How to Install SongHub on Android (Step by Step)

Installing SongHub takes about ten minutes. Because it's not on the Play Store, you download the APK from the developer's GitHub and sideload it — sounds technical, but it's just tapping through a few prompts. Here's the whole process.

Before you start

You'll need an Android phone or tablet running a reasonably recent Android version, about 100 MB of free space for the app itself (plus room for your songs later), and an internet connection for the download — after setup, everything works offline. If you haven't read it yet, what SongHub is explains the concept first.

Step 1: Get the official APK

Open your browser and go to the official releases page: github.com/jpdcs/SongHub-Android/releases. Download the APK from the latest release. Double-check the URL — it must be github.com with the jpdcs/SongHub-Android path. This is the single legitimate source; our download page lists exactly what to avoid.

Step 2: Allow the install

Tap the downloaded APK file. Android will ask you to allow installs from your browser (or file manager) — approve it just this once. This permission is normal for sideloading; you can turn it back off afterward.

Step 3: Install and open

Tap Install, wait a few seconds, then open the app. If your phone runs a security scan on the APK, let it finish — a clean result from the official file is expected. On first launch, grant the storage permission the app asks for; it needs it to read your song folder.

Step 4: Create your SongHub folder

Using your file manager, create a folder named exactly SongHub in your device storage. Inside it, you'll eventually place two things: your karaoke song files (.mid / .kar) and your soundfont (.sf2). You don't need songs yet to finish installing — the app will simply show an empty library until you add them.

Step 5: Add a soundfont first

Before adding songs, put one good .sf2 soundfont in the folder and select it in the app's settings. This decides how everything sounds, so it's worth five minutes. Our songs and soundfonts guide recommends where to find quality soundfonts and how to pick one.

Step 6: Add songs and build your library

Copy your .mid and .kar files into the SongHub folder (subfolders are fine for organizing by genre or artist). Reopen the app and let it scan — it builds your numbered songbook automatically. Search by title, tap a song, and the lyrics appear in sync with the music.

Common hiccups

• "Can't install" — make sure the browser-install permission is allowed, and that you're installing the genuine APK from GitHub.
• No sound or weird instruments — you haven't set a soundfont yet. Add a .sf2 and select it in settings.
• Empty song list — check the folder is named exactly "SongHub" and the files are .mid or .kar.
• Lyrics don't show — plain .mid files have no lyrics; you need .kar files (or MIDI files with embedded lyrics) for synced words.

More answers are in the SongHub FAQ. And if the phone screen feels small for a party, the Android TV setup puts the lyrics on the big screen.