Email Login vs Subscription Key - Which Should You Use?
Understand the difference between logging into Helperbird with your email and activating with a subscription key, which browsers each one works on, and how to use one subscription across Chrome, Edge, Firefox and iPad.
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Helperbird Pro can be unlocked two different ways: by logging in with your email, or by entering a subscription key. They both do exactly the same job. They just suit different situations.
This guide explains the difference, which one to choose, and how to use a single subscription across every browser and device you own.
You only need one of them. Both unlock the same Pro features. You are not missing anything by choosing one over the other.
The Short Answer
- On Chrome or Edge, on your own computer? Email login is the quickest.
- On Firefox, iPhone, or iPad? You need a subscription key, because email login is not available there.
- Using more than one browser? A subscription key is usually simpler, because you paste the same key into each one.
- In a school or organisation? Your administrator will use a subscription key, and often deploys it so nobody has to enter anything at all.
Side by Side
| Email login | Subscription key | |
|---|---|---|
| Works on | Chrome, Edge | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, iPhone, iPad |
| What you enter | Your Google or Microsoft account | A key we email you |
| Needs an email address? | Yes | No, completely anonymous |
| Needs browser sync on? | Yes | No |
| Carries to new devices | Automatically, once you sign in | You paste the key in each one |
| Best for | One person, on Chrome or Edge | Multiple browsers, Firefox, iPad, schools |
Email Login Explained
You sign in with the Google account (Chrome) or Microsoft account (Edge) you used when you subscribed. Helperbird checks that email against your subscription and unlocks Pro.
Good to know:
- It only works on Chrome and Edge. Firefox, Safari, iPhone and iPad do not support it.
- Browser sync needs to be turned on before you start.
- Helperbird asks permission to read your email address. That is all it reads, and it is only used to look up your subscription.
- Once you are signed into that browser profile, Helperbird activates on any device where you use the same profile.
Full walkthrough: How to Login to Helperbird
Subscription Key Explained
A subscription key is a short code we email you after you subscribe. You paste it into Helperbird's settings and Pro switches on.
Good to know:
- It works everywhere: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, iPhone and iPad.
- It is anonymous. No email address, no account, nothing tied to a Google or Microsoft login. If you would rather not sign in to anything, this is your option.
- You enter it once per browser. It does not travel between browsers on its own.
- You can remove it and enter a different one at any time.
Full walkthrough: How to Use Your Subscription Key
Using Helperbird on More Than One Browser
This is the most common question we get, so here is the plain answer.
Yes. One subscription covers you on every browser and device you use. There is no per-browser limit and nothing extra to buy. You just need to activate Helperbird in each browser once.
If you use Chrome and Edge:
Either method works. Pick one and repeat it in both browsers:
- Subscription key: open Helperbird's settings in Chrome, paste the key, save. Then do exactly the same in Edge. Same key both times.
- Email login: sign in with your Google account in Chrome, and your Microsoft account in Edge. Both must be the email address on your subscription.
If you use Firefox, an iPhone, or an iPad:
Use the subscription key. Email login is not available on those.
A common mix-up: activating in Chrome does not activate Edge as well. They are separate browsers with separate storage, so each one needs setting up once. After that you never have to think about it again.
Which Should I Pick?
| Your situation | Use this |
|---|---|
| Just me, on Chrome | Email login |
| Just me, on Edge | Email login |
| I use Chrome and Edge | Subscription key, same key in both |
| I use Firefox | Subscription key |
| I use an iPhone or iPad | Subscription key |
| I would rather not sign into anything | Subscription key |
| I'm setting this up for a school or team | Subscription key, see the admin guide |
If you are ever unsure, the subscription key is the safe choice. It works everywhere.
My Subscription Key Is Not Working
Work through these in order. The first two solve most cases.
1. Check for stray spaces
Pasting from an email often picks up a space at the start or end. Delete any blank space either side of the key, then save again.
2. Click "Check subscription"
Open Helperbird → Settings (gear icon) → Check subscription. This re-checks your subscription with our server and usually clears a stuck state.
Full guide: How to Resync Your Helperbird Subscription
3. Make sure you are in the right field
The key goes in the box under "Continue with Subscription key" in Helperbird's settings. If the key is accepted you will see a green checkmark and the "Log in or enter your license key" banner at the top will disappear.
4. Check nothing is blocking us
School and workplace firewalls sometimes block our server. Visit https://engine.helperbird.app/firewall/ to check. If it says you are blocked, ask your IT team to allowlist engine.helperbird.app.
5. Reset and try once more
Go to Settings → Data & Storage → Reset, then enter your key again.
Full troubleshooting guide: Helperbird Subscription Not Activating
Still stuck?
Get in touch and we will look up your subscription and send a fresh key. Please tell us which browser you are using, as it helps us sort it faster.
Related Guides
- How to Login to Helperbird
- How to Use Your Subscription Key
- Helperbird Subscription Not Activating
- How to Resync Your Helperbird Subscription
- Enable Browser Sync in Chrome and Edge
- How to Manage Your Helperbird Subscription
- Setting Chrome Storage Managed Keys (for admins)
Need Additional Help?
If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.
