# Licensing & payments — Storage Studio FAQ The free trial, plans, buying and activating Storage Studio, moving your licence to a new Mac, managing or cancelling a subscription, and refunds. ## The free trial - [Is there a free trial of Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-there-a-free-trial) — Yes. Every new installation starts with a 15-day free trial with every feature unlocked, and no credit card is needed to begin. - [How long does the Storage Studio free trial last?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-long-is-the-free-trial) — The free trial lasts 15 days from first launch. The days-left count ticks down at local midnight, and you can check it in Settings → License. - [Do I need a credit card to start the free trial?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/do-i-need-a-credit-card-for-the-trial) — No. The trial needs no card or payment details, so nothing is charged when it ends and it never converts to a paid plan on its own. - [Is every feature included in the free trial?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-is-included-in-the-trial) — Yes. The trial unlocks every feature for its whole length, and every paid plan includes every feature too — plans differ only in how you pay. - [How do I start the free trial?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-start-the-free-trial) — Open Storage Studio for the first time, enter your name, email and country, then type back the one-time code we email you. Your trial starts as soon as the code checks out. - [What information do I have to give to start the trial?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-details-do-i-need-to-start-the-trial) — Your full name, email address and country, plus a one-time code we email you. They're used only to set up and support your trial and send reminders. - [Does reinstalling Storage Studio reset the free trial?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/does-reinstalling-reset-the-trial) — No. The trial is tied to your Mac, not the app copy, so reinstalling doesn't reset it. Each Mac can start a trial only once. - [Can I start a free trial on a second Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-use-a-trial-on-a-second-mac) — Yes. Each Mac that has never run Storage Studio gets its own 15-day trial; a Mac that has already had a trial can't start another. - [What does "You're all set — this Mac already has an active trial" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/this-mac-already-has-an-active-trial) — Storage Studio recognised this Mac already has a trial, so there's nothing to register. Click Continue; your remaining days carry on unchanged. - [How do I see how many trial days I have left?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-see-how-many-trial-days-are-left) — The licence card at the bottom of the menu bar popover and Settings → License both show the days left and the trial's end date. - [Will Storage Studio remind me before my trial ends?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/will-i-get-reminders-before-my-trial-ends) — Yes. A reminder appears in the notification bell about a week before the trial ends, and short emails arrive as it winds down and on the last day. - [What happens when my free trial ends?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-happens-when-my-trial-ends) — You see the trial-ended screen: pick a plan, extend the trial, apply a coupon or activate a code. Automatic work pauses, but nothing is deleted and moved items stay where they are. - [When does the free trial start counting down?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/when-does-the-trial-start-counting) — It starts when you finish registering on first launch, not at download or install, and then counts calendar days whether or not the Mac is on. - [Can I start the free trial without an internet connection?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-start-the-trial-offline) — No. Registering needs internet because the confirmation code arrives by email. Once the trial is running you don't need to stay online for everyday use. - [Is there a free version of Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-there-a-free-version) — There's no free plan after the 15-day trial, but moved items keep working without one and Emergency Space is never behind a licence prompt. - [Do I need to cancel the free trial to avoid being charged?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-cancel-during-the-free-trial) — No. The trial never takes a card, so there's nothing to cancel and no charge when it ends — just stop using it if it's not for you. ## Extending your trial and free offers - [How do I extend my free trial?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-extend-my-free-trial) — When offered, click Extend trial, enter an email and type back the one-time code we send. It works once per Mac and once per email, with no card needed. - [Why can't I extend my trial a second time?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-cant-i-extend-my-trial-again) — Extensions are allowed once per Mac and once per email, and only when one is on offer, so the option disappears after you've used it. - [Can I use a temporary or disposable email address?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-use-a-disposable-email) — No. Throwaway addresses are refused for extensions, offers and licence-key requests — use a real inbox, since codes and your licence are sent there. - [What is the "Claim a free offer" button?