How to Listen to Tidal on Naim Online/Offline in 3 Ways

Part 1. Can Naim Support Tidal Natively?

As of the latest updates, the answer is yes - Naim supports Tidal natively, and there are several ways to listen to Tidal with Naim, including online streaming and two workarounds for offline-style playback. Whether you're using a Uniti Atom, a Mu-so 2nd Gen speaker, a modern ND streamer, or the new-generation Focal & Naim models, these devices all support Tidal integration inside the Focal & Naim app as well as Tidal Connect, which streams directly from the Tidal app.

Which Naim Devices Support Tidal?

Modern Naim products with native Tidal support include:

• Uniti Series: Naim Uniti Atom / Star / Nova
• Mu-so Series: Mu-so 2nd Gen, Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen
• Classic Streamers: ND5 XS 2, NDX 2, ND 555
• New Classic & Focal & Naim Models: NSC 222, NSS 333, NAC 332
• Other new-generation Naim streaming devices

These devices can log in to Tidal inside the Focal & Naim app and also work as Tidal Connect endpoints.

Do Older Naim Streamers Still Support Tidal?

Older first-generation Naim streamers - including ND5 XS, NDX, NAC-N 172XS, SuperUniti, and other legacy models - may no longer support Tidal streaming due to outdated streaming hardware and modern authentication/security requirements.

However, a small number of early models temporarily regained functionality through older firmware, but most first-generation streamers no longer support Tidal due to discontinued authentication protocols.

If legacy or older streamers still do not support Tidal natively, they can stream Tidal using alternative methods:

• AirPlay or Chromecast
• UPnP via third-party apps
• Local streaming from NAS or downloaded FLAC files

These solutions provide reliable playback even when native support is unavailable.

See also: How to Connect Tidal to Chromecast

Comparison Table: Tidal Compatibility Across Naim Series

Part 2. How to Stream Tidal to Naim via Focal & Naim App

The most straightforward method to stream Tidal to Naim is using the Focal & Naim app, which integrates streaming services directly. You can follow the steps below to enjoy your Tidal songs on your Naim streamers.

Step 1. Download the Focal & Naim App
Download the Focal & Naim App from iOS App Store or Google Play Store in your smart phone.

Step 2. Connect Tidal to Your Naim Device
Please ensure your Naim device and phone are on the same WiFi network. Turn on your Naim device, and launch the Focal & Naim app at the same time. Follow the instruction of the app, it will automatically detect all Naim units on your network. Select your Naim device from the list.

Step 3. Sign in to Tidal Inside the Naim App
Inside the Focal & Naim App, tap Settings > Input Settings, choose Tidal, and enter your Tidal credentials to log in. Once connected, you can browse your Tidal Playlists, Albums, Recommended tracks, Favorite songs within this app.

Step 4. Start Streaming Tidal to Naim
Simply choose a track and enjoy it on your Naim device. The Focal & Naim platform streams Tidal using:

• FLAC Lossless 24-bit/192 kHz (Tidal Premium)
• Hi-Res FLAC on supported devices

✅ Pros

• Simple built-in integration
• No need for extra apps, even the Tidal app
• Clean Naim-optimized interface

❌ Cons

• The browsing experience is not as rich as the Tidal app
• Requires compatible hardware and latest firmware

Part 3. How to Play Tidal on Naim via Tidal App [Tidal Connect]

For most users, Tidal Connect is the best way to use Tidal with Naim. It streams smoothly and directly from the Tidal app to your Naim hardware. Now let's see how to listen to Tidal on Naim app via your Tidal app.

Step 1. Install and Open the Tidal App
To begin, install the TIDAL app on your mobile or desktop device (Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS). Ensure both the controlling device and your Naim streamer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2. Select Tidal Connect Output
Pick one of your favorite tracks to play. Then tap the Connect icon (looks like a speaker with waves). And choose your Naim device from the list, such as Uniti Atom or Naim NDX 2.

Step 3. Enjoy Tidal Seamless Streaming on Naim
Now the TIDAL app serves as your remote, while your Naim device streams the content directly from the internet (not your local device), guaranteeing the highest audio fidelity.

