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Device Activation

Your subscription unlocks Bristol Maps on more than one device, but each install has to be activated against your account. This page covers the activation screen, what each message means, and how to free up a slot.

The Install Agreement

The first time the activation flow runs on a device you get a one-time screen headed Before you continue. It cannot be dismissed with the back button -- the only way past is the I Agree -- Continue button. It states:

  • All installs must be used by the same user.
  • Installs cannot be shared with other users or vessels.
  • Each subscription allows a limited number of activated devices. Sharing your account with others -- or using your installs on vessels that don't belong to you -- may result in account suspension or revocation of access without refund.

Tapping Accept confirms that this install will be used only by you, on a vessel or device you own or operate. Once accepted it never appears again on that device.

The Device Limit

The number of devices you can have activated is set on your account, not fixed in the app. When you hit it, the activation screen tells you the exact number:

You've reached your install limit of N devices. Deactivate another device below to activate this one.

Same user, multiple devices

The limit exists to stop one subscription being spread across a crew or a fleet. Running the app on your own phone, your own tablet, and the wheelhouse machine is exactly what it is for.

Activation Screens

The activation page is full-screen and cannot be dismissed. Which panel you see depends on why the app stopped you.

Title on screen What it means What to do
Activate This Device You are at your install limit Deactivate one of the listed devices to free a slot
This Install Was Deactivated This device was deactivated from another install of Bristol Maps Tap Reactivate This Device
Activation Check Required The app could not reach the servers to verify this install Get online, then tap Retry Activation Check
Your Trial Has Ended Your trial period is over Tap Purchase Subscription
Subscription Expired Your verified purchase has lapsed Renew, purchase, or restore -- see below

Sign Out is always available at the bottom of the screen as an escape hatch, alongside Sign In to a Different Account.

Activate This Device

The screen lists every device currently activated on your account, with its name, platform, model, and activation date. Each row has a Deactivate button.

Tapping Deactivate asks you to confirm:

This will sign that device out of Bristol Maps. You can change devices once every 30 days.

Once a slot frees up, the app immediately retries activation for the device you are holding. If it succeeds, the lockout screen clears and you are back in the app.

Device changes are limited to once every 30 days

If you have already swapped a device recently, the Deactivate buttons show the cooldown date instead of acting. Plan device swaps before the season, not mid-trip. If you are genuinely stuck, email support@bristolmaps.com.

This Install Was Deactivated

You see this when another install removed this device from your account. Tap Reactivate This Device to claim a slot again. If you are already at the maximum, the app moves you to the limit-reached screen so you can free one up.

Subscription Expired

On iOS and Android this panel offers Renew Subscription, Purchase Subscription, and Restore Previous Purchase.

Renew Subscription re-checks with the server first -- if you renewed elsewhere, if support cleared a flag, or if a prepaid license on your account is still good, it lets you straight back in without charging you again.

On Windows and Mac desktop there is no in-app store purchase. The screen instead tells you to renew on bristolmaps.com and then sign back in to refresh.

Viewing Your Activated Devices

Open My Account from the Tools page. The Devices section shows:

You're using X of N activated device slots.

To see the individual devices, free a slot, or change devices outside of a lockout, use the Manage Devices on bristolfleet.com button, which opens the Bristol Fleet website.

Signing In to a Different Account

Sign In to a Different Account on the activation screen routes you to the sign-in page. Use it when your subscription lives under a different account -- for example a prepaid unlock issued to a different email address. Signing in there refreshes the account attributes that gate access.

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