Help · Beta
FAQ
Short answers for beta status, AutomationId portability, and common gotchas. Full walkthrough: product docs.
What does “beta” mean here?
Early software you can already use for attach → record → play, but it is not finished. Expect rough edges, unsigned Setup / SmartScreen, and occasional UX changes. Installed Setup builds get a free 30-day device trial on first launch.
Do I need a license key?
Not on first install. The Setup auto-starts a free 30-day beta on this PC (no paste required). Check remaining time under Settings → Beta license (“Free beta — N days left”).
When that period ends, request a renewal key via
Contact (choose “Request a beta license key”).
Paste the key that starts with LH1. on the activation panel.
Keys are bound to this PC/user. See
docs → Beta license.
Can I write one test and play it on every platform?
That’s the credo: write once, test everywhere. Put a shared AutomationId on the control in Flutter, .NET MAUI, or any stack that exposes the same id on each OS. Today Lighthouse records and plays by that id on Windows and Android. Prefer ids over bounds and class names; use Import / Check portability when you switch.
Is iOS supported?
Not yet. iOS inspect / record / playback is not in this beta. Keep using shared AutomationIds in Flutter / MAUI so the same suite can target iOS when it lands.
Windows blocked the installer (SmartScreen). Is that normal?
Yes for unsigned beta builds. Click More info, then Run anyway. We plan to add code signing later.
Where are my tests saved?
Per application under
%LocalAppData%\Lighthouse.Tests.Suite\apps\.
Logs live in %LocalAppData%\Lighthouse.Tests.Suite\logs\.
Attach failed / Access Denied on an elevated app
UI Automation cannot cross integrity levels. Run Lighthouse as Administrator, or start the target app without elevation. See known limits.
How do updates work?
Installed Setup builds can use Settings → Check for updates… when a public update feed
is configured. Debug / dotnet run builds do not self-update.
Can I get the source code?
Source is not open for reuse. Contact us if you need a commercial discussion — do not assume an open-source license.
How do I record on Android?
Connect the device/emulator, press Start Recording, then left-click elements on the Inspector map (the device follows). When available, live taps (adb) and EnterText from a focused field may also record. Full emulator input hooking is still limited — prefer the map for reliable steps.
Why is the Download button asking me to contact you?
That only happens when no installer is published yet. After
pack-release.ps1 -PublishToWebsite (or R2 publish), Download points at the Setup.exe.
Download asks for .NET / fails to start
Smaller website builds are framework-dependent and need the .NET 10 Desktop Runtime. When we ship a self-contained build (hosted on Cloudflare R2), the runtime is bundled and that install step is not required — the download hint on the home page says which kind you have.
Does the website track me?
See Privacy. Theme preference is stored in your browser only; the desktop app keeps data on your PC.