Your prayer times app is a few minutes off — and it matters

Most apps pick one calculation method and hide it. Getting accurate times is really about matching the convention your community uses, then correcting for your device.

For: Anyone who has missed the start of a prayer because their app disagreed with the mosque

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Why this keeps happening

One hidden calculation method

Apps that never show the method give you times that quietly disagree with your local mosque all year.

Notifications killed by battery saver

Scheduled alarms are the first thing aggressive power management drops.

Stale location

An app that cached your location on a trip keeps calculating for the wrong city.

How to fix it

  1. 1

    Match your mosque's convention

    Ask which calculation method your mosque uses and select the same one.

  2. 2

    Apply a per-prayer offset

    If Fajr is consistently two minutes early, correct that prayer alone rather than all five.

  3. 3

    Exempt the app from battery optimisation

    This single Android setting fixes the majority of missed adhan notifications.

  4. 4

    Confirm your location is live

    Re-grant location permission after travelling, or set your city manually.

How our approach compares

CapabilitySalah Companion: Prayer TimesTypical alternatives
Shows the calculation methodYes, and lets you change itUsually hidden
Per-prayer offsetsYesRare
Ads inside remindersNoneCommon
Offline qiblaYesOften needs data

Frequently asked

Why do prayer time apps disagree with each other?

They use different calculation conventions for the sun angle at Fajr and Isha. Neither is wrong — they follow different established standards. Match the one your local mosque uses.

Do I need an internet connection?

No. Once your location and method are set, times and the qibla compass are calculated on your device.

Why did my adhan notification not play?

Almost always battery optimisation. Exempt the app in Android settings and re-open it once so alarms are rescheduled.