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Device Activation

Each subscription allows activation on a limited number of devices.

Activation Limits​

PlanDevice Limit
Basic1 device
Standard1 device
Advanced1 device

How Activation Works​

When you sign in to Petal Metrics on a new device:

  1. Device Identification: The app generates a unique device ID based on your hardware
  2. License Validation: Your license is verified with the server
  3. Activation: If you have available slots, the device is activated
  4. Confirmation: You can now use Petal Metrics on this device

Viewing Activated Devices​

  1. Sign in at petal.tech/account
  2. Navigate to Downloads
  3. Scroll to Activated Devices

You'll see:

  • Device name (e.g., "Desktop PC")
  • Platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Activation date
  • Last seen timestamp

Revoking a Device​

If you need to use Petal Metrics on a different computer:

  1. Go to petal.tech/account/downloads
  2. Find the device you want to remove
  3. Click Revoke
  4. Confirm the revocation

The device slot is now free for a new activation.

Revocation is Immediate

Once revoked, that device can no longer use Petal Metrics until reactivated (using another slot).

Common Scenarios​

New Computer​

  1. Revoke your old computer's activation (if at device limit)
  2. Install Petal Metrics on the new computer
  3. Sign in with your account
  4. The new device is automatically activated

Reinstalling Windows/macOS​

After a clean OS install:

  • Your device ID may change (depends on hardware changes)
  • If the ID changed, you'll use a new activation slot
  • Revoke the old "ghost" device if needed

Dual Boot​

If you dual boot Windows and Linux:

  • Each OS counts as a separate device
  • You'll need activation slots for each
  • Consider upgrading if you need more slots

Virtual Machines​

Virtual machines have different hardware IDs:

  • Each VM counts as a separate device
  • VM hardware IDs may change if VM settings change
  • Not recommended for production use

Device ID​

Petal Metrics generates a device ID from your hardware:

  • Based on CPU, network adapter, and disk information
  • Format: HW-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX
  • Changes are rare unless hardware is replaced

What Changes the Device ID?​

ChangeEffect on Device ID
Reinstall OS (same hardware)Usually unchanged
Replace network cardMay change
Replace hard driveMay change
Replace CPUWill change
New computerWill change

Troubleshooting​

"Maximum devices reached"​

You've activated on all available devices.

Solution:

  1. Go to petal.tech/account/downloads
  2. Review your activated devices
  3. Revoke any devices you no longer use
  4. Try activating again

"Device activation failed"​

Possible causes:

  • No internet connection
  • Subscription expired
  • Server temporarily unavailable

Solution:

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Verify subscription is active
  3. Wait a few minutes and try again
  4. Contact support if issue persists

Old device still showing​

If a device you no longer use is still listed:

  • Click Revoke to remove it
  • This frees up the activation slot

Device ID keeps changing​

This can happen with:

  • Virtual machines
  • Unstable network configurations
  • Hardware issues

Contact support if this happens repeatedly on physical hardware.

Need More Devices?​

If you need to use Petal Metrics on more devices than your plan allows:

  • Option 1: Revoke unused devices to free slots
  • Option 2: Contact support@petal.tech for multi-device options

See Also​