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-is-claim-a-free-offer) — During a campaign, eligible trial users see Claim a free offer in the License pane. Fill in the form, verify your email, and we email a License Code that grants the offer. - [Who is eligible for a free offer, and why can't I see the button?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/who-can-claim-a-free-offer) — It shows only during a campaign, on an active trial, on a Mac that has never activated a licence. Offers are one per email and one per Mac, ever. - [What does a free offer give me?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-kinds-of-free-offer-are-there) — Either a free trial extension or a free subscription window, with the length set by the campaign and locked in when you claim. When it ends, you subscribe or return to the trial-ended state. - [How long do I have to use a free offer code?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-long-is-an-offer-code-valid) — Offer codes stay redeemable for the period set when issued, typically 90 days, and a campaign ending doesn't change codes already handed out. - [Can I move a claimed free offer to a different Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-move-a-claimed-offer-to-another-mac) — Yes — email support@storagestudio.us and we'll release the lock so the offer can be activated on the other Mac. It moves your offer; it doesn't create another. - [Will I be charged when my free offer ends?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/will-i-be-charged-when-my-free-offer-ends) — No. Free offers take no card, so nothing is charged; when the window ends the app returns to the trial-ended state and you choose whether to buy. - [How do I switch from a free offer to a paid plan?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-go-from-a-free-offer-to-a-paid-plan) — Pick a plan in Settings → License or on the pricing page, check out, and activate the new License Code. Your moves and settings stay as they are. ## Plans and pricing - [What plans does Storage Studio offer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-plans-are-available) — Three plans: Monthly and Annual subscriptions, and a one-off Lifetime licence. All include every feature and future updates; current prices are on the pricing page. - [How much does Storage Studio cost?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-much-does-storage-studio-cost) — Current prices for the Monthly, Annual and Lifetime plans are on the pricing page and the in-app plan cards, in US dollars, with any tax added at checkout. - [Which Storage Studio plan should I choose?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/which-plan-should-i-choose) — Monthly for flexibility, Annual for the lower yearly cost, Lifetime for one payment and no renewals. All three unlock the same features. - [What does the Lifetime licence include?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-the-lifetime-licence-include) — A single one-off payment with no renewal that includes every feature and all future updates, for Macs you personally own. - [Do the cheaper plans have fewer features?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/do-all-plans-include-every-feature) — No. Monthly, Annual and Lifetime all include every feature and all future updates; they differ only in how you're billed. - [Is the Annual plan cheaper than paying monthly?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-the-annual-plan-cheaper-than-monthly) — Yes. Annual is priced below twelve months of Monthly and is charged once a year, renewing every twelve months until you cancel. - [What currency are Storage Studio prices in?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-currency-are-prices-in) — Prices are in US dollars; your bank handles any conversion, and applicable tax is calculated at checkout from your billing address. - [Is there one plan with Storage Studio and Delta storage together?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-there-a-plan-with-storage-studio-and-delta-together) — When offered, the pricing page shows a combined Storage Studio + Delta plan as its own card. Otherwise add Delta storage to your licence from the app. ## Buying, coupons and onboarding codes - [How do I buy Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-buy-storage-studio) — Choose a plan on the pricing page or in Settings → License, pay on the secure checkout page in your browser, then activate with the License Code we email you. - [Can I buy a plan before my trial runs out?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-buy-before-my-trial-ends) — Yes. Pick a plan any time from Settings → License or the pricing page; everything you set up during the trial carries straight on. - [Is it safe to pay for Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-checkout-secure) — Yes. You pay on a secure checkout page in your browser; we never see or store your card, and activation needs only your email and License Code. - [What payment methods can I use?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-payment-methods-can-i-use) — The secure checkout page lists the methods available for your country and plan, including card payment. Bank payments can take a few days to clear before your licence is issued. - [Is sales tax or VAT added to the price?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-tax-added-at-checkout) — Any sales tax, VAT or GST is calculated at checkout from your billing address, and every charge has a downloadable invoice with the tax breakdown. - [How do I use a coupon code?