Frequently asked questions

You bring your own AI account. HobbyCoders sells the workspace, not the AI. These answers match the FAQ on hobbycoders.com.

Do I need my own AI account?

Yes, one from any supported provider. AI Shuffle doesn't include any AI usage. You connect your own account with Claude, OpenAI, OpenRouter, xAI Grok or a custom gateway, by subscription sign-in or API key, and that provider bills you directly.

You need one provider to start. You can add more later in Settings → Providers, and each one bills you under its own terms.

Does AI Shuffle use or resell my AI subscription?

No. You sign in to your subscription yourself, on the provider's own sign-in page. A Claude subscription runs through the standard Claude Code program, which keeps its own sign-in; HobbyCoders doesn't copy or store it. A ChatGPT or SuperGrok sign-in gives your installation a token, which it keeps encrypted on your own machine and never sends to HobbyCoders. HobbyCoders never routes other people's work through your account, and doesn't resell or mark up AI usage.

Subscription or API key: which should I pick?

Use your subscription for normal, hands-on work at your desk. Use an API key for anything that runs on its own: scheduled jobs, overnight runs, or many agents at once. Subscription plans are sized for one person working normally, and heavy automation can hit their limits. An API key is billed per use, so you see exactly what automation costs. See Modes and costs.

Where do my prompts and files go?

Your projects, sessions and database stay on the machine running AI Shuffle. Prompts go from that machine straight to the AI provider you chose. They never pass through HobbyCoders' servers.

If you use remote access from your phone or another browser, that traffic travels through a Cloudflare tunnel for your worker. Remote access and the privacy policy explain what that means.

What does AI Shuffle's own server see?

Very little, and never your prompts. Your install checks for updates and, once licensing is live, checks its license: activation sends the license key, a random install ID, a fingerprint made from that ID and the machine ID, the host name and the app version, and the daily check sends the install ID, the fingerprint and the app version. If you link a phone or use remote access, the connection service keeps your account and device records. AI Shuffle has no analytics or tracking. The privacy policy lists every address the app contacts and why.

What do I need to run it?

A Linux server or NAS with Docker (64-bit x86), an Unraid server, or a Windows 10 or 11 PC. macOS and Linux desktop builds are coming. An Android phone is optional, for using your workspace away from your desk. See Requirements.

How many machines does a license cover?

One license covers one account with up to 3 workers, the machines that run AI Shuffle. The Android app on your phones is included. See License and the license terms.

How much does AI Shuffle cost?

A monthly or yearly subscription, after a 14-day trial. Beta users get a founder price, locked for as long as their subscription stays active. Current prices are on hobbycoders.com.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. Every license starts with a 14-day trial with every feature. There is no permanent free tier.

Does it work offline?

Yes. The app keeps working for up to 14 days between license checks, so a short outage on our side or yours never stops you. Your AI provider still needs internet access.

What happens if I cancel?

Your license stays active until the end of the period you paid for. After that, the app stops starting new agent runs. Your projects, sessions and database are untouched, and you can export them at any time. We never hold your data hostage.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. If AI Shuffle isn't for you, email support@hobbycoders.com within 7 days of your first charge and we'll refund it in full. See the refund policy.

Can I buy it from anywhere?

Not quite. At launch we can't sell to buyers in the European Union or the United Kingdom. We plan to add them later; join the waitlist on hobbycoders.com and we'll tell you when.

Is there a team plan?

Not yet. A license is for one person's account. Each person uses their own AI accounts; sharing one AI subscription between several people is against the AI providers' terms, and AI Shuffle is not built for it.

Is AI Shuffle made by an AI provider?

No. AI Shuffle is an independent product by HobbyCoders. It is not affiliated with Anthropic, OpenAI or xAI. None of them build, endorse or support AI Shuffle.

Where do I get help?

Start with Troubleshooting. Then email support@hobbycoders.com. Once the beta opens, you can also ask in the #install-help channel on our Discord. Don't send passwords, API keys or sign-in codes in either.