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Do I need the Substack app? Does The Bulwark have an app?

No, you don't need an app to view content on our site. But Substack and The Bulwark offer access via a free-to-download app.

You do not need an app to access our work on TheBulwark.com. However, Substack offers a free app and The Bulwark offers its own app. Each are available in the Apple App and Google Play stores for free.

Just be sure to use the exact same email you registered with The Bulwark when setting up the app and you’ll have member privileges if you are paid. When setting up the app, be sure to read each Setting option carefully. You’ll be asked if you want notifications only, emails only or notifications and emails. When setting up the Substack app for the first time, you can modify your notification settings (like turning off emails) if you're in a rush. 

The Bulwark app will not change your Substack settings, but you can set up custom in-app notifications.

What is The Bulwark App, and do I need a subscription to use it?

This is The Bulwark’s first standalone app, designed to make reading, listening, and watching our content easier on your phone or iPad. It includes features like "Read to me", dark mode, offline audio saving, and a dedicated "For You" feed.

You can download and browse the app for free. However, for unfettered access to our content, you’ll need an active, paid Bulwark+ subscription. Log in with the same email address you use on thebulwark.com.

(Note: If you do not know what email address you used, search your inbox for newsletters with a purple PAID notation near the author's byline).

What content can I access, and will I see ads in The Bulwark app?

  • Content: Articles, podcasts, and video content. Only recent work will be in this app. For deep dives or research, use TheBulwark.com.
  • Ads: If you are a paid member and logged in, you should not see/hear ads. The only exception is watching a live show as it happens (we upload an ad-free version shortly after).
  • In-App Subscriptions: Subscriptions cannot be made inside the aApp; they are handled through Substack on the web.

Can I listen offline or read transcripts in The Bulwark app?

  • Offline Listening: Yes, you can listen to and download audio of our shows. Go to the Watch & Listen tab, click on Podcasts, select the episode, and tap the cloud icon with the downward arrow. (Due to file sizes, video downloads are not offered at this time).
  • Transcripts: Not yet in the app, but we are working on it! You can access transcripts below any video on TheBulwark.com, provided you are logged in.

Does The Bulwark app support comments?

Yes! If you are logged in, you should be able to comment and reply to others. However, this app will not notify you of replies.

Will installing The Bulwark app impact my other notifications?

No. You have the option to have app alerts turned ON or OFF via your mobile device settings. Bulwark App alerts are curated by our editors and are completely separate from your Bulwark+ email preferences or Substack App Notifications.

Is this The Bulwark app the same as the Substack App?

No. The Substack App is a separate mobile app featuring all of your Substack hosted subscriptions, the Notes feed, livestreams and live chat. The Bulwark App is powered by Substack but only contains Bulwark content. Your login grants you access to Bulwark content across both apps and the web.

App Troubleshooting: Can't find the app / Something isn't working

  • Can't find the app in the store? It’s possible that your device’s operating system has reached the end of its supported life. Try completing any pending system upgrades.
  • Why does the app feel simple? Version 1.0 is about stability, clarity, and access, not bells and whistles. The goal is to be simpler and less confusing.

Something isn't working: First, make sure you’re logged in with the same email address you use for your Bulwark+ subscription. If something still looks off, email us at appfeedback@thebulwark.com with the device you’re using, what you expected to see, and what actually happened (screenshots are highly encouraged!).

The app offers a feature to share feedback which includes your system information, which is the preferred method (screenshots are highly encouraged!).