Downloading the Database

With ScoutIQ, you can download the entire database of books and media items to access the information offline.  This means you can scan faster (as compared to using the live mode), and (like DVDs or CDs) also lets you access Amazon's data when you don't have access to a cell signal or WiFi.

Please note:  The database is only available to customers who have signed up for the Database Plan.  If you are subscribed to the Live Plan only, please upgrade your account if you'd like to access Amazon's data offline.

To download the book & media database, click the Download Data icon on the Dashboard screen:

If you have downloaded the database previously, your app will show the date you last updated your database at the top, as shown here:

The database will not expire, so you can continue to use it as long as you'd like.  However, Amazon's marketplace offers are constantly changing, so more recent data will help you make better purchasing decisions.  We'd recommend updating the database at least once or twice a week.

ScoutIQ's book database is updated daily, around 12 pm EST.  When you download the database, it will automatically pull the most recently updated data onto your mobile phone.

Database size:  The books & media database is about 1.8 GB, and takes about 4-5 minutes to download it using a high-speed internet connection.  You may need to free up storage space on your phone to make room for the download - we recommend deleting videos and photos if necessary (or check out Google Photos to back up your photos for free).  It'll take longer to download with a poor internet connection or when using cellular data.  Unless you have an unlimited data plan, it's recommended that you download the database using WiFi.  It's not only faster to download that way, but your wallet will thank you!

When you click the Download Database icon, the app will remove your existing database to clear enough space to download the new database.  If your WiFi connection is weak and you're not able to fully download the file, you'll be without access to the database until you can re-download the database, so we recommend finding a strong internet connection before attempting to download the data.

Please keep the app open for the duration of the database download.  If you leave the app while it's downloading, the app will attempt to pick up where it left off when you return to the app.  For best results, leave your phone's screen on and leave the phone alone for 4-5 minutes - just enough time to brew a cup of coffee!

Once the download has completed, you can click the Test Database icon to ensure that the database is working properly.  Or you can set your phone to Database mode and scan a few books or media items to make sure it's fully functional before you head out to scout for books and media items. Please remember that the database must be searched by ISBN or bar code. Title searches will not work in Database Only mode.

Most download issues are related to a poor or spotty WiFi connection.  Try rebooting your wireless router and turning your phone off and on to reset the connection.  Moving closer to the router when you start the download will help establish a better connection, as will pausing other devices that are streaming video on your same wireless connection.