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-use-a-coupon-code) — Enter it in the coupon box on the app's plan screen or the pricing page, then pick a plan. The code is checked as you type and the discount applies at payment. - [Why won't my coupon code work?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-wont-my-coupon-work) — Check the spelling and the plan — some coupons apply to only one plan — and whether it has expired. If it should still work, email support@storagestudio.us. - [What's the difference between a coupon and an onboarding code?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/coupon-vs-onboarding-code) — A coupon discounts a plan you still pay for; an onboarding code is pre-arranged access with nothing to pay, redeemed on the spot. - [How do I redeem an onboarding code?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-redeem-an-onboarding-code) — In the app, choose Enter my code on the green card at the top of the licence screen (or Settings → License → Activate). On the website, enter it at storagestudio.us/redeem and confirm your email. Nothing to pay. - [I picked the wrong plan at checkout — what should I do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-change-my-plan-before-paying) — Email support@storagestudio.us quickly with your receipt and the plan you meant. Accidental or duplicate purchases reported within seven days can be reviewed. - [Can a company buy Storage Studio for its staff's Macs?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-buy-for-a-business-or-team) — There's no separate team plan in the app; standard plans cover Macs your organisation owns, each code tied to one Mac. For several Macs, email support@storagestudio.us. - [Can I apply a coupon after I've already paid?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-add-a-coupon-after-paying) — Coupons apply at checkout, before you pay. If you forgot a valid one, email support@storagestudio.us with your receipt and the code. - [I paid by bank payment — when will my licence arrive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/bought-with-a-bank-payment-when-does-my-licence-arrive) — Once the payment clears — bank payments can take a few days. Your licence email with the Activate button and License Code arrives then; there's nothing to do meanwhile. - [Does my coupon discount my renewals too, or only my first payment?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/does-my-coupon-discount-renewals) — It depends on the coupon: some discount only your first payment, some every payment including renewals, and some a set number of months. Your invoices show where the discount applied. - [Why does the coupon box say a code would bring the price under the minimum payment?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-is-the-minimum-payment) — After any discount a payment is either free or at least one US dollar. A code that would leave every plan it covers in between can't be used; one that affects only some plans still works for the rest. ## Activating your licence - [How do I activate my Storage Studio licence?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-activate-my-licence) — In Settings → License, enter your purchase email and the License Code from your activation email and click Activate — or click Activate Storage Studio in that email. - [Where do I find my License Code?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/where-do-i-find-my-license-code) — In the email sent right after checkout, subject "Your Storage Studio activation code". Check spam, or use Email me my licence key again in the app to have it re-sent. - [How does the "Activate Storage Studio" button in my email work?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-does-one-tap-activation-work) — Click it and the app opens (or comes forward) and activates itself, then shows You're all set. The link is single-use and expires after a short while. - [What if my activation link has expired or was already used?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/activation-link-expired-or-already-used) — Links are single-use and expire quickly. Use Enter licence manually and type your email and the License Code from the same email into Settings → License. - [What does the "You're all set" screen after activation show?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-the-youre-all-set-screen-show) — A summary of what you activated: your plan or offer, any free period and its end date, a founder continuing price, the next renewal date, and your account email. - [Do I have to re-enter my License Code every time I'm billed?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/do-i-have-to-enter-the-code-again-each-month) — No. The code is entered once; the app checks in quietly in the background and picks up each renewal automatically. - [Which email address do I use to activate?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/which-email-do-i-use-to-activate) — The email you used at checkout — where your receipt and activation email went — which can differ from your trial registration email. - [Do I need to be online to activate my licence?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/do-i-need-to-be-online-to-activate) — Yes, briefly — activation checks your code with our server once. After that, Storage Studio works offline for about two weeks between check-ins. - [How do I activate on a Mac that doesn't have my email on it?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/activate-on-a-mac-other-than-the-one-with-my-email) — Read the License Code from the email on any device, then type your purchase email and the code into Settings → License on the Mac and click Activate. - [Should I keep my activation email?