Support

We're here to help with anything about VOA English Learning.

Contact us

Email support@vel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Please include your device model and iOS version if you're reporting a problem.

Frequently asked questions

How does Today choose my lesson?

Each day, VOA English Learning picks one lesson from the full catalog that matches your English level, your chosen topics, and the session length you set during setup. The same lesson stays put until you finish it or explicitly choose another one from Browse.

How do I look up a word while listening or watching?

Tap any word in the transcript, or use the Look up a word action in the lesson's action bar. Definitions open without leaving the lesson, and you can save any word for later review.

What is the daily review?

After a lesson, VOA English Learning offers a short review — capped at five cards — of the words you looked up, using spaced repetition. You can also review any due words at any time from the Review tab.

What is Shadow Mode?

Shadow Mode lets you practice speaking a line from the lesson: hear it, record yourself saying it, and compare by ear. There's no score or AI grading — your own ear is the feedback, and recordings stay on your device.

Do I need an account?

No. VOA English Learning doesn't require sign-in. Your profile, saved words, and progress live on your device, so they won't carry over automatically if you switch devices.

What does Plus remove?

Plus is an ad-free upgrade. It removes the banner ads and between-lesson ads shown to free learners. You can manage or cancel your subscription any time from your device's App Store subscription settings.

Why does the app ask for microphone or speech recognition access?

Microphone access lets you record your voice for pronunciation practice and Shadow Mode; recordings stay on your device. Speech recognition access is used only to score pronunciation practice. Both are optional — declining still leaves the rest of the app usable, and you can grant access later from Settings.

A lesson won't play — what should I do?

Lessons require an internet connection to stream. Check your connection and try again — the app offers a retry option, and if a lesson is permanently unavailable it will offer a replacement from Browse.

How do I request a refund?

Subscriptions are billed by Apple through the App Store. Refund requests are handled by Apple — visit reportaproblem.apple.com to request one.