✅ Pros

• Best user interface for Tidal users
• Smooth playlists and library management
• Streams direct to device (preserves bandwidth and battery)
• Supports Hi-Res FLAC streaming (up to 24-bit/192 kHz) where the Naim model allows.

❌ Cons

• Requires stable WiFi
• The Naim device must support Tidal Connect, old models may don't support

Part 4. How to Add Tidal to Naim for Playback Offline [Workaround]

Naim hardware does not support offline Tidal downloads because its streaming platform cannot store or decrypt encrypted Tidal files locally. However, there are still two practical workarounds that let you enjoy Tidal "offline" on Naim - either by playing downloaded tracks from your phone via AirPlay/Chromecast or by converting Tidal music to local FLAC files using a third-party tool.

Method 1. Play Tidal Offline Downloads on Naim via AirPlay 2 / Chromecast

Even though Naim cannot store offline Tidal files internally, you can still play downloaded Tidal songs from your phone by streaming them to the Naim device. This requires both the phone and Naim unit to be on the same network, because AirPlay and Chromecast depend on WiFi even when the actual audio file is local.

Step 1. Open the Tidal app > find the playlist/album > tap Download. Make sure your phone and Naim device are connected to the same WiFi network.

Step 2. Open Control Center and tap AirPlay (iPhone) or Cast (Android). And choose your Naim streamer from the list of available devices.

Step 3. Now the offline Tidal tracks stored on your phone will play through your Naim device, even though the playback path still needs the local network for transmission.

Note: This method uses your phone as the audio source. Although it doesn't require an internet connection to play your downloaded Tidal tracks, it does require Wi-Fi to link your phone with the Naim streamer. Therefore, it is not true offline playback on the Naim device itself. Or you can say, this method is offline from Tidal's perspective, but not offline from a network perspective.

✅ Pros

• Stable wireless playback
• Simple and convenient
• Works with all Naim models

❌ Cons

• AirPlay/Chromecast is limited to 16-bit/44.1 kHz
• Not true Hi-Res playback
• Still requires Wi-Fi to link phone and Naim
• Downloaded Tidal tracks become inaccessible if your subscription expires

Method 2. Convert Tidal Music to Local FLAC Files for Offline Playback on Naim - AudFree Tidal Music Converter

If you want true offline playback without relying on the Tidal app, the most practical approach is to download your Tidal tracks as DRM-free audio files - such as FLAC, WAV, or MP3. Once converted, these files can be stored on a USB drive, a NAS server, the Uniti Core, or streamed to any Naim device via UPnP.

A reliable tool for this is AudFree Tidal Music Converter, which downloads Hi-Res FLAC from Tidal and converts tracks into Naim-compatible formats, for example, it can convert Tidal music to WAV, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, etc.

With this method, you're no longer tied to Wi-Fi or the Tidal platform - giving you complete freedom to enjoy your Tidal music offline on any Naim device.

Note: Naim hardware plays local files directly, so once the TIDAL tracks are downloaded as standard audio files, you can enjoy true offline playback with full resolution, with no TIDAL app required.

AudFree Tidal Music Downloader

• Download Tidal music as local FLAC, WAV, MP3, M4A, etc.
• Preserve full metadata and high audio fidelity
• Work at 37X faster speed, customize Tidal output settings for Naim
• Enable true offline playback without relying on Tidal's app or account
• Play the downloaded files on any Naim model via USB, UPnP, NAS, or local servers

Download

Download

Step 1Add Tidal music track to AudFree

Firstly you need to install AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your Windows or Mac. Then launch it. Next, log in your Tidal credential in the built-in web player and locate the songs you want to listen on Naim. Then, tap on the '+' button to import these tracks to AudFree conversion list.

Step 2Customize Tidal output format for Naim

On Mac computer, please touch on the 'AudFree Tidal Music Converter' from the menu bar of Mac system. On Windows computer, you need to click on the menu bar at the top right of AudFree program. After then, choose the 'Preferences' > 'Conversion' tab. Then you are able to set the output audio format, bit rate, sample rate, channel, etc. based on your needs.