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/should-i-keep-my-activation-email) — Yes. It holds your License Code, needed after a macOS reinstall or a move to a new Mac. If you lose it, the app can re-send the key to your purchase address. - [Is my Storage Studio licence tied to my Apple ID?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-my-licence-tied-to-my-apple-id) — No. The licence is identified by your purchase email and License Code and tied to the Mac it's activated on; your Apple ID doesn't affect it. - [I paid, but Storage Studio still says I'm on a trial — why?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/i-bought-it-but-the-app-still-says-trial) — A purchase applies only after you activate it on the Mac. Enter your email and License Code in Settings → License, or click Activate Storage Studio in the email. - [Why isn't my License Code being accepted?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-is-my-license-code-not-accepted) — Use your checkout email, copy the whole code from the activation email, and check it isn't already active on another Mac. Still stuck? Email support with the message. - [What does "We couldn't verify the licence returned by the server" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/we-couldnt-verify-the-licence-returned-by-the-server) — The app's check that the licence it received is genuine didn't pass, usually after a connection hiccup. Try again, or enter the code manually. - [What is a License Code?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-is-a-license-code) — The activation code we email after you buy or claim an offer. With your email it switches Storage Studio on, once per Mac; renewals never need a new one. - [Why isn't my email accepted when I redeem a code?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-isnt-my-email-accepted-when-redeeming) — Temporary or throwaway addresses aren't accepted — your licence goes there and you sign in with it later. We then email a code to confirm it's yours. ## Your licence key - [I lost my licence key — how do I get it again?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/i-lost-my-licence-key) — Use Email me my licence key again in Settings → License, enter your purchase email and complete the check. The key is only ever sent to the registered address. - [Why does the licence-key message say "if that address has a licence"?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-does-the-resend-message-say-if) — The wording never reveals whether an email belongs to a customer, protecting everyone's privacy. If you used your purchase address, the key is on its way — check spam. - [Can my licence key be sent to a different email address?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-send-my-licence-key-to-a-different-email) — No. For safety the key is only ever sent to the purchase address. If you've lost that inbox, email support@storagestudio.us with your receipt details. - [Why does it say I need an internet connection to send my licence key?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/you-need-an-internet-connection-to-send-your-licence-key) — Re-sending a key needs our server, so your Mac must be online. If you see too many requests, wait and retry; if it keeps failing, email support. - [Can I share my License Code with a friend or colleague?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-share-my-license-code) — No. Licences are personal and codes mustn't be shared; each code is tied to the Mac it's first activated on. Others can start their own free trial. ## Your licence and your Macs - [How many Macs can I use one Storage Studio licence on?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-many-macs-can-i-use-my-licence-on) — A licence covers Macs you personally own, but each License Code is tied to one Mac at a time. For another Mac, contact support@storagestudio.us. - [What does "This code is already activated on a different Mac" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/this-code-is-already-activated-on-a-different-mac) — Your code is locked to the Mac where it was first activated. Reply to your activation email or contact support to release the lock, then activate on the new Mac. - [How do I move my licence to a new Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-move-my-licence-to-a-new-mac) — Remove the licence from the old Mac if you can, ask support to release the Mac lock, then activate on the new Mac with the same email and License Code. - [What does "Remove from this Mac" do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-remove-from-this-mac-do) — It removes the licence record from this Mac only; your subscription and billing carry on. Cancel in the billing portal first if you also want billing to stop. - [I'm selling my Mac — what should I do with my Storage Studio licence?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/selling-my-mac-what-about-the-licence) — Click Remove from this Mac in Settings → License, ask support to release the lock for your next Mac, and cancel any subscription you no longer need. The licence can't pass to the buyer. - [I reinstalled macOS — do I need to activate Storage Studio again?