Scanner 911
Overview
The Scanner 911 app provides public safety audio streaming services on Android. This utility allows users to access live, unencrypted radio transmissions from police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), aviation, and marine frequencies across the United States. It serves as a software-defined receiver, converting analog radio frequencies into digital audio streams for mobile devices.
Scanner 911 includes a location-based locator tool. By using the device's GPS and network triangulation, the application calculates the physical distance between the user and active transmitters, presenting a list of nearby streams sorted by proximity. Users can also find streams manually by selecting specific states, counties, or municipal districts.
The integrated audio player supports background playback, allowing streams to continue playing when multitasking or when the screen is locked. Playback can be managed directly via system media controls. Additionally, the app features an integrated frequency equalizer and amplifier to help clarify noisy transmissions or static-heavy feeds.
To help users understand specialized communications, Scanner 911 includes an offline database of emergency "ten-codes". However, because the application has not been updated since June 2021, users may experience bugs under newer Android versions, such as location calculation errors and broken favorites functions.
Pros & Cons
Proximity-Based Filtering: Automatically locates and displays nearby public safety feeds based on the device's GPS.
Integrated Audio Equalizer: Features frequency adjustments and amplification controls to improve the clarity of noisy feeds.
Background Audio Streaming: Keeps streams active in the background, with controls accessible on the notification bar and lock-screen.
Offline Code Directory: Includes a comprehensive list of standard emergency "ten-codes" for quick reference.
Low System Resource Usage: The lightweight engine runs smoothly on older or budget Android hardware without causing lag.
Free Access Model: Provides all streaming features, equalizers, and directories without requiring paid upgrades.
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Location Accuracy Issues: The location sorting engine can sometimes display incorrect distances for nearby streams.
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No Dedicated Favorites Menu: Lacks a standalone tab for saved channels, requiring users to search or rely on history lists.
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Lacks Active Updates: Has not been updated since June 2021, leading to minor bugs on modern Android releases.
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Dependent on Volunteer Feeds: Relies on third-party volunteer streams, making it vulnerable to sudden channel outages.
Download
Get it on Google Play 
Get it on App Store FAQs
How does this application access live emergency service radio?
The application aggregates digital streams hosted on servers like Broadcastify, which are uploaded by volunteer operators using physical radio equipment.
Why are there no audio streams available for my specific location?
If there are no local volunteers operating radio equipment and uploading feeds in a particular area, no streams will be available in the directory.
Can police dispatcher audio streams be recorded within the app?
No. While some premium scanner apps support direct audio recording, Scanner 911 is restricted to live playback and audio amplification.
Why does the location system display incorrect distances?
This is a known indexing issue where the app parses cellular network towers rather than precise GPS coordinates, resulting in distance discrepancies.
Is it legal to listen to public emergency transmissions?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. In the United States, listening to unencrypted public safety transmissions is legal, though using them during a crime remains strictly prohibited.
Hot Reviews
The built-in equalizer and amplifier are highly effective, making it easier to understand quiet or static-heavy radio transmissions.
The app's distance calculation often malfunctions, placing nearby feeds far down the list while displaying distant cities as being close by.
The app is lightweight and runs efficiently on older, low-spec phones without causing performance slowdowns.