Ello 2.0 runs on iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets with Google Play, and one account works on several devices. Ello 2.0 listens to your child read aloud, so it also needs microphone access.
Which devices work with Ello 2.0?
iPhone and iPad: App Store
Android phones and tablets with Google Play: Google Play
On iPhone and iPad, Ello 2.0 needs the latest version of iOS or iPadOS (version 26 or later). Older versions aren't guaranteed to work.
For the full list of supported models, see our Supported Devices page.
Which devices don't work?
Amazon Fire tablets: they don't include Google Play, and Ello 2.0 isn't in the Amazon Appstore, so there's no way to install it.
iPad 5th generation: too old to run Ello 2.0. We're working on broader device compatibility, but it will take time.
Laptops, desktops, and Chromebooks.
Are there known issues on specific devices?
iPad 9th generation: works, but is tight on memory. If the app freezes or won't connect, fully power the iPad off and on rather than just closing the app.
Some Samsung tablets: a bug showed an "update required" message even when the app was up to date. We've turned that screen off.
Older iPads: sessions can drop if another app or a notification takes over the audio. See step 4 below.
For more fixes, see Ello 2.0 Crashing, Freezing, or Showing "Something Went Wrong"?
Can I use Ello 2.0 on more than one device?
Yes. Download Ello 2.0 on each device and log in with the same phone number. There's no strict device limit.
Progress is tied to your account, not the device, so your child can pick up where they left off on any device. Ello isn't designed for two live sessions at the same time, so use one device at a time.
Why does Ello need to hear my child?
Your child talks to the tutor, and listening is how Ello teaches. It assesses pronunciation and fluency in real time, so the tutor can respond, correct gently, and pick the right next book. In a busy room it can pick up background noise or miss a quiet voice. That's a normal limit of speech recognition, not a sign something is broken.
What if Ello can't hear my child?
Check the microphone permission first, then reduce background noise. Those two fix most cases.
Check microphone permission. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap the Ello app (it may be listed as Ello, Ello 2.0: Learn Math & Reading, or Read with Ello), and turn on Microphone. On Android, open Settings > Apps > Learn Math & Reading: Ello 2.0 > Permissions > Microphone and choose Allow. Then reopen the app. If the toggle is greyed out or keeps switching off, a parental control may be locking it. See Ello 2.0 Crashing, Freezing, or Showing "Something Went Wrong"?
Reduce background noise. A TV, nearby conversation, or music makes your child's voice harder to pick out. A quieter room is often the biggest improvement. Headphones with a built-in mic help too.
Check how the device is held. Hold it at a comfortable reading distance, close enough for the microphone to hear clearly. A clear, normal reading voice works better than a whisper. Some cases partly cover the microphone, so try removing the case.
Close other audio apps. Another app or a notification can take over the audio and drop the session, especially on older iPads. Close music, video, and call apps, turn on Do Not Disturb, then force close Ello and reopen it.
Update or reinstall. Get the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. If the problem continues, delete and reinstall the app. Progress is saved to your account, so your child won't lose their work.
Still having trouble?
Contact our support team with which app you're using, your device model, and your iOS or Android version. We can check your account's session logs and usually tell you exactly what's going wrong. See Contact Support and Response Times.
Using Read with Ello? See What Is Read with Ello (Legacy App), and How Is It Different from Ello 2.0?