Renewing Your Thinkcar or Autel License: How to Do That Correctly
Learn step by step how to easily renew the license of your Thinkcar or Autel diagnostic device, including tips on codes, updates, and expired licenses.
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{"type": "doc", "content": [{"type": "heading", "content": [{"text": "Manual: Renewing Software Licenses for Thinkcar and Autel Diagnostic Devices", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "heading", "content": [{"text": "Thinkcar: Renewing Licenses (ThinkTool, ThinkDiag, ThinkScan, etc.)", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Background:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Thinkcar diagnostic devices (such as ThinkTool tablets, ThinkDiag dongles, and ThinkScan scanners) typically come with a free update period of ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "approximately 1 year", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ". After this, an ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "annual license", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " is required to receive further ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "software updates", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " and new ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "vehicle coverage", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " . Below is a step-by-step plan to renew your Thinkcar tool's license.", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "heading", "content": [{"text": "Automotics", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "At ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Automotics", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ", we're happy to take the work off your hands. If you purchase your license from us, we ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "first check your device", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ", ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "activate the license for you", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " and ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "verify that all updates have been correctly performed", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ". This way, you can be sure that everything works perfectly and your device is fully ready for use, without any hassle with codes or settings. If you prefer to do it yourself, you'll find the step-by-step plan below. ", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "heading", "content": [{"text": "Thinkcar License Renewal Step-by-Step Plan", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "orderedList", "content": [{"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Purchase a License from an Official Source:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Go to an ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "official Thinkcar website", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " or authorized dealer/webshop to purchase the software license renewal for your model. This often involves a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "1-year update subscription", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ". During the ordering process, you must provide ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "your device's serial number", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " so that the manufacturer can link the renewal to your device. After payment, you typically receive an ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "activation code", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (also known as a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "T-code", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " ) within a short time, for example, via email. ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "(Tip: A T-code is a virtual code; no physical hardware is shipped.)", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "italic"}]}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Connect and Prepare:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Ensure your Thinkcar device or its accompanying app is ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "connected to the internet", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (Wi-Fi). A stable internet connection is required to activate the license and download updates. If necessary, log in to your Thinkcar account on the device.", "type": "text"}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Enter the Activation Code on the Device:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Open the Thinkcar application or interface on your diagnostic device. Navigate to the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "update or store section", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ". On the ThinkDiag smartphone app, you'll see a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "shopping cart icon", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "ThinkStore", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ") – tap on it. On ThinkTool tablets, there's often a similar ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Update", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " or ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Store", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " application.", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Image", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ": In the Thinkcar app (shown here for ThinkDiag on a smartphone), open the ThinkStore via the shopping cart icon at the bottom. There, select the option ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "“T-CODE”", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (top right) to enter the received code into the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Tcode Exchange", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " screen and thus renew your license. After entering the T-code, confirm the activation.", "type": "text"}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Activate License and Perform Updates:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " After you have entered and confirmed the code, the device will renew the license. You typically receive a notification that the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "activation was successful", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " . Your Thinkcar account/device now has a valid software license again for the duration of the subscription. Now go to the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "update function", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (usually a menu option “Update” or “Software Update” in the app) and ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "download all available updates", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " for car brands and features. By installing these updates, you ensure your device is up-to-date with the latest vehicle support.", "type": "text"}]}]}]}, {"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "License Duration & Expired License (Thinkcar):", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " The standard ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Thinkcar license is typically valid for 12 months", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " from activation. If the license ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "expires", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ", your diagnostic device will continue to function with the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "last downloaded software", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " and car brand files, but ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "new updates", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (such as new models or features) will be ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "blocked", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " until you renew the license. You can continue to use the already downloaded diagnostic software for vehicles supported up to that point, but to get recent car models and further software improvements, a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "renewal", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " is required.", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "horizontalRule"}, {"type": "heading", "content": [{"text": "Autel: Renewing Licenses (MaxiSys, MaxiIM, MaxiCheck, etc.)", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Background:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Professional Autel scanners (such as the MaxiSys tablet series, MaxiIM IMMO/key programming devices, and MaxiCheck tools) come with ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "1 year of free software