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Ulysses Doesn't Recognize My Subscription

Workaround available macOS, iOS, iPadOS Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Ulysses asks you to subscribe even though you paid. It's almost always an App Store sign-in mismatch: sign out of the App Store and back in with the account that bought the subscription, then restart the device.

Most likely fix: Re-sign in to the App Store on Mac.

Symptoms

Ulysses shows the subscription screen or read-only mode after paying; the subscription works on one device but not another; the app gets stuck on the storefront after subscribing.

Why it happens

  • Device signed in to a different App Store account than the one that purchased
  • Stale App Store sign-in
  • Subscription expired or cancelled
  • Purchase made in the old Ulysses Mobile app
  • Known bug where the app stayed on the storefront after subscribing (fixed in 40.1)

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Re-sign in to the App Store on Mac

    1. Open the App Store
    2. Choose Store > Sign Out
    3. Choose Store > Sign In with the account tied to your Ulysses subscription
    4. Reopen Ulysses; if still not recognized, restart the Mac

  2. 2. Re-sign in on iPhone/iPad

    1. Open Settings and tap your name
    2. Tap Media & Purchases > Sign Out
    3. Tap Media & Purchases again and sign in with the purchasing account
    4. Reopen Ulysses; if needed, force restart the device

  3. 3. Check the subscription is still active

    1. Open your Apple Account's Subscriptions page and confirm Ulysses is active
    2. Student offers expire after 6 months and don't renew

  4. 4. Update Ulysses

    1. Install the latest version from the App Store - 40.1 fixed the app getting stuck on the storefront after subscribing

  5. 5. Contact support with Support Info

    1. Mac: Help > Copy Support Info
    2. iOS: Library > gear > Help & Support > Copy Support Info
    3. Email it to help@ulysses.app

This guide also covers

  • ulysses subscription not working
  • ulysses doesn't recognize subscription
  • ulysses asks to subscribe again

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