Terms of Service
The basics. In plain language.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
By installing or using the cloudHWS app or server software (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to these terms.
License
When you purchase cloudHWS, we grant you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to install and run the cloudHWS server software on hardware you own.
- One license = one device. Each license is bound to a single Raspberry Pi (or other supported Linux device) at activation time, identified by its hardware serial number.
- Personal use. The license covers your household — yourself and family members who share your home server. It does not authorize commercial hosting or running cloudHWS as a paid service for third parties.
- Migration is supported. If your hardware fails or you upgrade, email contact@cloudhws.com with proof of purchase and we'll deactivate your old license and issue a fresh activation for your new device.
- Sharing the license key with others is prohibited. Activations are tied to hardware serial numbers, and unauthorized re-use is grounds for license revocation without refund.
- Software updates. Free bug-fix and minor-version updates are included. Major version upgrades may require a separate purchase; we will give reasonable notice before any such change.
Refunds
We offer a 14-day no-questions-asked refund from the date of purchase. Email contact@cloudhws.com with your order number. After 14 days, refunds are at our discretion and typically reserved for genuine product issues that we cannot resolve.
Hardware (Raspberry Pi, drives, cables) purchased separately from third-party retailers is not refundable through us — those are governed by the retailer's policy.
Your responsibilities
- Hardware — You are responsible for the Raspberry Pi (or other Linux device), storage drives, network equipment, and electricity required to run cloudHWS.
- Security — You are responsible for the physical security of your home server, the strength of your passwords, and your home network configuration.
- Backups — While cloudHWS includes a built-in backup feature, you are ultimately responsible for protecting your data. We recommend periodic offsite backups for irreplaceable memories.
- Lawful use — You agree not to use cloudHWS to store, share, or process content that violates the law.
Disclaimers
The Service is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE", without warranty of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of harmful components.
Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, cloudHWS and its operators shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages — including loss of data, loss of revenue, or loss of profits — arising from your use of the Service.
Because cloudHWS runs on hardware you own and operate, we have no control over or ability to recover data from your device. Hardware failures, accidental deletion, or storage corruption are not recoverable by us.
Changes
We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the Service after a change constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of [your jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law provisions.