# License and Pro

> Compare the BucketMate trial and Pro, activate a license key, and restore App Store purchases on macOS

Canonical: https://docs.bucketmate.app/macos/features/license-and-pro

BucketMate starts in the free trial. Pro is a one-time purchase that removes the trial limits.

## Trial vs Pro

| Feature | Trial | Pro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Connections | 1 connection | Unlimited connections |
| File operations | Single file | Multiple files |
| Uploads | Single file up to 100 MB | Multiple files and folders |
| Workspaces | Default workspace only | Multiple workspaces |
| Bucket versioning | Not included | Restore and recover files |
| Priority support | Not included | Included |

In the trial, these actions work on one item at a time:

- Upload, download, copy names and URLs, move, and delete files
- Delete buckets
- Change storage class and restore archived files

When you hit a trial limit, BucketMate shows a message such as **Trial version limit** or **Upload size limit reached** with a **Purchase** button.

## Check your license status

Open **Settings > About**. The **License** section shows **Pro** or **Trial**.

In the trial, the sidebar also shows a **Trial version** badge. Click it to open **Compare versions**.

## Upgrade the website version

1. Click the **Trial version** badge in the sidebar, or choose **Upgrade** in **Settings > About**.
2. Choose **Purchase** to buy a license on the BucketMate website.
3. Copy the license key from your purchase email.
4. Back in BucketMate, choose **Activate with key**.
5. Paste the key in **License Key**.
6. Choose **Activate**.

BucketMate shows **Activation Successful!** when Pro is active. The license key is stored in the macOS Keychain.

BucketMate checks the license with the BucketMate server at most once a day. If the key is no longer valid, BucketMate shows **License Invalid** and returns to the trial.

## Manage license devices

Each license key has a device activation limit. If activation fails with **This license key has reached its device activation limit**, remove a device you no longer use.

1. Choose **Manage your license and devices** in the activation dialog, or **Manage** in **Settings > About**. BucketMate opens the license page in your browser.
2. Deactivate the device you no longer use.
3. Activate the key again in BucketMate.

## Upgrade the Mac App Store version

1. Click the **Trial version** badge in the sidebar, or choose **Upgrade** in **Settings > About**.
2. Choose **Purchase** to buy Pro through the App Store.

If you already bought Pro:

- Choose **Restore purchase** to restore an App Store purchase.
- Choose **Sign in** to unlock Pro with a license bought on the BucketMate website. Enter the email from your purchase, choose **Continue**, then enter the six-digit code sent to that email and choose **Verify**.

## License problems

| Message | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| **Invalid activation key** | Check that you pasted the full key with no extra characters. |
| **This license key has reached its device activation limit** | Remove an old device, then activate again. |
| **This license key is activated on a different device** | Activate the key on this Mac again, or remove the other device. |
| **Unable to connect to the server** | Check your internet connection, then try again. |
| **No previous purchases found to restore** | Make sure you are signed in to the App Store with the Apple Account used for the purchase. |