2Do Licensing Explained
2Do Mac comes with a perpetual license — a one-time purchase, not a subscription — so you own the app forever. Each purchase includes 18 months of free updates from the date of purchase. After this period, you can continue using the last update forever or renew at a discounted rate to keep receiving the latest features and improvements. We also offer other licensing models that may suit you better. Upgrading is entirely optional.
Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the different licensing options we offer for 2Do Mac. If you don't find your question answered below, feel free to contact us. We have also provided a comparison of the various licensing models we support here.
Is there a subscription fee?
No, not when you purchase 2Do Mac directly from our online store. The direct version is a non-expiring, non-recurring, perpetual license. However, 2Do Mac is available via subscription-only from the Mac App Store, since the App Store does not support optional upgrade pricing. 2Do Mac is also part of Setapp, a subscription service that offers a curated collection of macOS apps under a single subscription. Learn more here.
2Do for iPhone and iPad is sold as a one-time App Store purchase. 2Do Android is a free download from Google Play, with an optional Pro upgrade.
What is a perpetual license?
When you purchase directly from our online store, which offers you the same secure-buying experience as the app store, you're paying for a perpetual license that is yours to keep, forever. You own the version of the app you paid for, including all the updates released after the time of purchase until the time free updates expire. This also means that there is no looking out for a 2Do Mac 3 / 4 / 5 etc. There's a single version of 2Do Mac that we continue to update and improve — and your license entitles you to all updates, both major and minor, for 18 months. There are no recurring payments and no subscriptions. Once you pay for the product, you're making a one-time purchase, not a recurring one. You own the right to continue using the purchased version forever.
You can learn more about the different licensing models we support, here.
How long will my perpetual license remain valid?
You get a lifetime license that never expires, which means you own the version you paid for and can continue using it forever. However, your license is valid for 18 months of free updates starting from the date of purchase. This includes bug fixes, enhancements, and new features — both major and minor. To continue receiving updates after 18 months, you will need to renew your license. For instance, say you purchased 2Do Mac today, . You will be entitled to own all updates posted until . After the expiry date, you can continue using the last update that was released forever. If you then choose to renew your license, you will receive an additional 18 months of updates, starting from the date of renewal. This way, you can choose not to renew for six months, and renew only when an update we post interests you with a feature or enhancement you always wanted.
If you purchase a license today, , you'll receive regular updates to the app through (18 months of updates).
Does the update period start on purchase date or first use?
Your 18-month update period begins from the date of purchase, not the date of first use. For example, if you purchase 2Do Mac today () but do not activate your license for a year, your license will still provide free updates only until (i.e., 18 months from your purchase date).
Why 18 months? Isn't 12 months the industry standard?
12 months is indeed the industry standard — however 12 months also sounds like a subscription. 12 months also seems to go by fairly quickly. We believe 18 months is a sweet spot. It makes us stand apart from traditional subscription models and provides better value. This extended period gives you more time to enjoy updates, new features, and improvements — all without the commitment of a recurring subscription — ensuring you get the most from your investment. This way we also get an opportunity to win you over for potentially another 18 months after your license expires.
I thought I was going to get free updates and support till the end of time?
2Do has received free updates since 2009 through 2026 without once charging a dime for a paid upgrade or switching the direct version to a subscription. That's an unusually long free-update run for a professional Mac app. The licensing model is still more or less the same as a traditional paid upgrade: you pay for a version, you keep using that version forever, and you receive free updates for a certain period. The difference is that the free-update period is defined clearly as 18 months instead of being tied to an arbitrary major-version release.
What happens to older 2Do Mac licenses after 15th May, 2026?
All existing 2Do Mac direct licenses remain perpetual. They do not stop working. However, the free-update eligibility for older existing licenses ends with the final free update covered by those licenses, currently set to 15th May, 2026. This means:
- You can keep using the last 2Do Mac version released before your eligibility ended.
- To install newer updates released after your eligibility ended, you need to renew.
- Renewing adds another 18 months of updates to your direct license. This is not a subscription lockout. It simply marks the end of the very long free-update window that older licenses received.
I bought 2Do Mac between 15th May 2024 and 15th May 2026. Do I still need to renew right away?