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/reinstalled-macos-do-i-need-to-reactivate) — Yes. Enter your email and License Code again; if it says the code is on a different Mac, contact support to release the lock. - [What does "Re-activate this Mac" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-reactivate-this-mac-mean) — This Mac was licensed but the key isn't loaded now. Click Re-activate this Mac and enter your email and License Code; your purchase is fine. ## Managing your subscription - [How do I manage my Storage Studio subscription?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-manage-my-subscription) — Choose Billing & invoices in Settings → License (or on the popover's licence card). Your secure billing page opens in one click — invoices, your card, and changing or cancelling — with no website login. - [How do I cancel my Storage Studio subscription?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-cancel-my-subscription) — In Settings → License, choose Billing & invoices and cancel on your secure billing page. No fee; you keep access until the end of the paid period. - [What happens after I cancel my subscription?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-happens-after-i-cancel) — You keep access until the paid period ends. Then automatic work pauses, but your files and moved items stay exactly where they are; you can resubscribe any time. - [Can I come back after cancelling?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-resubscribe-after-cancelling) — Yes. Pick a plan again in Settings → License or on the pricing page and activate the new code; your moved files and settings are still there. - [Does my Storage Studio subscription renew automatically?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/do-subscriptions-renew-automatically) — Yes. Monthly renews monthly and Annual yearly until you cancel; the app reminds you before the charge and emails you after. Lifetime never renews. - [How do I update the card used for my subscription?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-update-my-card) — Choose Billing & invoices in Settings → License and update your card on your billing page. If a payment already failed, Fix Payment pays it straight away. - [What happens if my subscription payment fails?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/my-payment-failed) — Storage Studio keeps working. You'll see Payment didn't go through with a Fix Payment button; pay on the secure page (any card) and the notices clear by themselves once it lands. - [How do I switch from Monthly to Annual or Lifetime?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-switch-plans) — Cancel in the billing portal, let the current period run out, then buy and activate the new plan. Unused time isn't prorated, so switching at period end is best. - [How do I download an invoice or receipt?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-download-an-invoice) — Sign in to your account on our website and open Billing, or choose Billing & invoices in Settings → License. Every payment is listed with a downloadable invoice or receipt. - [What reminders does Storage Studio show about my plan?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-reminders-does-the-app-show-about-my-plan) — The bell shows Free trial ending, Plan renews soon and Founder free period ending. A red Payment didn't go through notice stays until it's paid; Payment processing is informational. - [Why does Storage Studio say my subscription is cancelled?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/subscription-cancelled-banner) — It means the subscription was cancelled or ended after failed payments. You keep access to the end of the paid period; check Manage Subscription or resubscribe. - [Can I pause my Storage Studio subscription?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-pause-my-subscription) — There's no pause. Cancel in the billing portal, keep access to the end of the period, and resubscribe later; your files and settings stay in place. - [What is the "Subscription renewed" email?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-is-the-subscription-renewed-email) — Our confirmation that your plan renewed, with the amount and next renewal date. It comes alongside the payment receipt, and there's nothing to do. - [I've paid — why does Storage Studio still show a payment notice?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/still-past-due-after-updating-card) — Storage Studio may not have checked yet — it re-checks about every 15 minutes and when you return to the app. Choose Check again on the notice or Refresh status in Settings → License. Only updated the card? Use Fix Payment to pay what's owed now. - [What does the Fix Payment button do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-fix-payment-do) — Fix Payment opens a secure page for what's owed so you can pay it now, with any card. Storage Studio then re-checks and the notices clear by themselves once the payment lands. - [What does "Payment processing" mean in Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-payment-processing-mean) — A payment is on its way but hasn't cleared — bank payments can take a few days. Nothing to do or pay again; the note clears by itself once the payment lands. - [Why can't I dismiss the payment notice in the notifications bell?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-cant-i-dismiss-the-payment-notice) — It's the one notice that needs action, so it stays until the payment is sorted. Pay with Fix Payment and it clears itself once the payment is confirmed. - [Will I get emails if a payment doesn't go through?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/will-i-get-emails-about-a-failed-payment) — You may get emails with a button to a secure page listing what's owed. Expired link? Use the latest email or Fix Payment in the app. You can unsubscribe from reminders. - [What happens to Delta Drive and Delta Trust if a payment doesn't go through?