send logs

If the Crates server is not available, the in-app report function may not work. In that case, you can send the logs manually.

• macOS: In Finder, choose Go → Go to Folder… and paste:
  ~/Library/Application Support/Crates/Logs/
• Windows: In File Explorer, paste this into the address bar:
  %APPDATA%\Crates\Logs\

Please zip the whole Logs folder and send it to us by email (support at crates.app), along with a short description of what happened and what you were doing just before the problem appeared.

📱 iOS (via TestFlight)

If the app crashes, you will get a pop-up to submit a description of what happened before the crash to help us find the issue.

If you see any other issue that is not a crash:

1. Try to reproduce the issue and take a screenshot or record a screen capture video.

2. Immediately after, open the TestFlight app and tap on Crates → Send Beta Feedback.

3. Choose “Include Screenshot” and attach.

4. Add a detailed description including steps you took to reproduce, what happened, what should have happened, and any other tips.

5. Submit 🙏🏻

You can also send the video or a detailed report via email at support+ios@crates.app

🤖 Android (via Play Store Beta Build)

1. Try to reproduce the issue and take a screenshot or a screen recording.

2. Open the app’s side menu and tap “Send Feedback” (if available).
   If not, long-press the Crates icon → tap App info → Feedback.

3. Describe what went wrong, what you expected, and include steps to reproduce.

4. Attach a screenshot.

5. Tap Send — feedback will go directly to the Play Console with device logs.

📝 If Crates crashes, a system dialog may appear — please use that to report it too.

🙏🏻 Thank you for helping us improve Crates!