Note: Naim devices support a wide range of formats, from hi-res WAV/FLAC/AIFF/ALAC (up to 384kHz) to standard MP3/AAC/OGG/WMA, as well as DSD64/128 via UPnP and USB.

Step 3Convert Tidal music for Naim

After saving all the settings, click the 'Convert' button from the bottom-right corner of AudFree converting page. Then the Tidal downloader will start to convert and download Tidal songs to local files on your computer. Once done, you can access all your DRM-free songs on your computer through the 'Converted' section to locate.

Step 4Listen to Tidal on Naim

Now that you've saved your Tidal songs as local files on your computer, you can easily copy Tidal music to USB drive and play them directly on your Naim device. Alternatively, you can:
• store them on a NAS for UPnP streaming
• import them into Uniti Core
• stream them via BubbleUPnP or Roon
This approach provides true offline playback, as the audio files are stored locally and no longer depend on Tidal.

Part 5. FAQs about Tidal Naim Integration

What streaming services does Naim support?

Most modern Naim devices support TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, Internet Radio, and UPnP (local network). They also support universal casting via Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, and are Roon Ready.

What audio quality does Tidal stream on Naim devices?

Tidal streams standard lossless FLAC at 16-bit/44.1 kHz, and newer Naim models also support Hi-Res FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz via Tidal Connect or the Focal & Naim app. Tidal Max delivers up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while most Naim devices are capable of handling PCM formats as high as 32-bit/384 kHz.

Which Naim devices offer the best performance with Tidal?

The ND 555, NDX 2, and the Uniti Nova - as they are Naim's highest-tier streamers - will provide the best sound quality for all streaming services, including TIDAL. Performance increases as you move up the ND and Uniti product lines.

Part 6. Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions for Connecting Tidal to Naim

Below are the most common issues users encounter, along with their solutions, when connecting TIDAL to Naim devices.

Why is my Naim device not showing up in Tidal Connect?

Fixes:

✔ Make sure the Naim device and your phone are on the same WiFi network
✔ Restart your router and streamer
✔ Enable 'Network Standby' on Naim
✔ Update Naim firmware and Tidal app

Why can't I play Tidal tracks from the Naim app after logging in?

Fixes:

✔ Logout and re-login in the Naim app
✔ Clear Tidal cache inside the app settings
✔ Check for expired credentials or 2-FA issues
✔ Update both the Naim app and device firmware

Why does Tidal keep disconnecting on my Naim streamer?

Fixes:

✔ Switch to Ethernet for stronger stability
✔ Reduce WiFi interference (move router, change channel)
✔ Disable VPNs or firewalls
✔ Reboot your Naim device to clear network buffers

How do I fix Tidal 'Authorization Error' on Naim?

Fixes:

✔ Log out on all Tidal devices
✔ Re-authorize Tidal inside the Naim app
✔ Reset the Naim app network settings
✔ Ensure correct time/date on the device (SSL validation)

How do I fix Tidal not showing high-resolution FLAC options on Naim?

Fixes:

✔ Ensure your Naim model supports Hi-Res FLAC (24-bit/192kHz)
✔ Update to the latest firmware with Tidal Max support
✔ Use Tidal Connect, not the in-app Tidal integration
✔ Confirm you have an active Tidal subscription

Conclusion

Playing Tidal on a Naim system is remarkably flexible these days. With strong native Naim Tidal integration, Naim remains one of the best ecosystems for enjoying high-resolution streaming music from Tidal. Whether you prefer using the Naim app, Tidal Connect, or an offline workaround via AirPlay or Chromecast, each method delivers reliable and high-quality playback.

If you want the most seamless experience, Tidal Connect is the best choice, offering the strongest interface and sound quality. For offline listening, streaming downloaded tracks from your phone ensures you can still enjoy your Naim system even without WiFi.

We hope this guide proves helpful in optimizing your TIDAL experience on your Naim device.