Help

Getting started

1. Download ScholarKey from the App Store. When you open it, read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
2. On the "Membership" tab, choose a plan and complete your purchase. You can buy without registering.
3. Go back to the "Connect" tab and tap the connect button. The first time you connect, iOS will show the prompt "“ScholarKey” Would Like to Add VPN Configurations". Tap "Allow", then enter your passcode or use Face ID when asked.
4. Once connected, open the website you need from the "Library".

Connection issues

Why do I need to add a VPN configuration?

The app uses the iOS VPN feature to establish an encrypted connection to academic resources. This is a step required by iOS, and you only need to allow it once. After it is added, a "VPN" icon appears in your iPhone's status bar while you are connected. This is normal.

Will other apps be affected when I'm connected?

No. Only the academic websites in the Library go through the encrypted connection; all other websites and apps connect directly as usual.

What should I do if connecting fails?

• Make sure your phone's internet connection is working, for example by opening another web page;
• Disconnect on the "Connect" tab and connect again. The app will select an available server for you again;
• Make sure your membership has not expired;
• If your account has been signed in on other devices, this device may have been signed out automatically. Please sign in again;
• If it still doesn't work, let us know in "Me → Feedback". Your connection status is included when you submit, which helps us troubleshoot.

I'm connected, but a website won't open or is very slow?

• Make sure the website you are opening is listed in the Library. Websites outside the whitelist do not go through the encrypted connection;
• Some websites require a subscription from your institution or a personal account to view full text. This is a restriction of the website itself;
• Disconnect and connect again, or try again later;
• If a resource stays inaccessible for a long time, tell us the exact web address through Feedback.

Does the app connect automatically when I open a resource?

No. Connect on the "Connect" tab first, then open the resource website.

How do I delete the VPN configuration?

On your iPhone, go to "Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → VPN", tap the info button next to ScholarKey VPN, and choose "Delete VPN". After deleting it, you will need to allow it again the next time you connect.

Membership and purchases

What membership plans are available?

Monthly Auto-Renew (renews automatically every month; cancel anytime), and Monthly and Yearly memberships (one-time purchases that do not renew automatically). Prices are as shown in the app. See the Terms of Service for details.

Will I keep my membership if I get a new phone?

• If you signed in to an account after purchasing: simply sign in to the same account on your new phone;
• If you have always used the app as a guest: tap "Restore" on the "Membership" tab on your new phone and restore your membership with the Apple Account used for the purchase.

How do I cancel auto-renewal?

On your iPhone, open "Settings → Apple Account → Subscriptions", select "ScholarKey" and cancel. You can also tap "Manage Auto-Renewal" on the app's "Membership" tab. Please cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. After you cancel, you can keep using your membership until the end of the current period.

How do I request a refund?

Refunds for in-app purchases are handled by Apple. Please request one at reportaproblem.apple.com. Once the refund is granted, the corresponding membership time is deducted.

Accounts and devices

Do I have to register?

No. You can use the app and buy a membership as a guest. With a registered account, you can use your membership on 3 devices at the same time and keep it when you switch phones.

Which sign-in methods are supported?

Email (password or email code) and "Sign in with Apple". No phone number or real-name verification is required.

How many devices can I use?

One account can be signed in on up to 3 devices at the same time. If you are already signed in on 3 devices and sign in on a new one, the device that has gone unused the longest is signed out automatically. You can view and remove devices at any time in "Me → Account & Security → Signed-in Devices".

I see the message "This device has been removed from your signed-in devices"?

This means the device was signed out automatically when you signed in on another device, or it was removed manually. Simply sign in again to keep using the app.

What if I forget my password?

On the sign-in screen, tap "Forgot Password" and reset it with a verification code sent to your email. You can also sign in directly with "Email Code".

How do I delete my account?

Go to "Me → Account & Security → Delete Account". After deletion, the membership benefits and data in your account are removed and cannot be restored. Deleting your account does not automatically cancel your subscription. If you subscribed to Monthly Auto-Renew, cancel auto-renewal first. See the Privacy Policy for details.

Library

How do I add a resource to my favorites?

Tap the heart button next to a resource. When you are signed in, your favorites sync across all your devices.

Can't find the resource you want?

Fill in a Wish Card in the Library or on the "Me" tab, and tell us the resource name and web address. We will review it and add it as soon as we can. You can track progress in "Me → My Wishes", and once the resource is available, you can open it directly from there.

Contact us

• In the app: "Me → Feedback"
• Email: support@scholarkey.com

We will reply as soon as possible.