Licensing
HandyCafe requires an active license to operate your internet cafe, gaming center, or esports arena. The license determines how many client PCs you can connect simultaneously and enables all management features.
License Activation
- Obtain your license key from the HandyCafe website or your reseller.
- Launch HandyCafe Server.
- Enter your license key when prompted or navigate to the license panel.
- The server validates the key with the licensing server.
- Once activated, your license status shows as Active.
License States
| State | Description |
|---|---|
| missing_key | No license key has been entered |
| inactive | Key entered but not yet validated |
| active | License is valid and operational |
| offline_grace | Server cannot reach the licensing server but is within the 72-hour grace period |
| offline_locked | Grace period expired. Server is locked until connectivity is restored. |
| expired | License has passed its expiration date |
| revoked | License has been revoked by the licensing authority |
| over_limit | More clients are connected than the license allows |
PC Limit
Your license specifies the maximum number of client PCs that can be connected simultaneously.
- When the limit is reached, new client connections are rejected.
- The server displays a client limit reached notification.
- Existing connections are not dropped.
If you need more PCs, upgrade your license through the HandyCafe website.
Read-Only Mode
When the PC limit is set to 0 (or when the license is in certain restricted states), the server enters read-only mode:
- You can view all data and reports
- You cannot start new sessions
- You cannot make changes to settings that affect client operations
- The Admin Panel displays a license overlay indicating the restriction
Offline Grace Period
HandyCafe Server periodically contacts the licensing server to verify your license (heartbeat). If the server cannot reach the licensing server:
- The license enters offline_grace state.
- You have 72 hours to restore internet connectivity.
- During the grace period, all features work normally.
- After 72 hours without connectivity, the license enters offline_locked state and the server is restricted.
Tip: Ensure your server PC has a stable internet connection for license verification. The heartbeat check uses minimal bandwidth.
License Overlay
When there is a license issue, a notification overlay appears on the dashboard. This overlay:
- Shows the current license status
- Displays the PC limit
- Provides instructions for resolving the issue
- Can be dismissed but will reappear if the issue persists