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-happens-to-delta-storage-if-a-payment-fails) — Delta storage first becomes read-only — you can still download and restore — and the notice gives dates in advance for anything further. Paying restores everything straight away. - [I got an email that my Storage Studio billing is moving to my partner — what changes?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/my-billing-is-moving-to-my-partner) — Your partner starts billing you from your next billing period, announced at least 7 days ahead. We stop charging your card; your licence and the app carry on unchanged, and there's nothing to do. - [Why am I asked to set up my Storage Studio payment by a certain date?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/asked-to-set-up-payment-directly) — You're moving to paying us directly instead of your partner. The email's link adds a card on our secure checkout; nothing is charged until the date it names, and the app carries on unchanged. - [Why does an email from Storage Studio say "Your partner" with someone else's contact details?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-does-my-email-mention-a-partner) — Your account is looked after by a partner — usually whoever introduced or sold you Storage Studio. Our account emails can show their support contact; you can still reach our support any time. - [How do I sign in to my Storage Studio account on the website?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-sign-in-to-my-account) — Go to storagestudio.us/login, enter the email you bought with, and use the link or the 12-character code we email you. No password needed. - [I didn't get the email to sign in to my account — what now?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/i-didnt-get-my-account-sign-in-email) — It only goes to an address that bought or trialled Storage Studio. Use that address, check spam, then choose Send a new code. - [How long do I stay signed in to my account?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-long-do-i-stay-signed-in-to-my-account) — Up to 7 days, or 12 hours away. Sign out signs this browser out; Sign out on every device (on Help) signs out everywhere. - [What happens if a payment stays unpaid?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-happens-if-a-payment-stays-unpaid) — Billing in your account shows what's due, Pay now, and dated steps: Delta storage goes read-only, locked, then deleted; Storage Studio pauses much later. Paying at any step stops the rest. ## Refunds, charges and disputes - [Can I get a refund for Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-get-a-refund) — Payments are generally final once activated, except where consumer law requires otherwise. Exceptional cases — like accidental purchases reported within 7 days — can be reviewed via support. - [I was charged twice — what should I do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/i-was-charged-twice) — Email support@storagestudio.us with both receipts quickly; duplicates reported within seven days of the charge can be reviewed. Contact us before disputing with your bank. - [Should I dispute a Storage Studio charge with my bank?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/should-i-dispute-a-charge-with-my-bank) — Contact support@storagestudio.us first; a chargeback without contacting us can suspend the licence during investigation. Your legal right to dispute a genuine problem is unaffected. - [Do I get money back for unused time when I cancel?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/is-the-unused-time-refunded-when-i-cancel) — No. Cancelling stops future charges and you keep access to the end of the paid period, but unused time isn't prorated or refunded. - [Does the EU or UK 14-day right of withdrawal apply?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/eu-uk-right-of-withdrawal) — Mandatory consumer rights always apply. For EU/UK buyers, activating starts supply of the digital content; to keep the 14-day withdrawal right, don't activate and request a refund within 14 days. - [Where can I read Storage Studio's licence and payment terms?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/where-can-i-read-the-licence-terms) — In the Terms of Service: section 5 covers plans, activation, renewal, refunds and taxes, and section 3 the licence itself. The Privacy Policy covers your data. - [What happens to my licence if I get a refund?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-happens-to-my-licence-after-a-refund) — A full refund of a lifetime purchase ends that licence; a partial refund leaves it as it was. Refunding a subscription payment doesn't cancel it — cancelling does. ## Licence status and offline use - [Where do I see my licence and plan details?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/where-is-the-license-pane) — Open Settings (⌘,) → License for your status, plan, licence email and renewal date; the menu bar popover's licence card shows a summary. - [What do the licence statuses in Storage Studio mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-do-the-licence-statuses-mean) — Licensed means active; Trial shows days left; Payment didn't go through needs Fix Payment; Payment processing needs nothing; Payment needed means the subscription stopped; Working offline uses your saved licence. - [Does Storage Studio need the internet to stay licensed?