A new app for Android and iOS called “The Book of Mormon” is now available for beta testing. Intended for missionary efforts, this app provides a simple, footnote-free digital copy of the Book of Mormon in a variety of languages.

Instead of giving tangible copies of the Book of Mormon, missionaries (both full-time and members) can give out cards with QR codes directing investigators to the new app.

A QR code operates on a graphic that consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square pattern on a white background. This QR code, after being scanned by an iOS or Android device, opens a site where investigators can download the app. 

The following screens show the Book of Mormon app on Android and iOS.

Book of Mormon App for Android

Screens from the Book of Mormon app for Android. Reading the Book of Mormon (left) and listening to the audio narration (right).

Book of Mormon App for Android

Screens from the Book of Mormon app for Android. Searching for a topic (left) and connecting with missionaries and finding meetinghouses (right).

Book of Mormon app for iOS

Screens from the Book of Mormon app for iOS. Reading the Book of Mormon (left) and listening to the audio narration (right).

Book of Mormon app for iOS

Screens from the Book of Mormon app for iOS. Searching for a topic (left) and connecting with missionaries and finding meetinghouses (right).

Some missionaries already hand out cards with QR codes that point to investigator-oriented websites (such as Mormon.org) and have had success with them. Now the QR codes will help investigators download the full Book of Mormon in digital form.

“We see this as an opportunity to help fulfill the prophecy of flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon, but at a much lower cost than what comes with printing tangible books,” said Hilton Campbell, an iOS developer who worked on the app. “Wherever people are, anyone can now use their smart device to read the Book of Mormon in a simple-to-use app.”

Multiple Languages Supported

The Android version of the app uses the device to automatically load the reader's language setting. Users can navigate to another language as desired. With 31 languages available in the app, users can find nearly any language they want for a positive reading experience.

The iOS version of the app loads the English language by default, and the user is then able to navigate to the necessary language.

Simplified App

Unlike the Gospel Library app, the Book of Mormon app does not contain footnotes or references. The app is tailored to be used by those investigating the Church. It gives users access to a more simplified and straightforward version of the Book of Mormon.

Audio Playback

With the primary release, audio playback will be available in five selected languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese. Android users can read along with the audio or simply listen to it while multi-tasking on their device. (The iOS version does not yet allow multi-tasking during audio playback.) As the app continues to be developed, additional languages will become available.

Learn More

Because the app was designed for investigators, it allows users to ask questions and receive clarification about the meaning of a specific scripture or doctrine through a link to Mormon.org, where questions are answered by missionaries.

The app also provides the ability to find a local church house for worship services.

Beta Testing the Android Version

If you would like to beta test the Android version of the Book of Mormon app, do the following:

Join the Book of Mormon for Android Project

  1. Sign in to LDSTech with your LDS Account.
  2. Click Projects on the top menu.
  3. If you haven’t completed your profile yet, click the Profile option on the submenu and complete the required information. At the very least, you must sign the contributor’s agreement.
  4. Click the Projects subtab.
  5. Click the Book of Mormon for Android project, and then scroll down and click Join.

Download the Latest Build

  1. On your Android device, go to http://ldsmobiletester.com/android.
  2. Scroll to Book of Mormon and click Latest Build.

Complete the Test Cases in Swarm

  1. Go to http://tech.lds.org/swarm.
  2. Click the Book of Mormon for Android project.
  3. Complete the test cases shown.

Beta Testing the iOS Version

To beta test the iOS version of the Book of Mormon app, do the following:

Join the Book of Mormon for Android Project

  1. Sign in to LDSTech with your LDS Account.
  2. Click Projects on the top menu.
  3. If you haven’t completed your profile yet, click the Profile option on the submenu and complete the required information. At the very least, you must sign the contributor’s agreement.
  4. Click the Projects subtab.
  5. Click the Book of Mormon for iOS project, and then scroll down and click Join.

Download the Latest Build

You can download the iOS beta version through TestFlight. Instructions for downloading and installing TestFlight are on the LDSTech wiki: https://tech.lds.org/wiki/Downloading_TestFlight. The instructions explain how to sign up for TestFlight, register your device, request access, and download the apps you have been given access to.

Complete the Test Cases in Swarm

  1. Go to http://tech.lds.org/swarm.
  2. Click the Book of Mormon for Android project.
  3. Complete the test cases shown.

For questions about the app, contact the leaders for each project. Contact information for the project leaders is listed on the project pages (available from the Projects menu on LDS Tech).


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