Common Errors

License Errors

"License key invalid"

Cause: The license key format is incorrect or the key doesn't exist.

Fix:

• Ensure you copied the entire key including PS- prefix
• Check for extra spaces before or after the key
• Verify you're using the correct key (check your purchase email)

"Device limit reached"

Cause: All device slots for your license are in use.

Fix:

• Deactivate a device you no longer use
• If you cannot access an activated Mac, contact support to free its slot

"License expired" / "Needs revalidation"

Cause: Parrot Scribe couldn't verify your license online.

Fix:

• Check your internet connection
• Try again in a few minutes
• If persistent, contact support

Application Errors

"Failed to start transcription"

Cause: Audio capture couldn't initialize.

Fix:

1. Check permissions are granted
2. Verify your microphone is connected and working
3. Quit Parrot Scribe from the menu, then reopen it
4. If using system audio, restart your Mac

"Model failed to load"

Cause: The transcription model couldn't be loaded.

Fix:

1. Quit and reopen Parrot Scribe
2. Check that you have enough disk space for the selected model. Downloads range from about 77 MB to 1.62 GB.
3. Try selecting a different model in Settings
4. Reinstall Parrot Scribe if persistent

"Output directory not writable"

Cause: Parrot Scribe cannot write to its application data directory.

Fix:

1. Check that your Mac has free disk space.
2. Confirm that ~/Library/Application Support/Parrot Scribe/ is accessible to your user account.
3. Quit and reopen Parrot Scribe.
4. If the error persists, contact support before changing or deleting the library.

Network Errors

"Network error during activation"

Cause: Couldn't reach the license server.

Fix:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Ensure Parrot Scribe isn't blocked by a firewall
3. Try disabling VPN temporarily
4. Try again in a few minutes

"Connection timed out"

Cause: Server response took too long.

Fix:

• Try again in a few minutes
• Check if you're on a slow or unstable connection

Getting More Help

First, make sure you're running the latest version. Select Check for Updates... from the menu.

If you can't resolve an issue:

1. Note the version number shown in About Parrot Scribe.

2. Reproduce the problem

3. Collect logs by running this command in Terminal:

/usr/bin/log show --predicate "subsystem == 'com.parrotscribe.app'" --last 1h --info --debug > ~/Desktop/parrotscribe-logs.txt

1. Contact support with:
   • Description of the issue
   • Your version number
   • Steps to reproduce
   • The parrotscribe-logs.txt file from your Desktop