FAQ
Why does Macro Deck Companion cost money?
Section titled “Why does Macro Deck Companion cost money?”Macro Deck is made by one person: me, Manuel. I build it in my free time, next to a full-time job.
What started as a small project has grown into a real platform: Macro Deck for Windows, macOS and Linux, a plugin ecosystem with its own SDK, a Store and a Creator Portal for plugin authors, and native apps for Android and iOS. Keeping all of that working takes a lot of time, and it comes with running costs: servers and other infrastructure, build and test machines, code signing certificates, domains and developer accounts.
The Companion app is how I can keep putting that time into Macro Deck. Macro Deck itself and the web client stay free and open source, and the web client works on every device with a current browser. The app is an optional add-on for those who want the best experience on a phone or tablet, and buying it directly supports the development of everything else.
Is it a one-time purchase or a subscription?
Section titled “Is it a one-time purchase or a subscription?”A one-time purchase. There is no subscription and nothing to renew.
Do I have to buy the app on both iOS and Android?
Section titled “Do I have to buy the app on both iOS and Android?”No. Buy it once, on either platform. Macro Deck keeps the license on your computer and hands it to every Companion app that connects to it, whether it runs on Android, iPhone or iPad. So one purchase covers all your phones and tablets.
If you are signed in to your Macro Deck account in Macro Deck, the license is also saved to your account, and your other computers signed in to it receive it too. See License and trial.
Can I try the app before I buy it?
Section titled “Can I try the app before I buy it?”Yes. Every device can use the app for free for 7 days. Tap Start 7-day trial when you first open a deck. See The 7-day trial.
Does the app work with Macro Deck 2?
Section titled “Does the app work with Macro Deck 2?”No. Macro Deck Companion works with Macro Deck 3 only. If you scan the QR code Macro Deck 2 shows, or enter the address of a computer running Macro Deck 2, the app says that Macro Deck 2 is not supported and adds nothing, with a link to download Macro Deck 3. A computer you added before shows Macro Deck 2, not supported. Download Macro Deck 3 on the computer, see Installation, then add it again with its new QR code.
If you bought the earlier Macro Deck 2 app for iPhone or iPad, see License and trial.
The app says it needs an update
Section titled “The app says it needs an update”The computer runs a newer Macro Deck, which needs a newer version of the app. When you add the computer or open its deck, the app says so and names the version it needs, and the computer shows App update required in the list. Nothing is added or opened until you update. Update the app from Google Play or the App Store. The version without Google Play services is updated by Macro Deck itself, see Install the Android app from Macro Deck.
The app says Macro Deck needs an update
Section titled “The app says Macro Deck needs an update”The computer runs a Macro Deck that is older than this version of the app works with. When you add the computer or open its deck, the app says so and names both versions. Update Macro Deck on the computer, see Updates. The deck keeps trying on its own while Macro Deck restarts and opens as soon as the computer is updated. For a computer with a Macro Deck from before this check, the list can still show Online; its deck says so when you open it.
Can I use the app on a device without Google Play services?
Section titled “Can I use the app on a device without Google Play services?”Yes. There is a separate version of the Android app that does not need Google Play services, for example for Amazon Fire tablets. In Macro Deck, open Settings > Companion App: it can install this version on a device connected over ADB, or save the APK so you can install it yourself. See Install the Android app from Macro Deck.
This version cannot buy the license itself. Buy it once in the app on any Android device with Google Play or on an iPhone or iPad, and connect that device to your computer. Macro Deck then keeps the license and passes it on to the device without Google Play as well.
I have neither Google Play nor the App Store. How can I buy the license?
Section titled “I have neither Google Play nor the App Store. How can I buy the license?”Right now, the license can only be bought through Google Play or the App Store. Another way to buy it may come later. Until then, the web client works on any device with a current browser, with all your decks, free of charge.