> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://copy-cat.in/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Activate and manage your Copycat license and trial

> Copycat licenses are tied to your device and verified online. A 7-day trial is available, and you can deactivate to move your license to a new machine.

Copycat requires a license to use Vault mode. You activate your license by entering a license key in the app — Copycat verifies it online and ties the activation to your device. If you ever switch machines, you can deactivate the license on the old device and activate it on the new one. A 7-day trial is available so you can evaluate Vault mode before purchasing.

## Activating a license

1. Open Copycat and go to **Settings → License**.
2. Paste your license key into the field and click **Activate**.
3. Copycat verifies the key online and stores the activation on your device.

Once activated, your license status and remaining trial days (if applicable) are shown in the Settings screen.

## Trial license

The trial gives you full access to Vault mode for 7 days from the moment you activate it. Trial keys start with `CCTRIAL`. To start a trial:

* Visit [copy-cat.in](https://copy-cat.in) to request a trial key.
* Enter the key in the License screen as described above.

<Warning>
  Each trial key can only be activated once. If you attempt to use a trial key that has already been redeemed, you will see a "trial already used" error. Trials cannot be restarted after they expire.
</Warning>

## Device limit

A single license can only be active on a limited number of devices at the same time. If you try to activate on a device when the limit is already reached, Copycat will show an activation limit error. To free up a slot, deactivate the license on one of your existing devices first.

## Deactivating a license

To move your license to a new machine:

1. On your current machine, go to **Settings → License** and click **Deactivate**.
2. Copycat releases the activation slot.
3. Activate the same key on your new machine.

<Note>
  Deactivation requires an internet connection. If you can no longer access the old machine, contact support at [copy-cat.in](https://copy-cat.in) to have the activation released manually.
</Note>

## Vault mode and licensing

Vault mode checks for an active, non-expired license every time you start a vault run. Reference mode and Paste mode do not require a license.

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What happens when my trial expires?">
    When the 7-day trial period ends, your license status changes to expired and Vault mode is no longer available. Reference mode and Paste mode continue to work without a license. To regain access to Vault mode, purchase a full license at [copy-cat.in](https://copy-cat.in).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use Copycat offline?">
    Reference mode and Paste mode work entirely offline — they only access files on your local drives. Vault mode requires an internet connection to upload previews to Google Drive and to publish the encrypted index to Cloudflare. License verification also requires an internet connection at activation time; after that, Copycat caches your license status locally so brief offline periods are handled gracefully.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How many devices can I use my license on?">
    The number of simultaneous activations depends on the license plan you purchased. If you hit the device limit, deactivate the license on a device you no longer use to free up a slot. Check [copy-cat.in](https://copy-cat.in) for current plan details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where do I buy a license?">
    Licenses are available at [copy-cat.in](https://copy-cat.in). After purchase you will receive a license key by email.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is a trial key and how do I get one?">
    A trial key (starting with `CCTRIAL`) activates a 7-day fully featured trial of Copycat, including Vault mode. Trial keys are single-use and tied to the email address they were issued for. Request one at [copy-cat.in](https://copy-cat.in).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>