WizeStream FAQ

What is WizeStream?

WizeStream is an independent, NewPipe-based streaming client for Android. It combines a modern Material 3 Expressive interface with privacy-friendly playback, useful local-first features, and support for multiple streaming platforms. Material 3 is an important design goal, not the project's only purpose.

Is WizeStream an official NewPipe release?

No. WizeStream is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the official NewPipe project, TeamNewPipe, or NewPipe e.V. Upstream attribution and license notices are preserved in the app and repository.

Why does the package ID still contain newpipematerial?

The stable application ID remains org.wisso.newpipematerial so existing WizeStream installations can receive updates without losing app data. Changing it would create a separate Android application. Internal upstream namespaces, database identities, preference keys, and notification-channel IDs are also retained where changing them would break compatibility.

Can WizeStream and official NewPipe be installed together?

Yes. They use different Android application IDs. WizeStream Nightly also has a separate application ID and can be installed alongside the stable build.

Can I import an existing NewPipe backup?

WizeStream supports compatible NewPipe backup data. Export from the source app, open WizeStream's Settings > Backup and restore, and select the exported ZIP. Keep a copy of the original backup until you have verified the imported data.

How does device synchronization work?

Open Settings > Device synchronization on two WizeStream devices, show the one-time QR code on one device, and scan it with the other. Paired devices can synchronize directly over the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, either manually or approximately once per hour in the background. See the device synchronization guide for full instructions.

What data is synchronized?

Device synchronization supports subscriptions, feed groups, playlists, watch history, playback progress, home tabs, content-filter selections, per-channel playback profiles, allowlisted settings, and completed-download metadata. Search history is excluded by default and is exchanged only when it is enabled on both devices.

Are downloaded media files transferred between devices?

No. WizeStream synchronizes completed-download metadata, not video or audio files. A missing item is shown as Not local and can be fetched from its original source with Download on this device.

How should I update WizeStream?

Use the same source from which you installed it whenever possible. IzzyOnDroid users should update through their F-Droid-compatible client. Direct installations can use signed WizeStream GitHub releases or the in-app GitHub release checker.

Which services are supported?

Service support comes from the extractor source integrated into each WizeStream build. See the main README for the current list.

How do bulk downloads work?

Open a remote or local playlist's menu and choose Download playlist, or open the play queue and choose its download action. WizeStream loads the complete remote playlist when needed, then lets you choose video or audio once for the batch. Each item uses its default available quality and audio track. Track-number prefixes are optional, duplicate filenames are made unique automatically, and entries that already point to local media files are skipped.

Bulk downloading requires valid default video and audio folders. Disable Ask where to download and choose the folders under Settings > Download before starting a batch.

How does content blocking work?

Long-press a video to block that video or its channel. Under Settings > Content > Blocked content, you can enable or disable filtering, add title or content keywords, review blocked videos and channels, remove individual rules, or clear everything. Keyword rules do not match uploader names; use Block channel when you want to hide all content from a channel. Matching remote videos, channels, posts, playlists, feeds, search results, and related content are hidden locally. Blocking does not unsubscribe from channels, delete history, or report anything to a service.

How do proxy settings work?

Open Settings > Proxy and select HTTP or SOCKS5, then enter the proxy host and port. The setting applies to new remote browsing, image, playback, download, update, and community-service connections. Existing connections are closed when the configuration changes.

Localhost, private IP addresses, and local host names bypass the proxy so TV casting and device synchronization remain reachable on the LAN. HTTPS content stays encrypted in transit, but the proxy operator can still see destination hosts. Optional HTTP Basic and SOCKS5 username/password authentication is supported. The password is encrypted with Android Keystore in app-private, non-backed-up storage and is never included in WizeStream exports. HTTP Basic credentials are not encrypted between the device and a plain HTTP proxy, so use only a proxy and network you trust. A failed configured proxy does not silently expose the request through a direct connection.

What is DeArrow support?

DeArrow is an optional community service that provides descriptive YouTube titles and alternative thumbnail frames. It is disabled by default. Enable it under Settings > SponsorBlock > DeArrow, where title and thumbnail replacement can be controlled separately. If no accepted contribution is available or the request fails, WizeStream keeps the original title and thumbnail.

How do I zoom a video?

Pinch with two fingers over the main player to zoom continuously from 100% to 400%. Once enlarged, drag with two fingers to move around the video. Pinch back to 100% or tap the Fit/Fill/Zoom control to reset the custom zoom. A vertical two-finger swipe still changes playback speed when that gesture is enabled and the video has not already been enlarged. Pinch-to-zoom is enabled by default and can be turned off under Settings > Video and audio > Behavior > Pinch to zoom.

What is Listen mode and how do I change its visualizer?

Tap the waveform Listen action on a video's details page to continue the same item as audio-only playback without losing its queue or position. The video is replaced by the selected visualizer while the normal player controls remain available. Choose among 15 styles under Settings > Video and audio > Visualizer style. The visualizer reads decoded player audio and does not require microphone permission.

Why is WizeStream missing from Android Auto?

Android Auto support is available in builds newer than WizeStream 1.8.0. A stable build installed from a trusted source should appear as a media app. Android Auto hides debug, nightly, CI, and other sideloaded APKs unless its developer-only Unknown sources option is enabled.

Open Android Auto settings, open About, tap Version and permission info 10 times, and approve developer mode. Then open the overflow menu, choose Developer settings, and enable Unknown sources. Reconnect the vehicle after changing the option. This setting belongs to Android Auto and is separate from Android's general permission to install unknown apps.

See the Android Auto guide for complete setup and troubleshooting steps.

How do I cast to a TV?

On Android 8 or newer, open a compatible video's details and select Cast to TV. WizeStream discovers FCast and Chromecast-compatible receivers on the local network, sends the selected media URL to the receiver, and provides play, pause, stop, and receiver-switching controls. Casting is separate from Kodi support and does not require Google Play Services. Some streams cannot be cast when the service does not expose a compatible HLS, DASH, or progressive media URL.

How does Android picture-in-picture work?

On Android 8 or newer, enable Android picture-in-picture under Settings > Video and audio. When a visible video is playing or paused, leaving WizeStream moves it into the system PiP window. The media session supplies play, pause, previous, and next controls. Returning to WizeStream restores the prior player layout. The existing popup player remains available separately and continues to be the supported floating-player option on Android 6 and 7.

Does WizeStream use NewPipeExtractor or PipePipeExtractor?

WizeStream uses extractor source integrated directly into its app module. That source is derived from NewPipeExtractor and later incorporated PipePipeExtractor and WizeStream-specific changes. It is therefore neither the unmodified official NewPipeExtractor nor an external PipePipeExtractor dependency. The exact extractor source is versioned and released together with each WizeStream build.

This integrated source supports WizeStream's services and conventional YouTube playback. WizeStream maintains these changes and accepts responsibility for defects caused by them.

Where should I report a problem?

Use the WizeStream repository's issue form for every problem observed in WizeStream, including service or extractor failures. Maintainers may ask whether the same problem occurs in official NewPipe to identify a shared upstream defect, but that comparison is not a reason to reject a WizeStream report. Report upstream only when the problem is reproducible there and follows the upstream project's reporting rules. Do not include private URLs, cookies, passwords, or other sensitive data in a public report.