Troubleshooting

The engine won't start on first launch

The first launch prepares a local AI engine and takes longer than later starts. If it seems stuck:

• Give it a few minutes on the first run — it's setting up.
• Make sure you have enough free disk space.
• Restart the app; setup resumes where it left off.

Windows shows a SmartScreen warning

On a fresh release Windows may warn before running a new installer. Choose More info → Run anyway. Signed releases stop this from appearing.

The assistant can't reach a model

• Open Settings → Models and confirm your API key is present and valid, or that a local model is selected.
• For a BYOK provider, check that your account with that provider is active and in good standing (usage is billed by them). See Models & BYOK.
• Check your internet connection for cloud providers; a local model needs no connection.

A licence won't activate

• Confirm you're signed in with the email used at purchase.
• If you just purchased, allow a short time for the licence to be issued.
• If a purchase was refunded or reversed, the licence may have been revoked — see Licensing, trial & the bundle.

Messaging won't connect

• Re-run the guided setup in Settings → Messaging.
• Only the paired account can talk to the companion; make sure you paired the right one.
• Confirm the messaging platform itself is reachable.

Still stuck?

Contact support@maibot.io with your app version (from Settings → About) and a short description of what happened.