No. Anyone who bought 2Do Mac from 15th May 2024 through 15th May 2026 is eligible for 24 months of free updates, through May 2028. After May 2028, those licenses work the same way as other direct licenses: you can keep using the last eligible version forever, or renew if you want newer updates.
I don't remember signing up for a perpetual license, why do I have to pay for a renewal again?
No, you do not have to pay again. Renewing a license is completely optional and entirely your choice. With the 18 months of updates included license, everyone is treated equally, and you get far greater value for the money spent. There is no longer a 2Do Mac 3 / 4 / 5, but a single version that keeps improving — you enjoy 18 months of improvements, both minor and major, and when the time is up, you choose whether you wish to renew the license for another 18 months or stick with a "good enough" version that works well for you.
But a perpetual license sounds like a subscription?
If it were a subscription, you would be prevented from using the app unless you paid the renewal fee, or you may simply be downgraded to a free plan that takes away key features of the app. This is not the case with our license. You are entitled to use the app you paid for forever. Renewing your license is up to you.
What if I don't renew my license?
If you don't want to renew your license after the 18-month period, you can continue to use the version of the app that you have, for as long as you want, but you won't be able to receive any further updates, including critical bug fixes. To receive new updates with new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, a renewed license will be required, entitling you to own another 18 months of updates. In most cases, not renewing a license will not affect you in any way or form, however this isn't guaranteed. At times a new version of macOS can deprecate certain features or remove support for them entirely, prompting app developers to make changes to fix crashes or fulfill additional requirements. Similarly, sync services and app-store requirements can change without much notice. Older copies of the app may stop connecting to such services or may require renewal to receive compatibility updates. You can always change your mind at any time. Not renewing a license does not prevent you from using the app and its core functions. You simply miss out on updates that are rolled out with new improvements. You can keep using the app for months, years, or decades before you decide to renew your license and get back onto the latest version. The choice is entirely yours.
Why not release a paid 2Do Mac 3, 4, or 5 instead?
Releasing a major upgrade means changing how the app is packaged, sold, and supported. It can create confusing migration paths, separate app-store listings, repeated marketing cycles, and artificial pressure to justify the "major"-ness of the app. Secondly, everything around us keeps changing. macOS receives regular updates. Apple Silicon, security requirements, privacy reviews, sync services, and app-store policies all create ongoing work. The line previously drawn between bug fixes and major updates has almost diminished. A minor-looking compatibility fix can still require weeks of engineering, testing, and support. In short, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain a professional Mac app without either charging a subscription or charging for updates based on a set period. Since we do not want direct customers to be forced into a subscription, the fairer approach is to keep one app, include 18 months of updates, and make renewals optional.
What about future macOS compatibility?
Yes, you own the version of the app you purchased, and you can use it forever. However, technology doesn't stand still. macOS is updated annually, often introducing system changes that affect how apps function. Similarly, third-party services evolve their APIs, security requirements, or connectivity protocols — sometimes at short notice. This means that while your purchased version remains yours, it may not always remain compatible with future macOS updates or online services. If a future macOS release breaks something or a service changes how it syncs, an older version of the app won't automatically adapt to those changes. This is exactly why we offer optional license renewals — not just to add new features, but to ensure ongoing compatibility. Maintaining the app in a constantly shifting environment requires significant effort. Without a sustainable way to fund this work, we wouldn't be able to keep the app running reliably over time.
How much will a renewal cost?
Renewals receive a 20% discount compared with the original price. The 2Do Mac renewal price is shown in the store, and volume discounts automatically apply when you renew more than one license at the same time. This way, you pay the full price only once, and renew when you feel the app has improved to your liking.
Do I need to reinstall after renewal?
No. Once you renew your license, you can continue using the version you have or update to a more recent version in case there is one available.
What if I have multiple Macs?
Renewal is tied to your 2Do registration code. If the same registration code covers multiple Macs, renewing that code updates the eligibility attached to that code. If you use 2Do Mac across business, team, or non-personal machines, you should make sure the license quantity matches your usage.
Why am I asked to renew after updating?