updates", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " from activation. After this first year, you'll need a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "renewal subscription", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " – Autel often refers to this as the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Total Care Program (TCP)", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " – to receive further updates and support. Below is the step-by-step plan to renew your Autel software license.", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "heading", "content": [{"text": "Autel License Renewal Step-by-Step Plan", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "orderedList", "content": [{"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Purchase Update License:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Purchase a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "1-year update package", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " through an official source. Typically, there are two options:", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "bulletList", "content": [{"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Via an authorized Autel dealer/webshop:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Here, you purchase a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "TCP card or activation code", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " for your specific model. For example, you buy a card (or digital license) from a distributor that entitles you to 12 months of updates.", "type": "text"}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Directly via Autel (online):", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Alternatively, you can purchase the renewal directly from Autel. This can be done ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "on the device itself", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (via Wi-Fi) by clicking “Renew” in the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Update menu", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " and paying online, ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "or", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " via your account on the Autel website (pro.autel.com) under the “Expired Software” section for your registered device. ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "(Note: Availability of these options may vary by region and model.)", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "italic"}]}]}]}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Provide Device Information:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Note the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "serial number", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (and possibly the registration ID) of your Autel device. When purchasing through a dealer or webshop, you must provide this serial number during or after the order, so that the supplier can have the update activated for ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "your device", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " . The renewal is linked to the unique serial number. After you have completed the order and provided your information, Autel (or the seller) will generate the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "activation code", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " for your update subscription and send it to you. This can be via email or, in the case of a physical card, by the code behind a scratch-off layer on the card.", "type": "text"}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Prepare Autel Device:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Turn on your Autel scanner (tablet) and ensure a ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "stable Wi-Fi connection", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ". ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Log in", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " with your Autel ID on the device if you are not already logged in. The device must be online to verify the license.", "type": "text"}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Open the Renew Menu on the Device:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " On the Autel device, open the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "“Update”", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " application (this is usually on the home screen of the MaxiSys or similar). In the Update app, you'll see the list of current updates/versions. Now press the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "“Renew”", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " (or “Extend”) button – this option usually appears if your update period has expired or is about to expire. This starts the process of entering the new license code.", "type": "text"}]}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Enter License Code:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " A window or dialog will appear to activate the renewal. Here, choose ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "“Autel Card”", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " or ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "“TCP Card”", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " as the method to renew the license (this means you will enter a pre-purchased code). Then, enter the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "activation code", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " you received and confirm the entry. When entering, carefully check for any confusion between numbers and letters (e.g., 0 vs O, 1 vs I). Confirm the entry; the system will now validate the code and, if everything is correct, extend your subscription.", "type": "text"}]}, {"type": "paragraph"}, {"type": "paragraph"}]}, {"type": "listItem", "content": [{"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "Perform Update:", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " After successful activation, you usually receive a notification that the ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "software subscription", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " has been renewed. Your Autel device now has access to the latest updates again. In the Update app, check if new software updates are available for your brand software and features, and perform these updates. You now have ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "12 months", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " of unlimited access to all the latest Autel updates and features for your tool.", "type": "text"}]}]}]}, {"type": "paragraph"}, {"type": "paragraph", "content": [{"text": "License Duration & Expired License (Autel):", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " Most Autel diagnostic tablets typically come with ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "1 year of free updates", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " from purchase. If the license ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "expires", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " and you don't renew it immediately, your Autel device will continue to ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "function with the existing software", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " – ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "no functionality will be blocked", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " on the already installed version. All already downloaded brands and functions remain accessible, and the device will continue to perform diagnostics on vehicles within the updated database. ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "However", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": ", without an active subscription, you cannot ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "download new software updates", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " or expand to more recent vehicle models. Also, certain ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "advanced features", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " that run through Autel's servers only work with an active subscription. For example, ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "security gateway", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " access for some new vehicles and the advanced ", "type": "text"}, {"text": "Topology", "type": "text", "marks": [{"type": "bold"}]}, {"text": " network display in high-end MaxiSys models require a valid software license to function fully. Therefore, it is advisable to renew in time so that your diagnostic tool remains up-to-date and fully usable with the latest vehicles and features.", "type": "text"}]}]}
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