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/does-storage-studio-need-the-internet-to-stay-licensed) — Once verified, your licence works offline for about two weeks. After that a quiet Working offline notice appears, with no pop-ups or locks; reconnect when convenient. - [What does the "Working offline" licence notice mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-working-offline-mean) — Storage Studio couldn't reach the licence server for a while and is using your saved licence. Keep working; reconnecting clears it. - [Why does activation say "We couldn't reach the licence service right now"?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/we-couldnt-reach-the-licence-service) — Activation needs our server and couldn't reach it. Check you're online, try again shortly or on another network, and email support if it persists. - [Why is my Storage Studio licence inactive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/why-is-my-licence-inactive) — Usually a subscription that stopped over an uncollected payment, an ended trial or free period, or a refunded or revoked licence. Settings → License shows the reason; your files are untouched. - [What stops working when my licence or trial isn't active?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-stops-working-without-an-active-licence) — Rule runs, moves, cloud transfers, Free Up Space and app relocation pause. Nothing is deleted, moved items keep working, and Emergency Space stays available. - [What does "License on hold — contact your seller" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-license-on-hold-mean) — A licence from a seller is on hold on their side. Existing moves keep working and nothing is touched, but new moves pause until the seller restores it. - [What do the "Your plan" and "License check-in" rows mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-check-my-licence-status-from-services) — Your plan shows your licence status; License check-in shows how recently it was verified. Yellow check-in with a green plan is just a connection gap. - [Does the licence check send any of my files or data?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/does-the-licence-check-send-my-files) — No. The licence check only confirms your plan is active; it never sends your files or their names. Trial registration sends just your name, email and country. - [Can I close Storage Studio from the trial-ended screen without losing anything?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-quit-from-the-trial-ended-screen) — Yes. Quit Storage Studio just closes the app; your data, settings and moved files are untouched, and you can come back any time. - [Who sells Storage Studio and who do I contact about billing?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/who-sells-storage-studio) — It's published by Techtonic Systems Media and Research LLC. Email support@storagestudio.us or reply to your activation email for licence and billing help. - [How can I tell whether I have a Lifetime licence or a subscription?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-know-which-plan-i-have) — Settings → License names your plan, or sign in to your account on our website. Subscriptions show a next renewal date; Lifetime has none. - [What does "Payment needed" mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-does-payment-needed-mean) — Your subscription stopped over an uncollected payment, so Storage Studio paused. Fix Payment, then Check again, and it unlocks straight away; your files are untouched. ## Inner Circle (founder) offer - [What is the Storage Studio Inner Circle?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-is-the-inner-circle) — An invite-only founder programme: approved members get a free period plus a founder discount afterwards, with one-tap activation from the approval email. - [What happens when my Inner Circle free period ends?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/what-happens-when-my-founder-free-period-ends) — About a week before it ends you get an email with a one-click payment link that has your founder discount applied, plus an in-app reminder. Your founder price is locked in. - [Do Inner Circle members need to enter a licence key?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/do-inner-circle-members-need-a-licence-key) — Not during the free period — the button in your approval email activates Storage Studio with no key to copy or manage. - [How do I join the Inner Circle?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/how-do-i-join-the-inner-circle) — Ask to join from the Inner Circle page on the website. It's invite-only; approved members get an email with a one-tap download-and-activate button and the founder offer. ## Updates and Mac compatibility - [Do I get Storage Studio updates with my licence?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/does-my-licence-include-updates) — Yes. All plans include future updates while active, and Lifetime includes them with no renewal. Settings → License shows when an update is ready. - [Can I use my Storage Studio licence on an Intel Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/can-i-use-my-licence-on-an-intel-mac) — No. Storage Studio needs an Apple silicon Mac; Intel Macs aren't supported and there's no Intel download. Your licence can be activated on an Apple silicon Mac instead. - [Will updating Storage Studio affect my licence?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/licensing-payments/does-updating-affect-my-licence) — No. Updating keeps your activation, plan, settings and moved files; there's nothing to re-enter.