As explained in this question, you are entitled to 18 months of free updates, starting from the date of purchase. You do not have to renew the license if you do not wish to do so. This simply means that you will have to download and install the last eligible update covered by your license, as explained here. If you have installed a more recent update not covered by your license, you may be directed to the last eligible version. Simply follow the instructions on screen when prompted.
What if I purchased from the Mac App Store?
2Do Mac on the Mac App Store is subscription-only, priced at $4.99 / month or $39.99 / year (the yearly plan saves around 33%). Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial. The Mac App Store is managed by Apple and uses different licensing, billing, refund, and subscription rules from our direct store. Mac App Store subscriptions and direct 2Do Mac licenses are not interchangeable.
Does Setapp work the same way as a direct license?
No. Setapp is a subscription service. If you use 2Do Mac through Setapp, your access is governed by your Setapp subscription and Setapp's terms. A Setapp subscription is not a direct 2Do Mac perpetual license, and it cannot be converted into one automatically.
What about 2Do for iPhone and iPad and 2Do Android?
2Do for iPhone and iPad remains a one-time App Store purchase. 2Do Android is a free download from Google Play, with an optional Pro upgrade. The direct perpetual-license renewal model described on this page applies to 2Do Mac licenses purchased from our online store. Mac App Store and Setapp copies use subscription models, and mobile app purchases remain separate from Mac licensing.
What if my Mac App Store or Setapp subscription lapses? Do I lose my data?
No. Your local 2Do data remains on your device unless you delete it yourself. If you sync with a service such as CalDAV, iCloud CalDAV, or Dropbox, your synced data remains with that service according to that provider's rules. However, access to subscription-only app features or the app itself may depend on the subscription remaining active.
Can I transfer between the direct store, Mac App Store, and Setapp?
Not automatically. These channels use different licensing systems:
- Direct purchases use a 2Do registration code and optional 18-month renewals.
- Mac App Store purchases and subscriptions are managed by Apple.
- Setapp access is managed by Setapp. If you prefer the direct perpetual-license model, purchase 2Do Mac from our online store. If you need help understanding your options, please contact support.
I want a refund. What should I do?
For direct purchases from our store, please contact support. Refund eligibility depends on the purchase date and the payment processor's records. For Mac App Store purchases or subscriptions, Apple controls refunds. You can request a refund from reportaproblem.apple.com. For Setapp, contact Setapp support or manage your subscription through your Setapp account.
Why does 2Do Mac connect to license servers?
Direct 2Do Mac licenses may periodically contact our licensing servers to validate the registration code, activation count, refund state, and update eligibility. These checks help prevent piracy, invalid license use, and accidental overuse of a registration code. They are separate from your task data. 2Do does not send your task contents to our licensing servers. You can learn more in our Privacy Policy.
Licensing Models - A Comparison
Direct from 2Doapp.com
A direct purchase is a one-time 2Do Mac perpetual license with 18 months of updates included.
Benefits:
- Pay once and keep the last eligible version forever.
- Renew only when you want another 18 months of updates.
- Use the direct store renewal flow and registration-code support.
Caveats:
- Update eligibility ends after the included update period.
- Future updates after that period require an optional renewal.
- Direct licenses are not interchangeable with Mac App Store or Setapp subscriptions.
Mac App Store
2Do Mac on the Mac App Store is subscription-only — $4.99 / month or $39.99 / year, with a 14-day free trial on every plan.
Benefits:
- Billing, subscription management, and refunds are handled by Apple.
- App Store family-sharing behavior is governed by Apple's current subscription rules.
Caveats:
- It is a subscription, not a direct perpetual license.
- Apple controls refund and subscription management.
- It cannot be automatically converted into a direct registration code.
Setapp
2Do Mac is available through Setapp as part of a broader app subscription.
Benefits:
- Access 2Do Mac through an existing Setapp subscription.
- Billing and subscription management are handled by Setapp.
Caveats:
- It is not a direct perpetual license.
- Access depends on your Setapp subscription.
- It cannot be automatically converted into a direct registration code.
iOS and Android
2Do for iPhone and iPad is a one-time App Store purchase. 2Do Android is a free download from Google Play, with an optional Pro upgrade. Mobile purchases are separate from 2Do Mac licensing and renewals.